Ronn McFarlane

Ronn McFarlane (born 1953) is an American lutenist and composer, most notable as an interpreter of Renaissance music.

He formerly taught lute at the Peabody Conservatory, and has recorded many albums as a solo performer and in collaboration with others, including the groups Ayreheart and The Baltimore Consort, and as a guest artist for countless other groups.

He resides in Portland, Oregon, and continues to perform and compose to this day.

Ronn McFarlane was born in West Virginia and grew up in Maryland.

He began playing guitar as a teenager and went on to play blues and rock music in popular music bands.

He studied classical guitar at Shenandoah Conservatory and continued his studies at Peabody Conservatory with Paul O'Dette, Roger Harmon, and Pat O'Brien.

In 1978, he began to concentrate on lute, and in 1979 became a founding member of the Baltimore Consort.

He began a touring career in the United States, Canada and Europe, both with the Baltimore Consort and as a soloist.

From 1984-1995, he was a faculty member of the Peabody Conservatory teaching lute.

In 1996, he received an honorary Doctorate of Music from Shenandoah Conservatory for his achievements as a musician and recording artist.

McFarlane began composing music for the lute and working with a new ensemble called Ayreheart.

He has also published collections of lute music, including Scottish Lute in 1998 and Highland King: The Scottish Lute in 2003.

McFarlane made over 25 recordings for the Dorian Recordings label, including solo albums, lute performances, recordings with the Baltimore Consort and other selections.

His solo CD Indigo Road, which featured original compositions, received a Grammy Award Nomination for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2009.

Selected compositions include: