Atlanta Guitar Trio
The Atlanta Guitar Trio is a classical music ensemble providing an exciting new take on both
traditional and contemporary chamber music. In addition to performing music for three guitars
the Trio also expertly incorporates theorbo, mandolin, and ukulele into their concert programs.
The result is a rich palate of textures with a fresh, unique sound. AG3 performances are fun,
informative, and feature music from a wide selection of composers, time periods, and genres.
The Atlanta Guitar Trio is Scott Plato, Bill Hearn, and Ryan Cummings.
Scott Plato received his Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Georgia State
University and his Master’s Degree in Music Education from Adams State University in
Alamosa, Colorado. He teaches music courses for the University System of Georgia and is a
Certified Clinical Musician working in the Arts in Music Department of the Northeast Georgia
Health System. Scott has published several arrangements for guitar guitar duo as well as a book
on guitar improvisation. He has performed internationally as both a soloist and in ensembles. His
album “Sacred Music on Solo Guitar” is available on all digital streaming platforms.
Bill Hearn received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in guitar from Florida State University
and his doctorate from the University of Arizona in Tucson. For over 30 years he taught guitar
and world music studies at Clayton State University in Morrow, GA. Bill is a talented multi-
instrumentalist performing on guitar, ukulele, theorbo, lute, and banjo. His book “101 Easy
Ukulele Solos” was published by Mel Bay in 2022 and features a wide variety of arrangements
and original pieces for beginning to intermediate players. Bill also has several ukulele
arrangements of classical and popular music available on Sheet Music Plus. He has also written a
novel, “Maria’s Child”, which is currently available on Amazon Books.
Ryan Cummings was born into a family of bluegrass performers and began playing music at a
young age after receiving his first guitar from his grandfather. After initially studying music at
Gordon State College in Barnesville, GA he made his own way as a mostly self-taught guitarist,
arranger, and composer. Before beginning his career as a classical guitarist Ryan played electric
guitar in several rock bands and even shared the stage with many internationally renowned hard
rock and heavy metal acts. Currently Ryan owns the Griffin Academy of Music in Griffin, GA
where he teaches guitar, bass, and ukulele performance. His solo classical guitar album “The
Road Home” is available on all digital streaming platforms.
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David Troy Francis, piano
Two time Pulitzer Prize winning composer Ned Rorem says of Mr. Francis: He plays the right note with the right tone at the right time. (what more can you ask of any performer?) And with this, he adds that indefinable element of himself, which is the magic of all true interpreters.
Mr. Francis has enjoyed a 50+ year career of musical excellence and performs in recital throughout America and Europe. He has ten cds available including the world premiere recording of Mr. Rorem's Eight Etudes for Piano on the cd entitled The Americans. The Los Angeles Times raves of Mr. Francis’ playing: consistently absorbing whether in lyrical repose or propulsive fury. Two of his best selling CDs include his unique and compelling arrangements of American Hymns.
Mr. Francis is the recording pianist for such films as Pursuit of Happyness, Elegy and Fame. He has composed music for film and television.
Mr. Francis is the creator, composer, musical director and executive producer of the runaway smash hit musical BARK! - the 3rd longest running production in Los Angeles theatrical history. The wildly successful show has been mounted in theatres from Florida to Alaska and internationally in Brazil and Scotland. BARK! has been selected critics’ choice by the Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune.
David Troy Francis was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and is best known for his steadfast championing and performance of contemporary American music. Now living in Roswell, Georgia, he is an esteemed concert pianist and recording artist as well as a respected composer, arranger and accompanist.
