Daniel de Arakal

BM Composition
BM Instrumental Performance – Classical Guitar
Class of 2010

Although Daniel de Arakal began to cultivate his interest in and talent for music at the late age of 13, in the proceeding eight years he has demonstrated an innate ability to understand and appreciate all genres of music and has developed a profound love for music’s history, meaning and expression.

Currently a junior, Daniel is a double major in the Chapman University Conservatory of Music where he is pursuing a BM in Music Composition and a BM in Instrumental Performance (Classical Guitar). He is currently on the Chancellor’s List, an honor he has earned in 5 of his 6 semesters at Chapman.

Prior to his interest in the Classical Guitar, Daniel played the saxophone and the bass guitar. His love of the Classical Guitar was cultivated during his studies with the late Dr. Nic Nichol, a Chapman University alumnus. Upon his 2006 graduation from Orange Coast Middle College High School in Costa Mesa, Daniel was accepted to Chapman University on a Dean’s Scholarship.

Daniel is currently a member of the Chapman University Guitar Ensemble, which recently received two First Place Honors at the 2009 Brownsville Guitar Ensemble Festival and Competition in Brownsville, TX. Daniel, along with his colleague Patrick Shiroishi, received First Place in the University Division for Guitar Duo. He also performed with Shiroishi, Henry Allen and Joe Zamudio in the Chapman University Guitar Quartet, which also received a First Place honor.

Daniel is studying Classical Guitar under the direction of Professor Jeffrey Cogan, M.A. Over the course of his studies he has performed in Master Classes for such world renowned guitarists as Pepe Romero, Marcin Dylla, Lily Afshar, Enric Madriguera and David Burgess. In Music Composition, Daniel is studying under Dr. Shaun Naidoo and Dr. Sean Heim. Outside of his studies, Daniel earns his Federal Work Study as a Recording Engineer at Chapman. He has recorded and produced dozens of solo, ensemble and concert performances while at Chapman.

The 2008-2009 recipient of the Fedderman Scholarship, Daniel plans to pursue his MA and DMA Degrees in Instrumental Performance (Classic Guitar) at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. He plans for a career as a university professor, performing artist, and recording artist.

Daniel is a fifth generation Californian and an Orange County native.