International Guitar Research Archives

Holland, Justin (1819-1887)

Born in Norwalk, Virginia. His father, Exum Holland, was a farmer who noticed his son's talent for music when quite young. However there was little opportunity for educating his talent. In 1833 he went to Boston and met Señor Mariano Perez and commenced the study of the guitar. Another of his music teachers was Simon Knable, a member of Ned Kendall's Brass Band who taught Justin theory and the art of arranging. At this time Holland also undertook the study of flute with a Scotsman named Pollock. In 1841he entered Oberlin College in Ohio for another two years of musical study. After some travel involving a trip to Mexico to further his language skills he returned to Ohio, married and settled in Cleveland. He was perhaps the first black man to make an important contribution to the classic guitar. Holland's Method, published in 1876, stands as the finest synthesis of guitar pedagogy to appear in America in the 19th century.