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Travis Christopher Johnson

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Young Scholar status afforded Travis Johnson the opportunity to travel to places in Europe that most Americans just dream about.  The Oregonian had a self-described “blast” the summer before his senior year of high school traveling around with his backpack, guitar and a Frommer’s Guide, making adventures wherever the train he was on stopped.  The stated reason for the trip was to take music lessons and attend music festivals in England, Germany, and France.  But those weeks abroad on his own were the true education for Travis.  

Profile: To say that Travis is a free spirit would be putting it mildly.  But one thing’s for sure, the young man from America’s Northwest loves life and lives it to the hilt.  Travis also loves music, which he sees as a universal language – playing guitar, composing songs, singing – music has allowed him to make friends wherever he has been.  In the Portland area, Travis graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School where he excelled at a lot more than classical guitar – he was an honor student, fluent in Spanish and French, involved himself in various service and community projects as well as participating in various music competitions in his free time. 

Inspiration: Luck or fate, but Travis grew up in the same town as classical guitarist Peter Zisa, a famed musician, who lit the spark in Travis.  As one of Peter’s students, Travis found himself enveloped in this new form of expression. The weekly lessons with Mr. Zisa turned into the first seven years of Travis’ musical pursuits, and the student and teacher became dear friends. 

Aspiration: Travis loves to play classical guitar and would like nothing more than to continue doing what he loves.  But perhaps teaching is in his future too. 

Making a Difference: Travis, just like another great musician, Pete Seeger, has volunteered for many years for environmental causes in the Portland area.  An ongoing project that he continues to give his time to involves cleaning up areas of blight. 

Accolades: He has been recognized on several occasions by the From the Top musical organization in Oregon and in 2007, at age 15, was a guest soloist with both the California Symphony and the Reno Symphony. Travis recently won first prize at the 21st Annual Northwest Guitar Festival of 2011.

Interesting Fact: Travis sometimes travels to the beat of a different drummer.  He has a stuffed Hippo named Clarence, an ’89 Nissan named Humphrey, and loves to “take walks in the rain without a coat or shoes.” 

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