Douglas Niedt began his study of the guitar at age 7 and polished his playing to gem-like brilliance through his studies at the Julliard School,  the Segovia Master Classes in Spain and with Narcisco Yepes, Christopher Parkening,  Jorge Morel and Oscar Ghiglia.  At age 17, international recognition followed his 1st prize sweep of the first Chet Atkins International Guitar Competition in which 300 guitarists were entered.  At age 21,  Douglas made his New York debut in Carnegie Recital Hall.  After his debut the New York Times declared,  “There was no doubt that he was a gifted performer.  His playing was highly colored,  his pitch exact,  his phrasing precise.”