New Zealand born guitarist, composer and band leader now based in Byron Bay performs featuring virtuoso fingerpicking guitar, with infused Jazz, Gypsy jazz and Bluegrass elements.

Kristan’s live performances are full of diversity and improvisation.

Kristan is a graduate of the Wellington School of Music with a Bachelor degree in jazz guitar. He spent five years studying and developing his foundation in Jazz theory before relocating to New York where he began teaching guitar and immersing himself in New York’s amazing jazz scene.

Currently teaching guitar at the Byron Bay school of music, Tweed creative studios and the Byron community adult college. He is the founder and lecturer of the Byron Bay guitar workshop sessions. Where he hosts and designs intimate guitar workshops.

His Debut Album “At the Crossroads” was released in May 2019.

It’s an independent release featuring a full-length original album. Kristan produced, composed, arranged and wrote all the music.

The music explores diverse influences and rich instrumentation including arrangements featuring a string quartet.

His quartet Burning Hands was founded in 2016. They have performed at many Australian festivals, events and venues.

Kristan with Burning Hands recently toured Italy and Czech Republic late last year after an invitation to perform at an Italian wedding. In Milano he furthered his study in Gypsy jazz guitar with a master Jazz guitarist Dario Napoli.