Rex Willis, a native Floridian, is a faculty member at State College of Florida in Bradenton where he teaches guitar, composition and music theory. He received the Master of Music Degree in Composition from Florida State University and attended composition master class/lectures with Aaron Copland. He studied with world-renowned guitarists Bruce Holzman, Pepe Romero and Christopher Parkening. In addition to faculty work with the Stetson Guitar Workshop, Stetson University, Deland, Florida, Willis taught at New College, Sarasota, Florida.

Willis’ original compositions have been called "haunting and high-energized . . . fun . . ." (Sound Board Magazine), "accessible . . . skillful . . . and brilliant" (Les Cahieve de la Guitare, France), and "very powerful", (Classical Guitar). In addition to a wealth of guitar and orchestra music, Willis has written several film scores. His music is published by Tuscany and Clear Note Publications.

Willis has been commissioned by universities, professional music organizations, and performing artists. This includes two commissions by Stetson University for guitar orchestra that received world premiere performances. He was a featured lecturer, conductor and teacher at the International Guitar Festival Brno 2004 (Czech Republic), and returned in 2007 for a concert tour with Soprano, Melodie Dickerson. Willis was a concert artist at the Miami International Guitar Festival, 2005.

Guitar students of Rex Willis have won first place in the Florida Community College Music Symposium and moved on to graduate work and professional careers in music. World-famous classical guitarists are commissioning, playing and recording Willis’ original works. Recent performances of Willis’ compositions are worldwide: Prague and Brno, Czech Republic, Dallas, San Antonio, Miami, Green Bay, Washington, D.C., Austin, London, Tokyo and Peru are some of the cities his music has been heard.

In addition to composing and teaching, Willis created and has hosted since 2003, "Guitar Unplugged", a weekly television program on METV, Manatee Educational Television (Channel 614 Brighthouse, Comcast 19, Verizon 31) covering all of Manatee County and parts of Sarasota, Florida.

Willis frequently judges composition contests at both the state and national level.


*Background music on this page: "Orange Blossoms" by Rex Willis from his CD Suite Florida