Guitar
Damien Dimas is a veteran classroom teacher and versatile guitarist/vocalist with a rich background in Blues, Latin, rock, funk, jazz, and more. Inspired by legends such as Carlos Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Damien’s style merges soulful rhythms with electrifying solos, captivating audiences wherever he performs.
As an experienced educator, Damien holds a professional educator’s license (PEL) in Illinois and Texas and has taught guitar and rock band ensemble in Chicago Public Schools since 2018. Before that, Damien spent five years teaching in the Dallas Independent School District, shaping young musicians from 2013 to 2018. Damien has presented at national conferences in Modern Band curriculum, specializing in guitar instruction, and continues to make himself an asset to his colleagues nationwide. Damien has trained new and veteran teachers in this particular curriculum.
Damien’s formal education began at the Armed Forces School of Music at the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia. Here, he completed the Basic Music course, setting the stage for a distinguished career as a performing instrumentalist with the Quantico Marine Band. As a United States Marine Corps musician, Damien participated in over 350 yearly musical events until his Honorable Discharge. Continuing his academic and musical pursuits, Damien graduated cum laude from Northeastern Illinois University. Currently, he is preparing his lecture recital as part of his Master’s program in Applied Pedagogy for guitar at Northeastern Illinois University, reflecting his dedication to both performance and education.
Damien continues to perform in the Misters, a group he formed with other Chicago Public School music teachers, delighting neighborhoods and venues, large and small. Additionally, Damien performs as a solo artist and collaborator with the blues project, Dimas Homegrown Roots & Blues.
Damien Dimas combines his passion for music with a commitment to education and performance, enriching the lives of his students and audiences alike through his dynamic performances and approach to engaging and comprehensive instruction.
Education: Master’s NEIU
Started at the Old Town School in June of 2024
