Recent classical guitar alums Kevin Loh ‘25 and Chandler Dillingham ‘25 have taken the next steps in their careers by returning to teach at their alma mater. Loh and Dillingham both discovered a passion for music education while studying under mentor René Izquierdo.
“It’s a great honor for any teacher to see their students succeed; I think it’s the dream of every teacher to be surpassed by their students,” Izquierdo said. “Kevin and Chandler are a wonderful addition to the Guitar Studio. I see them work hard with their students; I’ve seen them work hard since the beginning.”
Kevin Loh knew he wanted to study at PSOA after meeting Izquierdo at the Iserlohn Festival in 2014. Originally from Singapore, Loh studied classical guitar around the world before coming to Milwaukee in 2022 to pursue his master’s. He has built an international reputation through performances at major festivals and competitions.
“After meeting Rene, it became a question of not ‘if’ I would study under him in Milwaukee, but ‘when’ I would,” Loh recalls.
During his time in the Guitar Studio, Loh formed close connections with peers and now brings that experience into his teaching. Although he’s a lecturer, he continues to view his students as fellow musicians, collaborators, and friends.
“One of the distinguishing factors for me is the atmosphere at the guitar studio,” said Loh. “Everyone here feels like family.”
Chandler Dillingham came to UWM in 2022 to pursue a dual master’s degree, earning an MM in Classical Guitar and an MM in Music History & Literature. He takes a holistic approach to education, incorporating his background in musicology and theory into his lessons.
“Deep down, I think teaching is my greatest passion,” Dillingham said. “To be able to shape the hands and shape approaches to performance has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career so far.”
For Dillingham, performing is also about sharing the historical and cultural significance behind the music. Helping audiences understand the impact of classical guitar is central to his work.
“A part of my concerts is dedicated to helping my audience understand—even just briefly—what the music is about, why I’m playing it for them, why it matters to the concert, and why it’s important in history,” he explained. “I think my ultimate goal as a performer is to help people appreciate music more through a variety of avenues, and that comes through the playing itself.”
“I think the addition of Chandler and Kevin to the faculty will improve the program as a whole,” Izquierdo said. “They have been very dedicated and focused on music from early on in their lives and were lucky enough to find their calling.”
Payton Murphy (BFA Film, ’27)