Educator, performer, and composer Dr. Loren C. Fortna has performed from New Jersey to Vancouver, British Columbia as a soloist, accompanist, ensemble member, and conductor. He holds a B.A. in Music Theoretical Studies, a M.M., an A.D., and a D.M.A in Classical Guitar Performance. He earned these degrees under the tutelage of several esteemed guitarists, including Dennis Cinelli, Stephen Aron, and Julian Gray.

A New Jersey Music Educator since 2001, Loren was recognized as the District Teacher of the Year for the 2008-2009 school year in the Springfield Public School District. He was an adjunct professor and faculty advisor at Montclair State University from 2009 - 2014 and is currently the vocal music teacher at the Dionne Warwick Institute in East Orange, NJ. Loren facilitated numerous presentations on a range of topics such as music performance anxiety, music-rich writing activities, and techniques on composing for guitar. He also adjudicates for several state music education organizations.