Biography

A musician for five decades and a professional guitar instructor for more than three decades, Wayne Eagles’ education includes undergraduate and graduate Music degrees complimented by many years of private study, research and master-class attendance.

Wayne has performed or recorded with a wide-range of artists, including: Rob Fraboni, Adam Nussbaum, Ian Froman, 3 Jimmys, Mike Milligan, The Platters, Peter Brown, Ken Rosser, OutSpan, Soul Finger, Random Access Orkestra, Funkdawgs, T Bruce Wittet and The Bitches Brew Tribute Band.

A dedicated improviser, Eagles embraces a wide vista of jazz, rock, and fusion guitar styles. He has been a Guitar Performance Instructor at Carleton University’s School for Studies in Art and Culture (SSAC: Music) since September 1992, served as Director for the institution’s Fusion ensemble since September 2007. Other responsibilities have included Carleton-affiliated Jazz Camp mentorship, Contract Instructor leadership, Event/Tech Staff duties, and Music Performance Studies coordination. 

Wayne maintains a busy private teaching practice and performs frequently in a diverse range of ensembles/genres.  He was Concert Manager for the Carleton University Committee on Cultural Activities (UCCA) from June 1993 until April 2002, promoting performances and clinics with Dave Holland, Mike Stern, Don Ross, Robin Eubanks, and Dave Weckl.

Wayne’s work has been funded through grants from musical instrument manufacturers, radio stations, as well as provincial and regional funding bodies. His performance history includes appearances at various Canadian Jazz and Blues Festivals, the NAMM Show (Anaheim), university/college music showcases, numerous television appearances, radio simulcasts and extensive club work. His music has been praised by Guitar Player and Cadence magazines, as well as at the esteemed All About Jazz, Audiophile Imports and Guitar Moderne websites. 

Wayne is an endorsing artist and product demonstrator for several internationally-renowned musical instrument companies. Among his acclaimed recordings are: trio \ DEF - Drouin/Eagles/Froman on the TetraArtist imprint (2015); REGALS - The Double-Duo Sessions (TetraArtist, 2011); Milligan-Eagles Project featuring Billy Kilson (TetraArtist, 2005); and, How’s Now? (Carleton Sound, 2000). 

Current projects:

- EAGLES / WALKER - fusion duo with long-time collaborator/percussionist Justine Walker 

- SUPER AWESOME CLUB w/ Steve Boudreau (keys), Jake von Wurden (bass),  Matt Ouimet (drums)

- long-standing local jazz solo, duo and trio configurations

- on hiatus: HARDCORE JOLLIES - Funkadelic tribute with Dalton Holloway (voice/percussion), Wayne Eagles (guitar), Robbie Rigg (voice/guitar), Nick Miller (keys), Alex Jee (bass), Justine Walker (drums)

“Wayne Eagles: Soaring Where There are No Barriers” was the cover story of the September/October 2009 issue of Muzik Etc