What is Catanza? When creating the name for their guitar duo, Scott and Matthias decided to use something that would be reflective of their heritage. Scott’s great grandfather immigrated to the United States from Catanzaro, Italy, which is known as the City of the Two Seas. In thinking of ways to use Catanzaro within the name of the duo, the decision was made to shorten the name to Catanza. In addition to creating a word unique to the duo, the name also highlights the word, tanz, which is German for dance. As Matthias has German heritage, amongst others, this seemed to be a perfect choice. Thus, Duo Catanza was created.
Scott Plato received his Bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance from Georgia State University under the instruction of John Sutherland, a protegé of Andres Segovia. Scott then completed a Master of Music degree from Adams State University in Alamosa Colorado. In 1995 Scott founded the guitar department at Gainesville College in Gainesville Georgia and was the Head of Guitar Studies there until 2000.
His book on guitar improvisation, Creating Guitar Solos, is sold worldwide. Previous collaborations have included performances with members of the Atlanta Symphony and the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Scott currently maintains a busy schedule as a performer and teacher in the Atlanta area and is Head of Guitar Studies at Gordon State College.
In 2017 Scott released a solo CD “Sacred Music on Solo Guitar”. For sound samples visit https://scottplato.hearnow.com.
He also performs in the Atlanta Guitar Trio.
Matthias Young is the Director of Music and Worship at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA. His skills as both a classical and rock guitarist have allowed him to build a strong music program incorporating elements of both traditional and contemporary music in worship. In addition to guitar he is an accomplished tenor, and directs both the chancel choir and praise band.
In 2012, he published his first book, Metal Guitar Method, which has sold thousands, and continues to be one of the top sellers on Amazon. His online guitar lessons have helped countless students as they have garnered over a million views to date. He has also been published in the Guitar Foundation of America’s quarterly journal, Soundboard, and is a contributing author to Guitar World and Guitar Player.
In 2015, he released his first album in the hard rock/metal genre, titled, Uncharted Lands, which is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and many other digital platforms. An avid composer, he is a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, & Publishers).
Also a student of John Sutherland, Matthias earned his Bachelor of Music from Georgia State University, and his pursuing a Master of Sacred Music at Westminster Choir College at Rider University.
