he took up the guitar at age eleven and began an enduring obsession that would result
in performances throughout Europe, Australia and the Americas.
After completing his studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with Raffaele Agostino and Greg Pikler in 2004,
Powis traveled extensively throughout Europe to study with some of the world’s most renowned virtuosos.
Oscar Ghiglia, David Russell, Pavel Steidl and Aniello Desiderio have had a great impact on the musical style
and technical foundation that Powis possesses. In 2006 Powis was invited to undertake a Masters of Music at Yale University
on a full scholarship and upon completing this degree, he was accepted as the first guitarist in over two decades
to undertake doctoral studies at Yale. During his time at Yale, the professor of guitar, Ben Verdery, offered instruction,
support and guidance that readied him for a career as a professional musician.
Powis has toured extensively as a soloist with performances in the Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.), Australia House (London),
and the Banff Center for the Arts (Canada). A strong passion for chamber music has resulted in international collaborations
ranging from traditional groups such as the Modigliani String Quartet and Ian Swenson (violin) to less common performances
with double bass, electronics, and even the tuba. Powis’ openness to innovation is exhibited by his devotion
to performing new works. In the past years, he has collaborated with a variety of composers
to premiere over 30 new works on the concert stage.
As a teacher, Powis has instructed master classes in Lima, Mexico City and New York. At Yale, he was employed
as both a guitar instructor at the School of Music and a teaching fellow in the Department of Music.
With a growing interest in pedagogy, he decided to undertake research in sight reading for his doctoral thesis.
Insights and encouragement from Jerry Willard, David Leisner, John Williams and Ben Verdery have helped develop
sight reading seminars that Powis has given in music schools, guitar societies and guitar festivals around the world.
