remarkable Women: Meet robyn Dino

Maybe you’ve seen her play locally in the band The Westside Detours or perhaps you’ve Googled guitar lessons in West Denver, and Red Robyn Guitar and Ukelele came up. Robyn Dino is the gorgeous face and soulful spirit behind this local business. She’s not only a musician and teacher, but she’s also an outdoorswoman, a beloved wife, a mother, and a good friend to a tight-knit group of women who are there for each other through thick and thin. Robyn grew up in Arkansas but made her way to Colorado as a young adult. Growing up, her family was involved in politics and campaigns, so she landed a job with Governor Roy Romer’s re-election campaign. That’s where she met her husband and later they had a son together. 

Music was always a part of Robyn’s life. But after taking up guitar lessons when her son was very young, she found a new calling. She began teaching and eventually opened her own business. Today, she fosters community through music teaching individual and group classes on how to play the guitar and ukelele.

When she’s not working or performing, Robyn spends as much time as she can with family and friends. Her son plays on the golf team at the university he attends in California. They travel to see him play golf regularly, as well as taking an annual family trip back to Arkansas to see her family.

Here’s a bit more personality to fill in the blanks on the woman who strums the guitar and shines her light through music.  

What is the most rewarding part of your job teaching guitar and ukulele?

I love spending time with my students, getting to know their unique personalities and who they are as people. I love to discover what excites them and how they learn best.

What was the last concert you went to?

Brandi Carlise at Red Rocks. Hearing music in a beautiful natural setting is the height of enjoyment. I think it feels the same way for the musicians. 

What was the last good book you read lately?

“Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride. I mainly read fiction for the pure pleasure of it. 

Who would you have on first if you could host a talk show?

He is no longer alive but the poet Rumi. 

Favorite thing to cook?

I love the salmon from Seafood Landing in our neighborhood. I cook it in a cast iron skillet to make the skin crispy. It is fatty and delicious. 

What’s your favorite meal—breakfast, lunch or dinner?

My favorite meal of the day is breakfast. I love my quiet mornings and am usually very hungry, which makes eating so satisfying. 

If you could be an animal, what would you be?

A cat. Either domesticated or wild, depending on my mood that day. 

What is your favorite hike you’ve ever done?

Pettingell Peak (13,553'). The route is about 9.6 miles round trip with about 3,200' of elevation gain. One of the highlights of the hike was when we neared the summit. We came right up on a group of mountain goats who were at ease with us being there. They looked at us inquisitively, and we looked back at them with the same feeling. 

Advice you’d give your younger self?

Be patient. Good things take time.