Guitarist James Hontz studied at the New School of Music and received his B.M. degree in Guitar Performance and M.M. degree in Guitar Performance/Music History from Temple University. While at Temple, he studied with Allen Krantz and Michael Newman.

In addition to Dickinson College, Dr. Hontz is currently on the Faculties of Frederick Community College and Harford Community College (both in Maryland). He is a member of the board of Directors of the Philadelpia Classical Guitar Society and served as the president of that organization from 1995 to 1997.

In addition to his many solo appearances, he is active in chamber music as a member of the Hontz-Mcdermott Duo (flute and guitar). The Duo was named Special Presentation Winner in the Artist International Carnegie Hall Debut Competition in 1995 and 1996. Their recently released CD, Paseos, features the title track which was written at the request of Dr. Hontz by composer John Carbon. In August of 1996 the Duo was broadcast in a live performance/interview on WNYC in New York City and has recently returned from a concert tour of the Midwest.

Dr. Hontz received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree fro the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University.