The Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO) will host guitarist Richard Fortus, member of legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses, for a free, public master class at 7 p.m., Feb. 21 in the ACM@UCO Performance Lab, 329 E. Sheridan in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district.

Fortus joined Guns N’ Roses in 2001 and recorded on the band’s “Chinese Democracy” album. He regularly collaborates with other artists, performing or recording, including Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias, Thin Lizzy, The Psychedelic Furs, Fiona Apple, The Crystal Method, Jesse Malin, 'N Sync and many more. He's also collaborated extensively with electronic artist and composer BT on various scoring projects for TV commercials, movie trailers, and video games.  

Fortus is the latest in an impressive list of musicians and industry leaders who have visited the ACM@UCO. Past guests include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jackson Browne; Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who; singer-songwriter Ben Folds; Warner Bros. Records President Livia Tortella; Grammy-nominated producer Greg Kurstin; singer-songwriter Simon Townshend; blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa; and Flaming Lips’ Steven Drozd.

Based on the successful model from the original ACM in Guilford, England, the ACM@UCO is an innovative music program unlike any other in the U.S., offering an industry-based, “real world” educational experience for those interested in a career in contemporary music.

From its location in downtown Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district, the ACM@UCO offers two-year associate degree programs in bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, music business, music production and vocals, with the option to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Technology degree. 

To learn more about the ACM@UCO, visit www.acm-uco.com or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ACM.UCO.