Find a guitar teacher, a concert artist, or a musician for your special event from our society's list of professional members. Call us at (860) 249-7041 and we'll put you in touch with a professional guitarist from our talented membership.
The society is proud to support nearly 50 talented professional guitarists living across Connecticut and the surrounding New England area.
Alturas Duo (see also Scott Hill and Carlos Boltes)
The Alturas Duo is being recognized as one of the most entertaining ensembles performing in the chamber music world today. The only group of its kind, the Duo formed with the idea of playing South American and classical music by bringing together the unusual combination of the viola, charango and guitar creating fiery programs that move at ease between J.S. Bach, South American folk rhythms and new music commissioned by the duo.
Constantly in search of new music and diverse collaborations, they have performed with flutist Gonzalo Cortés, charango virtuoso Ernesto Cavour, Chilean guitarist and composer Horacio Salinas, cellists Jason Duckles and Jennifer Combs as well as violinists Katalin Viszmeg and Anthea Kreston. They have worked closely with many composers and have commissioned over a dozen works for guitar and viola, guitar, viola and orchestra and guitar, charango and orchestra. They have recently premiered pieces by Thomas Schuttenhelm, Jaime Romero, Dan Román, Garry Antonio, Alberto Cumplido, Javier Farias, Horacio Salinas, José Lezcano and James Argiro.
The Duo has performed and lectured across the United States, Canada, Bolivia and Chile including concerts at Weill Recital Hall, the Music Mountain Chamber Series, the Choral Arts Society of Washington D.C, The Hartt School International Guitar Festival, The Latin American Folk Institute, The Chilean Embassy in Washington D.C , The Museum of Bolivian Folkloric Instruments in La Paz, The Mexican Cultural Institute, The International Guitar Festival "Entre Cuerdas" in Chile, The Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, The Symphony of Southeast Texas, the Hartford Festival Orchestra, the 34th International Viola Congress and the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society. In addition, they won First Prize at the 2006 New England International Chamber Music Competition, held residencies at the Lyrica String Festival and the Hartt School of Music, are founders and artistic directors of the Simsbury Chamber Music Festival and the Music Mountain International Guitar Master Class, have recorded for BRIOSO and NAXOS records and have been featured performers on NPR, Radio Nuevo Mundo and Beethoven Radio in Chile.
The year 2006 will see them maintaining a busy schedule of concerts and lectures in Spain, Canada the U.S and Chile including performances with the Choral Arts Society of Washington D.C, and the Crescendo Choir. They will also continue their relationship with the young Chilean composer, Javier Farias by premiering his piece "Vuelo de tu alma" for charango and guitar and presenting a series of lectures on South American music and its effect on his writing style at universities and conferences throughout the United States.
The name Alturas (Spanish For Heights) is derived from the poem "Alturas de Macchu Picchu" by the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (1904-1973).
John Cantalini
Based in Springfield MA , John has been playing professionally for 25 years in a variety of musical contexts. Everything from jazz or folk acoustic duos to an electric fusion trio, to a hard rock bank, to a funk horn band. He is currently teaching at home while performing with his wife in the blues rock band "Christina and the Flying Cantalini's", as well as playing solo. Over the years, John has always composed at home on an acoustic guitar, and then arranged the compositions to suit the band he was playing with at the time. This year, he released his first solo acoustic CD, Moment of Clarity. This CD expresses his eclectic history in a collection of tunes ranging in influence from classical, to jazz, flamenco, and Celtic styles.
Robert Cassarino
For the past two years, Rob has been heard as a member of
the Casserino-Pizzoferrato Classical Guitar Duo with partner
Ralph Pizzoferrato in performance/lectures at local elementary
schools, community colleges and bookstores. He holds a BFA
from UConn were he graduated in 1973 with a major in classical
guitar. He music background includes former teaching positions
at numerous educational institutions throughout the state
including Southern Connecticut State College, Tunix Community
College, Mattatuck Community College, and West Hartford School
of Music. Rob currently sits on the board of directors of
the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society.
Steve Connor, Classical Guitar Maker
Combining a traditional aesthetic with innovative designs, Connor guitars are known for their volume, beauty of tone and alluring aesthetic . Played by many of New Englands finest teachers and performers. The workshop is located on Cape Cod, only an hour from Boston-without traffic... Please visit www.connorguitars.com for details and shop tour info.
Daniel Corr
Email: dancorr@hotmail.com
Described by the Hartford Courant as "a guitarist for music lovers to catch.", Seattle native Daniel Corr pursues a busy career performing and teaching across North America as a specialist on modern and 19th century guitars. He has performed recitals for the Northwest, Upstate New York, and Seattle Classical Guitar Societies, as well as the Villa-Lobos, Aranjuez and Giuliani concertos with the American Classical Orchestra, and the Seattle Creative Orchestra among others. A CD, "Concierto de Aranjuez" with the Auburn Symphony was released in 2005.
Daniel took 1st place at the 2002 Northwest Guitar Competition, was a prizewinner in the 1999 Crane New Music Performance Competition adjudicated by George Crumb, and was the recipient of the 2001 Eliot Fisk Prize as the "outstanding graduate in guitar". Daniel holds the Master of Music and Artist Diploma degrees from the Yale School of Music under Benjamin Verdery, and the Bachelor of Music from Cornish College under Steven Novacek. He has also studied under Sharon Isbin at the Aspen Music School. A dedicated teacher, Daniel teaches guitar at Gateway Community College and privately in New Haven, and at the Suzuki Music School of Westport.
Nick Cutroneo
Nick Cutroneo is part of the new generation of classical guitarist. An active performer, he has performed at The Juilliard School of Music, The Hartt School of Music, Christ Church in New Brunswick, NJ, the Miller Chapel at Princeton’s Theological Seminary in NJ. In the summer of 2007, he was invited to participate with an international group of students at the Volterra Guitar Project in Tuscany, Italy. He has also performed at Yale’s “Guitar Day,” the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society’s “Guitar Extravaganza Weekend,” and several alumni events at the University of Hartford. Mr. Cutroneo maintains an active private teaching studio and is currently on faculty at the University of Connecticut’s Community School of the Arts in Storrs, CT and at Valley Music in Avon, CT. He also performers regularly at assisted living facilities providing solo recitals for the residents. Mr. Cutroneo has performed in master classes with Andrew York, William Kanengiser, Ana Vidovic, Carlos Bonell, Carlo Marchione and most recently with Manuel Barrueco. Mr. Cutroneo is currently attending the Hartt School of Music for completion of his Masters in Music, studying with Richard Provost and Christopher Ladd and graduated the Juilliard Pre-College where he studied with Antigoni Goni. For more information visit www.nickcutroneo.com.
Normand L. Decelles
Member of the Castle Heights guitar Duo with Robert Martel.
These two veteran guitarists have performed extensively the
past twenty -five years in southern New England.The duo's
repertoire spans five centuries, ranging from anonymous Renaissance
dances to contemporary Brazilian music. The Duo is avialable
to provide music for weddings, receptions, restaurants or
any occasion where the beauty of classical guitar music is
esired. Mr. Decelles is an active, full-time Rhode Island
physician. See
his home page.
Cem Duruöz
"More than a very good guitarist; also a good arranger and a particularly fine communicator with his audience." wrote New York Concert Review -one of the many accolades that guitarist Cem Duruöz has received from critics.
His recent concert appearances include his Carnegie Hall Debut Recital at the Weill Recital Hall in New York, performances of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Presidential Symphony Orchestra in Turkey and recitals at the Hondarribia Guitar Festival in France, the Gliwice Guitar Festival in Poland and Redwood Arts Council Series in the USA. His 2005-2006 season performances include a French Baroque concert at the prestigious Istanbul Festival, a repeat appearance with a tango concert at La Guitarra California Festival as well as recitals and master-classes in Gliwice Guitar Festival in Poland, Ramon Noble Guitar Festival in Mexico, and in Merkin Hall New York in a concert of Mediterranean music.
Being interested in early music, Cem Duruöz transcribed and recorded some of the gamba music by French baroque composer Marin Marais in his first solo CD "Pièces de Viole" , which received critical acclaim in international magazines such as American Record Guide, Fanfare, Classics Today, Classical Guitar and BBC. On the other hand, being a contemporary music enthusiast, he commissioned new works from emerging composers and recorded them in his second CD "Contemporary Music for Guitar", along with masterpieces of the guitar repertoire by Walton and Davidovsky. His new solo CD Desde El Alma - Tango Classics has been released under Karinca label.
Turkish born guitarist Cem Duruöz (or "Gem" as pronounced in his native tongue) won the first prize in the Turkish National Guitar Competition at the age of seventeen. After moving to the United States he completed his graduate guitar studies at The Juilliard School with Sharon Isbin. He performed in Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, France, Greece, Serbia-Montenegro, Poland, Mexico, and throughout Turkey and the USA. Cem Duruöz has been running a guitar summer school in the resort city of Antalya in Turkey, conducting master-classes throughout the world and teaching guitar performance at Wesleyan University in the USA. For detailed information visit: www.duruoz.com E-mail: cem@duruoz.com
Eric Elias
Eric Elias is a multi instrumentalist - guitars, basses, saxophones, dulcimers, mandolin and banjo. He has performed internationally and throughout the US as a soloist and with several jazz groups. Eric has authored several jazz instructional books and writes for Just Jazz Guitar Magazine.
Daniel Hartington
Guitarist Daniel Hartington has performed extensively in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. He has given recitals at the University of Hartford, Miss Porter’s School, The Masonic Temple of East Hartford, and the University of Rhode Island. He has also performed as a part of guitar duo, guitar quartet, and guitar and voice for events such as Yale’s Guitar Extravaganza in 2006 and for the New England Guitar Society’s annual concert in Milford in 2007. In addition to classical guitar, Daniel has performed steadily as an electric guitarist in Rhode Island and Massachusetts playing in jazz and rock groups for the past 5 years. Daniel completed graduate studies with Richard Provost at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, and undergraduate studies with Daniel Salazar Jr. at the University of Rhode Island. He has performed in master classes for David Tannenbaum, William Kanengiser, David Russell, and David Leisner. He currently serves on the faculty of the Community Division of The Hartt School and as guitar instructor at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT.
Marian Heyman
Contemporary acoustic guitarist Marian Heyman's compositions are filled with beautiful melodies and imagery, combining elements of classical, folk, and new age musical styles. She has performed throughout the Northeast for over 35 years in a variety of duos, trios, quartets, and as a soloist. Her 1996 instrumental compact disc release, At Dawn's Edge, received rave reviews from critics, performers, and fans. It has received radio airplay on college and public radio stations from coast to coast. Marian's guitar works can also be found on several compilation recordings, including three CDs of guitar music by New England artists, produced by the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society. "Her strings sing with grace and eloquence" - Dirty Linen Magazine.
Marian also plays mandolin along with classical guitarist Gayla Matos, performing as the Heyman-Matos Duo. The duo performs music from around the world, specializing in classical, Celtic, and Brazilian music, and can be heard on New England Landscapes II, and The Gift of the Guitar, compilation CDs produced by the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society. Contact Marian by email: atdawnsedge@mindspring.com
Bob Ingeno
Bob Ingeno has been playing guitar for 35 years and teaching guitar for
almost as long. He has taught several hundred students over the years
from
ages 8 to 80. He began his musical training taking guitar lessons in
local
music studios in Conn and by taking several music theory and writing
classes
in high school. His first guitar studies were in modern guitar with
James
Fetta and later with Fred Pascucci. Beginning in his senior year of
high
school he began classical guitar lessons the Hartt School Community
Division
with Alan Spriestersbach and in the following year enrolled in the
Hartt
School of Music, University of Hartford continuing to study guitar
Alan. Bob
received his Bachelors of Music degree from Hartt as a guitar major in
instrumental performance in 1977. Bob has also attended master classes
by
Oscar Ghiglia and Carlos Barbosa-Lima. Bob has performed in classical
guitar
recitals in the Hartford area and played in several bands throughout
the
area. His main efforts now are in teaching guitar at all levels and
various
styles including classical, fingerstyle and modern/rock in the central
Conn.
area. He can be reached at ringeno@cox.net or by calling (203)
238-2537 for
lessons.
Armin Kelly
Guitars International by arrangement with Armin Kelly one of the largest dealers in new, used, vintage, rare and collectible hand-crafted classical and flamenco guitars. Representing: Ambridge, Aram, Barton, Bottelli, Byers, Concepcion, Dean, Eichinger, Elliott, Fanton d'Andon, Fischer, Fredholm, Gee, Ioannou, Marin Montero, Milburn, Monrad, Nowak, Panhuyzen, Raya Pardo, Rodgers (machines), Vazquez Rubio, Ruck, Scharbatke, Southwell, Tacchi, Velazquez, Wagner, Weissenrieder, White. Guitars International: www.guitars-int.com.
Christopher Ladd, classical guitar
www.christopherladd.com
Praised for his remarkable talent and richness of sound, Christopher Ladd is rapidly becoming known throughout the country as one of the most promising young classical guitarists. He has won numerous competitions including the American String Teachers Association regional competition held in Richmond, Virginia and the Appalachian Guitar Festival Solo Competition in Boone, North Carolina, and for two years in a row, he was named a semi-finalist in the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America International Competition.
In addition to performing pieces of standard repertoire, Mr. Ladd has premiered numerous new works including Three Quandaries Regarding Thought and Five Nordic Sketches by Lief Ellis and most recently Gothica: Book of Spooks and Spectres by Australian composer Phillip Houghton. He was also part of the ensemble that performed the world premiere of the contemporary opera, The Birthday of the Infanta, by Russell Woolen, which opened at The Kennedy Center in 1993.
Mr. Ladd is also a member of the Duo Elegy with flutist Nicole Ladd. The duo has performed for former vice-president Al Gore at his residence in Washington, D.C. and at the Viennese Opera Ball hosted by the Austrian Embassy also in Washington, D.C. In 2000, Duo Elegy premiered The Birch Whispers and A Solemn Procession written by Ty Alan Emerson, and most recently they premiered a commissioned work by Lief Ellis entitled Dedication.
Christopher Ladd received his Bachelor and Masters of Music in Guitar Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory where he studied guitar with Glenn Caluda and lute with Joseph Mayes. He received his Artist Diploma from the Hartt School where he studied under Richard Provost and was a member of the prestigious 20/20 Chamber Music Program.
As a performer he has attended master classes with Julian Gray, Raphaella Smits, Elena Papandreau, Roland Dyens, Oscar Ghiglia, Antigoni Goni, David Tanenbaum and most recently with John Williams.
Mr. Ladd currently resides in Connecticut where he teaches privately and serves on the faculty of Miss Porter’s School, Central Connecticut State University and The Hartt School Community Division.
Aaron Larget-Caplan
Website: www.alarget-caplan.org E-mail: alarget_caplan@hotmail.com
Classical guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan performs regularly as a soloist and chamber musician throughout New England. Beyond, he has performed in Italy, Spain and across the United States, including such venues as Jordan Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, Tabor Opera House in Leadville, Colorado, and the Liberty and River Theaters in Astoria, Oregon. He has appeared repeatedly on radio including National Public Radio’s Sounds from Chautauqua, NY, and KMUN Radio Astoria, OR., and 2003 saw his Internet debut recital on www.evolvingartist.com. The 2003-2004 season will hear solo concerts in Boston, Sturbridge, Southbridge, and Webster, Massachusetts; collaborations with trumpeter Geoffrey Shamu, and with flutist John Rank; the premiere of Tracing a Wheel on Water by Kevin Siegfried, new works by composers from Tufts University; school residencies in the Massachusetts towns of Concord, Southbridge, Pembroke, and Quincy.
Mark Levesque
Mark has performed many genres of guitar music including jazz, Latin American, blues, rock and classical. He plays guitar, mandolin and Brazilian bandolim in groups ranging from duos to big bands. Mark's unique playing style ranges from lyrical & passionate to energetic and dynamic. He has studied and arranged music from all around the world. Mark performs throughout the United States with his wife, guitarist Judy Handler. For more information and sound samples: www.judyandmark.com or Email: guitarduo@comcast.net.
David Madsen
David grew up in Wethersfield where he began his studies with
Walter Kaye Bauer. He recieved his B. Mus. from the University
of Connecticut and went on to study with David Leisner and
Pepe Romero. He teaches at the Loomis Chaffee School and at
the Hartt School of Music, Community Division, where he is
the founder of one of the largest Suzuki Guitar programs in
the country.
Janet Marlow
Ms. Marlow's international performance in the classical and jazz fields continue to give her acclaim as master of the 10-string guitar. As a composer, arranger and recording artist, Ms. Marlow offers a spirited presentation to all her stage shows. Her guitar studies include Julian Beam, Andres Segovia and Leo Brouwer and she was a protégé of Narciso Yepes. Clinics and private classes are available. Please contact Janet Marlow at www.janetmarlow.com.
Gayla D. Matos
In early 2002, Gayla, as part of Heyman-Matos Duo, was privileged to be chosen as one of the featured performers for the Bushnell's new Center for the Performing Arts inaugural celebration. Gayla's musical programs have been wide ranging including music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and romantic periods of Classical music as well as Celtic, Spanish, South American and contemporary styles. Gayla has many years of involvement in contemporary and traditional Christian music. She has contributed to two CDs produced by the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society.
Timothy Maynard
Visit
www.timmaynard.com. Tim has a background in electric guitar and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Hartt School in classical guitar. Playing a repertoire ranging from Bach to flamenco to bossa nova, he displays a dynamic technique and an enchanting musicality. He released his second CD, Troubadour, this fall. It features a dazzling array of the best of the repertoire for guitar. The works of Barrios, Turina, Bach among others are performed with nuance and sensitivity. Samples can be heard on his website, www.timmaynard.com. His debut CD, The Art for Living is heard around the state on CT Public Radio and around the world on www.Beethoven.com. He has performed throughout the US as a soloist and clinician. His background in instruments other than the classical guitar allow him the chance to play in a wide variety of settings. From regional theater pit orchestras to rock bands to occasional jazz gigs,Tim stays busy performing throughout Connecticut. He is also available as a freelance musician for functions from cocktail parties to weddings. Among his notable accomplishments, Tim provided the sounds of Spain for the Goodspeed Opera House orchestra during the 35th anniversary revival of "Man of La Mancha". He maintains a full roster of students at Summit Studios in Manchester. From 1996-2001, Tim was also a Teaching Artist for the Bushnell's PARTNERS program presenting musical programs for children.
Laura Mazza-Dixon
Laura Mazza-Dixon studied guitar with Kent Sidon, Jerry Willard and David Leisner and assistant taught at the Guitar Workshop in Roslyn Heights, Long Island, before completing a Bachelors of Music in classical guitar from Penn State University, where she studied with Ann Willard. She has taught classical guitar for thirty years, twelve of those using the Suzuki method and is certified to teach Suzuki Books I through VII. She teaches students of all ages at the Windy Hill Guitar Studio in Granby, CT. She and her students perform several times a year in local libraries and bookstores. Her e-mail is mazdxn@aol.com.
In 1992, Laura founded the Granby Family Dance Series, which meets every first Friday at South Church in Granby, CT and the contradance band, Heart's Ease, which plays for the family dances. The series is supported by the Greater Hartford Arts Council's Neighborhood Arts and Heritage Grants, the Granby Education Foundation and the Holcomb Farm Learning Centers. The website is
Thorne Palmer
Thorne is a Suzuki-registered instructor specializing in classical guitar, rock, folk, and pop, with
students ranging in age from 4 years old to adult. He encourages young students to develop
confidence by taking a lead role in their own progress, setting solid goals and working to achieve
them. This is a talent they can apply to their music and to any part of their lives.
Thorne has been a guitar teacher since 1988 and a player since 1980. He studied guitar with Dick
Provost, Judy Handler, Mark Davis, Frank Varela, and Tom Majesky and received a BFA in Music
Composition from the University of Connecticut.
Thorne currently teaches at the Uconn Community Music School for the Arts, the Community Music
School in Northampton, MA and out of his home studio in Amherst, MA. To schedule lessons or for
more information, call 413-230-3290.
Gene Pino
A jazz guitarist who plays classical guitar intertwining elements of both genres. Visit his website at http//:www.genepino.com
Richard Provost
See his homepage
Professor of Guitar, founder, and former chair of the
Guitar Department at the Hartt School of the Performing Arts
Mr. Provost is an active teacher and performer. Upcoming concerts
include performances at: The Hartt School, Miss Porter's School,
and the Taft School.In February, The Goldspiel/Provost Duo
will be touring in the Southeastern United States. Area events
that Mr. Provost will be performing for include UTC's United
Way Campaign and the reception for the Presidential Debate.
Val Ramos
See
his homepage. VAL RAMOS has become one of the finest Flamenco guitarists in the United States. He has three recordings: Olive Green Eyes (1992), Boricuas Flamencos (1995) and Por Mi Camino (2001). A featured artist at international festivals in the United States and Spain, and venues such as the Yale Cabaret, the Village Gate, the Iron Horse, the Regatta Bar and NYU's King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center. He has also been featured in the CPTV documentary Puerto Rican Passages and the WNET-Thirteen (PBS) documentary Nuyoricans. He has been described by Guillermo Christi of Flamenco Connection as "a hidden treasure of Flamenco in the Americas...superb musicianship." Brian Grosjean of Rootsworld.com has described his music as "the best of classical Flamenco brought to modern standards".
Renaldo Guadalupe Álamo
www.renaldoguadalupe.com. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Renaldo Guadalupe Álamo is getting well known in the guitar world not only as a classical guitar performer, but as a composer as well. His CD Incógnita, which includes some of his compositions, has received good critics among important figures in the classical guitar world. Jorge Morel says: “It is a joy to listen to this recording. Mr. Guadalupe has chosen a very attractive program for his new CD, including works of great quality. His interpretation of all the pieces here are played with the quality that these composers deserve. Splendid Performance!” Mr. Guadalupe holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Guitar Performance from the Frost School of Music of the University of Miami. His doctoral dissertation A Compilation of Selected Callisthenic Exercises Designed to Address Specific Technical Aspects in Guitar Performance is considered as a great contribution to the classical guitar world in which he discusses issues like the need of working certain technical exercises for the mechanical improvement of the hands, avoiding serious illnesses such as the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and others. He has studied with important artists such as Leonardo Egúrbida, Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, Roland Dyens, Alirio Díaz, Abel Carlevaro, Norbert Kraft, Antigoni Goni, Ricardo Cobo, Ana María Rosado, Iván Rijos, Carlos Barbosa Lima, Juan Mercadal, René González, Thomas Patterson, and Pepe Romero. He has not only been a well-educated classical guitarist, he has also moved on and explored flamenco guitar studying with Paco Serrano at Córdoba, Spain. He also played for two years with Antonio Santaella Flamenco Dance Company, and taught flamenco guitar at Casa España in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Competing, he won the Third place at the 10th Carrefour Mondiale de la Guitare, Martinique, December 1992; and the Second Prize at the 2erne Prix d’Interprétation des Caraïbes, May 1995. He has played in different parts of Puerto Rico, the United States, México, Venezuela, Martinica and Spain. He was Artist Director, Organizer, and Coordinator of the team that presented the 1st Guitar Festival at Ponce, Puerto Rico in October 2006. He has taught at the University of Arizona, University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Music Conservatory, and at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, among other music institutions. He is currently a faculty member of The Hartt School, Community Division.
James Rickevicius
Lessons available in Jim's private studio in Avon,Connecticut.
All styles. Instructor at Hartt School of Music Community
Division (West Hartford, CT) and at the Community Music School
of Springfield (Springfield MA) Bachelor of Arts, Central
Connecticut State; Studied w/Alan Spriestersbach; performances
include solo and ensemble; guitarist w/CCSU Jazz Band.
Daniel Salazar, Jr.
Daniel Salazar, Jr. has been recognized internationally for his “warm, virtuostic playing” and “truly brilliant” performances. His tours have taken him to prestigious international venues in Rome, Prague, Malta, Vilnius, Warsaw, Spain and Mexico, among others. Daniel has toured Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union as United States Artistic Ambassador and his performances have been broadcast by television and radio stations in ten countries. His recordings sell as far away as Japan. In 2007 Daniel was chosen as one of “the Mayor’s Nine”, a group of Hartford residents recognized for their important contributions to the city. His portrait is on display at Mayor Mike’s Restaurant in Hartford.
Daniel’s debut Compact Disc, “Malagueña!” was released in 1996 and features the premiere recording of Lecuona’s universally famous music, especially arranged for guitar and orchestra. With his second release, titled “Daniel Salazar”, the guitarist introduced a new musical style that combines various musical elements that have influenced his playing. Daniel’s latest
recording “Mosaico”, features an ensemble of guitars, bass, keyboards and percussion playing a unique fusion of Spanish guitar with Latin and World rhythms. . Daniel holds a Master's Degree from the Hartt School of Music and has also studied guitar in Spain. He is a founding member and current Artistic Director for the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society, the largest organization of its type in the country, and is on the faculty at the University of Connecticut and the Hartt School
For additional information, log on to www.danielsalazar.com.
Scott Sanchez
During the past few years American born guitarist, Scott Sanchez has been recognized by audience members, concert presenters and reviewers for his unique artistry and solid musicianship. Steve Marsh of Classical Guitar Magazine, referring to his 2001 debut concert in Derby, England, said, "Scott Sanchez charmed the audience with a well-delivered, musical performance of a well balanced, interesting and entertaining programme." Some of the highlights of Mr. Sanchez's past concert seasons have included recitals and masterclasses for St. Bride's Church (London), Dorset Classical Guitar Society, Lower Makefield Society for the Performing Arts, Tabor Arts Center, Denver Classical Guitar Society, Yale Guitar Extravaganza, and Casper Chamber Music Society.
In 1997 Sanchez released his debut compact disc recording, Preludio!, which includes the music of Lauro, Iznaola, Torroba and Bernstein/Morel. Mr. Sanchez's second CD, Songs and Dances, released in April 2002, includes the music of Sainz De La Maza, Mendelssohn, Morel and Pujol. Sanchez received his Master of Music degree from Yale University. He is currently the head of the guitar program at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire. In addition to performing, he is also active as a freelance writer on music, and has contributed articles to periodicals such as Classical Guitar Magazine and Soundboard Magazine. His website can be accessed at the following address:
www.scottsanchez.com
Tom Schuttenhelm
Tom is an experienced composer, performer, and a committed
teacher. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education
with an emphasis in guitar performance from the College of
Saint Rose in Albany, New York, and a Masters in Music Composition
from the University of Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut.
He is currently pursuing his doctorate in music composition
and guitar performance. He is active as a solo artist and
chamber musician, performing throughout the northeast. His
compositions have been performed by The Gregg Smith Singers,
The University of Hartford Orchestra, The Connecticut Yankee
Chorale, and many other ensembles. He teaches music history
and music composition at The Greater Hartford Academy of the
Performing Arts.
Paul Shumsky
Paul is a versatile jazz guitarist and experienced teacher who relocated to the Hartford area from Boston in 2000. He taught jazz guitar at U Mass Dartmouth for 6 years and was a member of the faculty at South Shore Conservatory in Hingham, MA for 20 years. Paul received a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from New England Conservatory in 1978 and also studied at the Eastman School and Berklee College. His teachers include Gene Bertoncini, Mick Goodrick, Barry Galbraith, Chuck Wayne, Charlie Banacos and Robert Paul Sullivan.
In addition to solo jazz guitar, duo and small ensemble dates, Paul co-managed and recorded two CDs with the Boston-based worldbeat band, Wildest Dreams. Inspired by infectious African and Caribbean dance rhythms, the sextet played over 700 concerts, festivals, clubs, TV and live radio broadcasts from Maine to Aruba between 1989-2000.
For more information on his teaching approach, visit his website: http://www.wildestdreams.com/pages/guitar_lessons.html
Prospective students can read a few testimonials at http://www.wildestdreams.com/pages/recs.html
David Speir
David Speir has a varied musical life. As a guitarist and lutenist he performs both as a soloist, accompanist and in chamber music activities in Connecticut and in New York, and on club dates with a mix of classical and flamenco guitar material. He is also active as a tenor soloist and ensemble singer. David studied guitar with Regino Sainz de la Maza at the Royal Conservatory of Madrid, and with Julio Prol, Jerry Willard and Dennis Koster in New York. He has played in master classes with Manuel Barrueco and Benjamin Verdery, among others. He teaches guitar privately in Greenwich and Darien.
Alan Spriestersbach
Mr. Spriestersbach, an accomplished classical guitarist and
baroque/renaissance lutenist, currently serves as chair for
the guitar department at Hartt School of Music and as President
of the Connecticut Classical Guitar Society. In 1988 at the
age of 38, Alan began a second career as a painter. Within
seven years, his award-winning oils, water colors, and lithographs
gained broad recognition in regional, national, and international
juried shows across the country. Most recently, Alan's works
were chosen from a national field of applicants for a month
long, two-man show exhibited during the 1996 Presidential
Debates at the Bushnell Memorial Hall in Hartford, Connecticut.
Nancy Tucker
Nancy Tucker blends outrageous comedy, spirited guitar instrumentals and moving songs of human experience in her shows for people of all ages. She is the recipient of the Connecticut Songwriter of the Year Award, among many other awards. In addition to winning several competitions she has released seven CDs. She has been performing and writing professionally for 25 years.
David Veslocki
It is no wonder that Benjamin Verdery described David in the following way; "David Veslocki is an example of a new breed of classical guitarists whose musical gifts allow them to excel in several different musical arenas.". David Veslocki is one of the few guitarists today who can really play the great classical literature, and improvise. David graduated from the Eastman School of Music as the Schools first Jazz and Classical guitar double majors, and holds a Masters Degree and Artist Diploma from Yale University.
While at Eastman, "Mr. Veslocki has developed a refined technique, an exquisite tone and a sophistocated sense of style and artistry"- Nicholas Goluses. David focuses primarily on the Lute Suites of J.S. Bach, the complete Etudes of Heitor Villa-Lobos, the works of Toru Takemitsu and Augustin Mangore Barrios in his repetoire. While at the school, David gave a world premier of faculty member Ricardo Muldoon's "Guitango", performed with jazz giants Clark Terry, and Conrad Herwig, was featured soloist with the Eastman Jazz Ensemble, and performed with the Rochester Philharmonic.
David Has received the Elliot Fisk Award while at Yale, an award given to a guitarist who most contributed to the environment of Yale University, who possesses a great technique and Artistry. Also while at Yale, David collaborated with several of his peers and John Adams, putting on a performance of Adams' "Scratchband" at the Beinecke Rare Books Library. David Performed in masterclasses while at Yale for Elliot Fisk, Sharon Isbin, Anthony Newman, the Eden-Stell Duo, Jose Cabanero, Fred Hand, and Frank Tirro. David World Premiered "10,000 Cranes" a piece for studio orchestra and electric guitar by composer Pete Wier in Avery Fisher hall in 06. David Also performed the Vivaldi Guitar Concerto, with the Giovanni Solisti Orchestra in 2007.
As a Jazz and studio guitarist David has performed many times at the Hartford Jazz Festival, the Litchfield Jazz Festival, Hartford Jazz and Roses, and won best New Pop Rock Band with his group "Groove Brewery" in 2000. David was featured on the front page of the Hartford courant at the age of 14 with his band Funk Brothers United, with whom he performed on the same bill as Kool and the Gang, and the Average White Band. David also performed with Derek Trucks from the Allman Brothers. David Performed the music of Fred Frith at the Stone in NYC with the Dither Electric guitar quartet. David Performed in a club in London while touring their at the age of 14, holding his own with London's established Jazz Musicians.
David has been a part of week long recording sessions in the mid west for political pop musician BJ Bleu, doing all of the guitar work for the album "American Salvation". David has performed in Maui, Hawaii at the Annual Ben Verdery "Guitar Love Event", and will live in Siena for a month this summer performing and studying.
David Currently teaches at Conard High School and the Community Music School. David Will perform the Ponce Guitar Concerto with the Hartford Symphony in 2009 on Valentines Day. David complete and total thanks to God, to whom he knows all things are made possible.
Website: www.DavidVeslocki.com
Myspace: www.Myspace.com/davidveslocki
Erin Vivero
Erin Vivero graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies. After one year at UCSB she won an Artsbridge scholarship which places college music students in the public school system to further enhance their education in teaching while assisting and supporting the music programs and teachers at those schools. Before returning to Connecticut she spent five weeks abroad with the Adriatic Chamber Music Festival performing in venues throughout Italy. Currently she has a private studio of flute students that she enjoys teaching and works full time as the Operations Manager of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. She has performed with the Manchester Symphony Orchestra, Charter Oak Flutes, and throughout the state as a soloist. She is continuing her flute studies with Greig Shearer through The Hartt School, University of Hartford.
Alexander Vlassenkov
Mr. Vlassenkov teaches guitar at Neighborhood Music School in New Haven and at Springfield Music School. He earned two Master's degrees from Guildhall School of Music and drama in London (UK) and Belarus Academy of music, Minsk. Alex has performed recitals and concerts all over - former USSR, UK, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and more recently in the USA. He released three CD's that include his original compositions. Guitarist/teacher/composer. More information may be found on his website.
