When Alyssa Catlin was only 4 years old she knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up. This helped her get a head start on her dream of becoming a classical guitarist. At 16 years old, she was featured on the NPR show, "From the Top," was placed first at the American String Teacher's Association Competition, had master classes with some of her heroes in the classical guitar world, has won first place at the Mid-America Guitar Camp competition and has placed in several other local and national contests. That same year she began studying music at Boise State University.
When Alyssa turned 18, she moved to St. Louis to study at Webster University. She is now an instructor with the Childbloom Guitar Program in St. Louis and has taught there for five years. And the passion Alyssa has for her job must be obvious to others, because in 2010 she was designated as Childbloom's Instructor of the Year.
Alyssa's husband, Chris, also is a talented musician. She says he's her steady support and the heartbeat of her life. Whenever she gets a chance, she loves spending time with her friends and family and inviting them over to her home. A few months ago Alyssa received a mandolin for her birthday. Even though classical guitar always will be her first love, the new instrument has opened some exciting new doors for future musical opportunities for her.