Letter of Reference from Scott Graves

November 19, 2011

Scott Graves
School Director
On Track Music Guitar School
6233 S. Highland Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84121
801.272.7917

About Donovan Colton:

My name is Scott Graves and for the past 20 years I have been the School Director of the On Track Music Guitar School in Salt Lake City, Utah, which I founded in 1992. In the course of that time I have literally taught thousands of students and been associated with many fine musicians who have grown to find satisfying careers in the music industry. There is one however, who has made such an impression on me, that I feel an extreme obligation to share his story with the world. I am speaking of Donovan Colton.

As I write this letter, Donovan is 15 years of age. He began studying guitar with me when he was 6 years old. I was immediately taken by Donovan’s incredible enthusiasm for the instrument. Donny was “on fire” for the guitar like no one I had ever seen. Each week he would show up for his lessons having mastered everything he was assigned with perfect precision and a hunger to forge ahead with new material. Over the years, I have seen students who exhibit a great deal of enthusiasm for their instrument, but I have never encountered anyone with a personal work ethic and drive for success as this exceptional young man.

Donovan has always gone the extra mile to improve his musical skills. He joined our AMPD rock band program, which is only offered to upper level students, when he was 10 years old. He remained in the program for the next four years where he became a founding member of the band Ever Since Tomorrow. He also signed up for every single extra curricular course that was offered at our school. As a young teen, Donovan sat side by side with college students who were pursuing music degrees, in courses that I only offer to the most advanced guitar players. His mastery of the material has become evident in the form of his exceptional original compositions.

I recently had the privilege of reviewing the musical tracks on Donovan’s upcoming album which was almost entirely written, produced, and performed by him (including piano and drum tracks in addition to guitar!). It occurred to me that the world needs to know who this exceptional musician is. The type of talent that Donovan possesses simply does not occur in 15 year olds! I can only imagine where the next five years will take him.

If this letter finds its way into the hands of anyone who has the facility to help this young man to further his career, I urge you to please recognize the rare talent that is embodied in this incredible musician. I assure you that you will be blessed by your association with Donovan Colton.

Sincerely:

Scott Graves

School Director
On Track Music Instruction