Cody Templeman of Heritage High School, Littleton, Colorado, has already changed the meaning of a champion by breaking the mold and showcasing his exceptional musical abilities from a young age, redefining the art of guitar and musicianship

At just 17-years-old, Cody Templeman describes music as “a way to express how I feel.” He immediately took to the guitar having been given one on his 8th birthday by his father, after attending his first concert seeing the Black Crowes. He has always had a penchant for particularly evocative classic rock and was taken with Luther Dickinson’s slide guitar play at the concert. At the age of 9, he enrolled in the School of Rock Denver and began taking lessons with the Music Director Ty Hughes, and does to this day.

Now, Cody aspires not only to continue playing guitar but also to continue composing and performing his own songs as a singer-songwriter. “Most of my inspiration comes from things that mean a lot to me, such as girls,” he states with a laugh, “and Eastern Philosophy.” Thus, full of natural talent, but also full of authentic expression, Cody has embarked on a journey he will find success on: “I’m a hundred percent sure my goal is going to happen, [that I will make it as a musician,] I’m just not sure how long it’s going to take to get there.”

Cody is well on his way. At age 10, he had played his first SOR Denver show in a DOORS Tribute. He has played at dozens of festivals, including Buell Theatre, opening for the Blue Man Group, Rocky Mountain Music Festival, and the opening for Film On The Rocks. He continues to play at multiple well-known venues as a part of the 2015 School of Rock Allstars summer tour, which ended with Lalapolooza on his 16th birthday, headlined by Paul McCartney himself.

Check out Cody's skills playing ACDC's Thunderstruck at Red Rocks back in 2013:

When one has great ambitions, one meets great resistance, just as Cody remarks that at the beginning of his journey “there were a lot of people doubting me at first.” He then came to the conclusion that this couldn’t play into his practice; in his words, “I realized it doesn’t really matter what people think…it’s all in the mindset.”

Cody founded his own cover band called Hard Charger at age 14, which continues to play shows around Denver featuring styles from Motown to Metal. Moreover, he is a founding member and guitar player in a Led Zeppelin Tribute Band called Fools in the Rain. He also plays guitar in the Rick Lewis Project, playing alternately with Jimmy Van Zant, Vince Neil, Great White, 38 Special, and Molly Hatchet.

Becoming a champion requires unwavering dedication. Deriving inspiration from Classic Rock figures, including Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Gun N Roses, TOOL, Judas Priest, and John Mayer, Cody has continued to compose poems and write rifts to his writing, composing music in the process.

Cody Templeman has created a champion out of himself through concentration and determination. He will continue to create his own music and inspire masses for years to come. Break the mold, Cody espouses in his musical-thought process, break the mold – and you too can Become a Champion. 

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