Chris Crecelius

Chris Crecelius was born and raised in southern Missouri, where he found a deep connection with nature, which would later influence his creative work. He began playing guitar at an early age and started composing original songs soon after. He studied classical guitar in St. Louis under John McClellan, earning a Bachelor of Music from Webster University. He then studied under Jason Vieaux at the Cleveland Institute of Music where he earned a Professional Studies Certificate in classical guitar performance. His current musical work ranges from classical ensembles to heavy metal, experimental soundscapes, and folk.

Now based in Montana, he continues to perform widely, drawing inspiration from the region’s landscape and arts communities. Chris is part of the musical duo DECOR with longtime collaborator Izzytime and also appears in the science-fiction audio drama Dark Journeys. Other projects currently include composing for instrumental guitar, the Black Sabbath tribute Sabbath Worship, string band Spirit Dust, cello/classical guitar duo Zimmerman-Crecelius, as well as collaborative work with a wide range of artists. Along with an active music career, Chris has taught music lessons to a wide and diverse range of students for the past 20 years. His commitment to teaching and exploring music with anyone with an interest in the art is driven by a strong sense of community and the belief that a music practice can build the skills to follow any dream.