Spencer Walton is a freelance guitarist and music educator based out of Moose Lake, MN. He received his Bachelor of Music degree and Instrumental Music K-12 Education License through the University of Minnesota Morris in 2017. During his time at the University of Minnesota Morris, Spencer studied classical guitar with Dr. James Flegel, and jazz improvisation with Dr. Jonathan Campbell. While at UMM, Spencer also performed on saxophone, guitar, and percussion as a member of UMM's Symphonic Winds and Jazz ensembles.
Spencer has performed at well-known jazz venues such as the Vieux Carré in St. Paul, MN, and has performed in the United Kingdom and Alaska as a member of UMM's Symphonic Winds Ensemble. Spencer has served as a guest artist at multiple high school band concerts and musicals in the West-Central Minnesota area. In 2016, Spencer was a performer at the Minnesota Music Educators Association's annual conference in Minneapolis, MN. In 2019, he made his Duluth Homegrown debut as a solo artist.
In March 2020, Spencer released his first album titled, “The Cabin.” This album is dedicated to his parents for the support and encouragement they have given him.
He has performed alongside renowned musicians such as Bryan Nichols, Chris Bates, JT Bates, Clara Osowski, Clay Jenkins, Pippi Ardennia, and Billy Barnard.
As a freelance guitarist, Spencer has served in a variety of performance settings from solo, duo, and in group settings. He has performed a variety of genres including, Jazz, Blues, Funk, Rock, Rockabilly, Classical, Pop, Country, and Bluegrass.
Spencer is also the band director of the Moose Lake Community School.
Spencer was also the conductor of the Moose Lake Area Community Band from 2020-2023.
Photo taken at University of Minnesota Morris Jazz Festival 2016