For Sharon Isbin, classical guitar "really is an expression of your soul." Talking to San Francisco Chapter in 2015 at the beautiful Aspen Music Festival, she shared her enthusiasm for performing, teaching, and being an evangelist for the guitar in classical music. Having been at the Aspen festival as a student, she now heads their guitar faculty. She founded the Juilliard guitar department in 1989 and is still its chairwoman. "When I work with students I really try to give them whatever guidance will enable them to teach themselves," she said. "I hope to become redundant in the process." Her success and multiple GRAMMY wins have had an impact worldwide, even causing great composers to write pieces especially for her to perform. "I've had students at Juilliard from over 20 different countries and many of them have gone back to become the premier players in their countries," Isbin related, "so that's something I'm really very proud of."

GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Inspirations: Sharon Isbin