Musician Dan Schwartz is a prominent figure in the little-known instrument world of finger-style guitar. Schwartz grew up listening to a hodgepodge of music that included Keith Jarret, Tower of Power, and Devo. His curiosity and devotion lead him to Milwaukee, WI, to study at the state's University, the only collegiate school in the world to offer a degree in Schwartz's music style of choice. There, he studied with the respected guitarist John Strobes and earned one of the few Bachelor of Fine Arts given for finger-style guitar playing. Schwartz joined the faculty of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in the fall of 1992. Just five years later, he released his debut album, The Art of Making Fire, earning him a nomination for Guitarist of the Year by the Minnesota Music Academy. That same year, he was featured among many guitarists on the compilation Masters of Acoustic Guitar. During the next year, in 1998, Schwartz toured as guitarist for Angel Grant, alongside Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Libby Turner. It is through touring with Jam that Schwartz appeared as the acoustic and electric guitarist for the Boyz II Men track, "I Will Get There," for the Prince of Egypt (Inspirational) album. In 2001, Schwartz was featured again on the album Guitar-Fingerstyle II. ~ Diana Potts, All Music Guide