B.J. Sutherland holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Composition from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Music degree in Theory and Composition from Greensboro College, Greensboro, N.C. She was awarded permanent national and state certification in piano and theory from the Music Teachers National Association and the Georgia Music Teachers Association. B.J. and her husband John’s guitar transcriptions were recorded by Christopher Parkening on his Angel recording Simple Gifts. Since 1969 she has held teaching positions at the University of Georgia, Mercer University Atlanta, and Georgia State University while maintaining a private studio. She is currently teaching part time at Georgia Perimeter College, judging state and local auditions, festivals, and competitions, and continues working with her husband on guitar compositions, transcriptions, and editing (120 Right-Hand Studies by Giuliani and 6 Pavanas by Milan, published by The FJH Music Company Inc.).