Theodore Ziras

Biography

Was born in Poros/Greece. His music training started at the age of 15 with Music Theory, Piano & Guitar lessons. From the beginning of his music activities Theodore was fascinated by musicians with high level of Technical ability regardless of style etc. At the age of 18 he moved to Athens and he continued his studies in Guitar, Music Theory, Jazz Harmony, Rhythm & Counterpoint. His main influences include generally anything from Classical Music, Rock, Metal to Jazz & Fusion. 1994...

Was born in Poros/Greece. His music training started at the age of 15 with Music Theory, Piano & Guitar lessons. From the beginning of his music activities Theodore was fascinated by musicians with high level of Technical ability regardless of style etc. At the age of 18 he moved to Athens and he continued his studies in Guitar, Music Theory, Jazz Harmony, Rhythm & Counterpoint. His main influences include generally anything from Classical Music, Rock, Metal to Jazz & Fusion.

1994-1998: His first serious band collaboration was during 1994-98 with the power metal Greek band "Ice Divine" (1994-98) and the legendary progsters "Guardian Angel" (1997-98) as the lead Guitar player. He did numerous recording & performed in many gigs (e.g support with Iced Earth, U.D.O etc)

1998-2001: In late '98 Theodore decided to leave Greece, he registered at the prestigious Guitar Institute of London for further Music/Guitar studies. He graduated 3 years later getting his degree, Bachelor (Honors) in Music Performance & Composition.

2001: In 2001 he returned to Athens/Greece, he signed his first solo record deal.
His first instrumental solo CD "Trained To Play" released in April 2001. A mix of Orchestral Neoclassical Metal with complex harmony/orchestration and mind-blowing lead guitar parts.
The reviews for "Trained To Play" were more than positive and established Theodore as a solid musician & Guitar Player with great perspectives for the future.

2003: Almost 2 years (2003) later during serving his military duty Theodore prepared his 2nd instrumental album. "Virtual Virtuosity" released in March 2003. With "Virtual Virtuosity" Theodore accomplished to move a step forward his career and be acknowledged world-wide as a top class guitar virtuoso.

2005: Few months later (early 2004) he decided to produce a CD with Vocals. Searching for the perfect vocalist was not an easy job, Jiotis Parcharidis of the German Power Metal group Human Fortress finally was the perfect choice. After almost 2 years of recordings EUROFORCE CD hit the market on June 2005 from "Sonic Age Records".

2007: During 2006 and 2007 Theodore prepared his 3rd isntrumental CD...time for change. He played along the legendary keyboardist Derek Sherinian and the top L.A drummer Brian Tichy. The new CD will hit the market sometime in 2007 and it's 100% sure that will set new standarts on Guitar oriented Instrumental music.

Theodore keeps extremely busy dividing his time between studying, composing, teaching guitar, writing instructional material, recording and trying to develop his style and grow as a performer and composer. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.