Our faculty is the foundation of the National Guitar Workshop. These men and women are professional musicians from around the country who are hand-selected based on their extensive musical accomplishments and their passion for teaching. Our teachers have performed with a diverse group of artists such as 3 Doors Down, the Wailers, Buddy Miles, Dave Brubeck, Buddy Guy, and Zakk Wylde. A number of our faculty teach at colleges and universities throughout the country. Many of our teachers are also published authors of industry leading instructional books and music magazines. [+] top
Multi-instrumentalist Seth Austen plays acoustic guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo, specializing in American roots styles including fingerpicking blues, bottleneck, bluegrass and old time country flatpicking, also European folk music such as Celtic, klezmer, Balkan and Scandinavian. Seth regularly performs with duo partner Beverly Woods, has written various instructional books for Mel Bay, recorded, produced and played on over 50 albums, and composed music for films. In 1981, Seth was a triple winner at the prestigious Walnut Valley National Flatpicking Championships, Winfield, KS, placing in fingerstyle guitar, mandolin and fretted dulcimer categories.
Website: www.sethausten.com
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Guitarist Mike Baggetta is one of his generations most original jazz improvisers and composers. He has performed and/or recorded with Tom Harrell, Conrad Herwig, Ralph Bowen, Adam Kolker, George Schuller, Jeff Hirshfield, Tony Reedus, Steve LaSpina, Bucky Pizzarelli and Ruth Brown among many others. Baggetta recently received an ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award for his compositional talent, and the first album of his works for the Mike Baggetta Quartet - "Small Spaces" - has recently been released on the Fresh Sound New Talent label. Mike currently lives in New York City and is an endorsing artist for D'Addario Strings and Evans Custom Amplifiers.
Website: www.mikebaggetta.com
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Jeff Beasley holds degrees in Music and Classical guitar, and is a prolific educator, top columnist, popular workshop and clinic instructor, and writes the highly popular "Lethal Guitar" column for Premier Guitar magazine. Jeff has worked with some of the biggest names in shred guitar. Music For the World magazine calls Jeff, "an American virtuoso." Jeff is endorsed by Dean guitars, RKS guitars, THD amps, Peavey amps, Dimarzio pick-ups, and Keeley effects.
Website: www.guitarsource3.com
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Roni Ben-Hur has recorded seven albums as a leader and has performed with such jazz luminaries as Barry Harris, Chris Anderson, Rufus Reid, Walter Booker, Cecil Pain, Earl May, Clark Terry, and Etta Jones. His Mel-Bay instructional book, Talk Jazz Guitar, has received critical acclaim. His 1998 release Sofia's Butterfly earned him the title, "Best New Artist," in the Jazziz Annual Reader's poll, and 2001's bop-oriented Anna's Dance was selected by award-winning critic Gary Giddins as "One of The Best Jazz CD's of 2001." Ben-Hur's recording "Keepin' it Open" in 2007, initiated this new Jazz Therapy series on Motema Music.
Website: www.ronibenhur.com
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Bret Boyer has over 21 years of teaching experience. He has five CD’s to his credit, as well as a book and video on arranging for guitar.
Website: www.bretboyer.com
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Freddie Bryant began playing guitar at the age of 8, and received his Masters degree from the Yale School of Music. He is now on the faculty of Williams College, and Prins claus Conservatory in Groningen, Holland.
Website: www.freddiebryant.com
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Aurelien Budynek is a New York City performer, session musician and teacher. He has been featured in many major festivals, and travels the country playing on multiple projects. he has shared the stage with Cindy Blackman, Meshell Ndegeocello, Terri Lyne Carrington, among others. Aurelien graduated, under scholarship, from the Berklee College of Music. In addition, he is a guitar transcriber for Hal Leonard Corp. and a DiMarzio pickups endorsee.
Website: www.myspace.com/aurelienbudynek
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Tomas Cataldo is a session guitarist, educator, and an endorsee/clinician for Brian Moore guitars, GHS Strings, Rocktron, and Sebelius.
Website: www.tomascataldo.com
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Reggie Chavez has years of experience performing, educating, and recording. Originally from Southern California, he now lives, performs, and teaches in Phoenix, AZ.
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Blake Colie is a very active drummer in the Los Angeles music scene. He continues to tour the United States extensively with different bands and ensembles. Blake is currently a Ubiquity Records artists with the Funk/Regge/Rare-Groove band The Lions and a featured producer/composer with Blacktoast Music. He graduated from Calarts in 1998 with his BFA and in 2000 with his MFA, both degrees in Music Performance Studies.
Website: www.blakesbeats.com
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Brian Coogan, is a pianist and composer, currently living in New Orleans, where he plays with his band, The Brian Coogan Quartet, as well as with bands such as Maelstrom, and the David Mooney Organ Trio.
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One of the top performers in contemporary soul & blues, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Murali Coryell has been acclaimed by CNN, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, Guitar Player Magazine, Elmore, and Blues Revue. Murali has toured with B.B. King, played with Buddy Guy and will perform at SXSW 2009.
Website: www.muralicoryell.com
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Mike Cramer is an active performer and educator living in Minneapolis, MN. He co-owns All 12 Notes, LLC, a music school in St. Paul, and specializes in performing jazz, blues, and folk guitar.
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Grammy Award winning soprano Ilana Davidson is known for her assured musicality and interpretive insight and shimmering soprano voice. Davidson has sung operas, recitals, and oratorios throughout the United States and Europe. She has sung at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Halls in New York City. Ms. Davidson is a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music. She was a vocal fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center and a participant in the Aston Magna Early Music Academy. Davidson is certified in the Vocal Behavior Method and enjoys working with a variety of singers at the National Guitar Workshop.
Website: www.ilanadavidson.com
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Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood are the award winning nationally acclaimed folk’n’roll duo, Wishing Chair. They have six CD’s on the Terrakin label and co-authored Songwriting for Beginners for NGW/Alfred.
Website: www.wishingchair.com
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Jim D’Amboise, guitarist, performer and educator, has been a member of the NGW Faculty since 2002. Jim teaches lessons and ensembles at Buckdancer's Choice School of Music, and has just released a new album entitled "JD's Sonic Arcade." He has performed throughout the northeast and has opened for countless artists including, The Wailers, Toots, and the Maytals and Third World.
Website: www.jimdamboise.com
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Tom Dempsey, a NYC performer and studio artist, has toured extensively, taught at Rutgers and SUNY New Paltz, and has worked with musicians such as Jim Hall, Dave Brubeck, and Bobby McFerrin. He is the NGW Dean of Music, Director of the NGW Jazz Summit, and has authored books published by NGW/Alfred. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
Website: www.tomdempseymusic.com
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Carlo DeRosa has been part of the New York jazz scene since 1993. He has performed with Ravi Coltrane, Ray Barretto, Ingrid Jensen, and Vijay Iyer.
Website: www.carloderosa.com
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Bruce Donnola has performed in New York for more than 25 years, and has released 5 albums of original music in that time. He is a BMI affiliated writer, and has opened for musicians such as Pete Seeger.
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Grammy Award winning drummer Ernie Durawa has performed with such diverse artists as Delbert McClinton, Johnny Lee Hooker, Herb Ellis, Pat Martino, Willie Nelson, and the Texas Tornados. He has appeared on Saturday Night Live and Austin City Limits. He has taught for the National Guitar Workshop, Austin Guitar School, and Texas State University. He was recently inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame.
Website: www.erniedurawa.com
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Mark Dziuba is an active performing guitarist, an assistant professor at SUNY New Paltz, and has shared the stage with the likes of John Scofield, John Abercrombie, and Dewey Redman. He is the author of numerous books for Alfred Publishing and has lessons available online at Workshoplive.com.
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A permanent member of the Lionel Hampton Big Band since 1997, bassist Christian Fabian released 4 CD's as a band leader after founding his own band in 2005. He graduated with a degree in performance and Film scoring Magna Cum Laude in the year 2000 from Berklee College of Music in Boston. He also studied with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Billy Taylor, Mike Longo and other Jazz Greats. Mr. Fabian has performed with such jazz notables as Jon Hendricks, Jimmy Owens, Gary Burton, Elvin Jones, Cheryl Bentyne , Ed Thigpen, Makoto Ozone, Chaka Khan, Bob Mintzer, Gloria Gaynor and others.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/christianfabian
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Casandra Faulconer has been funking up the bottom end of the New Orleans music scene for almost 11 years now. Her recent concert and recorded performances include appearances with Papa Mali, Charmaine Neville, Eric Lindell, and many others.
Website: www.casandrafaulconer.com
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Bassist Tim Ferguson has performed and/or recorded with a wide range of well known jazz musicians including: Eddie Harris, Tony Scott, Mel Lewis, George Cables, Vanessa Rubin, John Abercrombie and Don Friedman. He has performed extensively with a variety of groups throughout the U.S. and Europe. Ferguson began teaching at NGW in 1989 and has been an adjunct faculty member for numerous colleges and universities over the years. He is co-author of The Total Jazz Bassist published by Alfred.
Website: www.timfergusonmusic.com
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Jody Fisher has traveled and played guitar professionally for over 30 years in virtually all styles of music. In addition to authoring over 17 books on jazz guitar, he has written instructional material for most of the major guitar publications in the US. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
Website: www.jodyfisher.com
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Mark Gamsjager, who has shared the stage with such guitar greats as Bill Kirchen, Eddie Angel, Graham Tichy, and Dace Gonzalez, has toured coast-to-coast with his band, The Lustre Kings.
Website: www.lustrekings.com
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Ed Gerhard is one of the most respected figures in the fingerstyle scene. From sold-out tours of Japan to headlining guitar festivals in Europe, Ed’s instantly recognizable sound has touched audiences worldwide.
Website: www.virtuerecords.com
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Jane Getter is one of the most exciting and innovative guitarist/composers on the scene today. She played in the Saturday Night Live Band, performed, recorded and toured with many great artists including Jack McDuff, Lenny White, Jaimoe, Ursala Dudziak, and many others. Signed to Alternity Records, her band has 2 CD's out and performs in the NYC area and internationally.
Website: www.janegetter.com
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Julian Gray is on the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. He teaches guitar, guitar history and literature and coaches chamber music. Gray is also recognized as one of the outstanding performers on the current music scene, and has performed for all of the major guitar series in the country.
Website: www.peabody.jhu.edu/413
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Dennis Gruenling has played harmonica with such blues greats as Hubert Sumlin, B.B. King, and Pinetop Perkins, as well as with his own band Jump Time. He has taught Blues Harmonica for more than 12 years, and has been published in Real Blues Magazine and The American Harmonica Newsletter.
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Nathaniel Gunod has been an instructor at NGW and various colleges including the Peabody Conservatory of Music. He is the author of Classical Guitar for Beginners, the editor of Scott Tenants Pumping Nylon, and the founder and Artistic Director of the NGW Classical Summit.
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Ted Hall has taught and performed the blues throughout the US and Europe. He is the Music Director of the Austin Guitar School and teaches blues guitar at The University of Texas.
Website: www.tedhallandthepleasurecats.com
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David Hamburger is a contributing editor to Acoustic Guitar Magazine and the host of numerous videos for Truefire.com and Homespun Tapes. His most recent book is "The Acoustic Guitar Fingerstyle Method."
Website: davidhamburger.com
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Geoff Hartwell has toured internationally and is a long-time faculty member of the Northern Westchester Center for the Arts. He is endorsed by Hamer Guitars and sponsored by Sam Ash Music. Geoff recently released new CD called Stranger. He also has lessons available on WorkshopLive.com.
Website: www.geoffhartwell.com
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Chris Haugen is a seasoned an innovative performer, experienced with guitar, lap steel, and mandolin. Known mostly for his work for the critically acclaimed touring band, Jambay. Chris has played with Taj Mahal, J.J. Cale, Vince Welnick, and many others.
Website: www.chrishaugen.net
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Rich Hinman is New York-based guitarist and pedal steel player. He has toured with major-label artists Teddy Thompson and Erin McKeown and works with numerous local bands and songwriters.
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James Hogan, talented performer, educator, and studio musician, has worked with a wide array of artists such as Dave Brubeck, Al Jorgensen, Matt Mercado, and Buddy Miles.
Website: www.jameshogan.net
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Greg Horne is a talented performer, musician, songwriter, and educator. His credits include the three-volume Complete Acoustic Guitar method, published by NGW/Alfred. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
Website: www.greghornemusic.com
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Award winning rock guitarist Tobais Hurwitz has written 13 books on guitar and released three instrumental rock CD's. His products are distributed nationwide at stores like Borders, Barnes & Nobel, Guitar Center, and iTunes. Hurwitz has worked with many of the top players in the industry and is an M.A.C.E. artists in affiliation with Michael Angelo Batio. He has invented the first musical note speedometer for guitar - The Shred-o-Meter! Hurwitz is endorsed by PRS Guitars and Ernie Ball Strings.
Website: www.tobiashurwitz.com
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Adam Issadore is a professional drummer from NYC, who received his BM from the William Paterson University. He has performed with Carlo Restivo, Wyclef Jean, and the Miles Griffith Quartet. He has toured and performed in the U.S. and in Europe.
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Harry Jacobson, a performer and educator, has been a NGW faculty member since 1986. He has toured internationally and is endorsed by many companies including: Dimarzio, Brian Moore, Reverend, Lava cables, Hermida Zen Drive and Cabinets. Harry resides in Oreland, PA (Philly burb) where he teaches privately and also has lessons available on WorkshopLive.com.
Website: www.harryj.net
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Sunny Jain is an internationally respected drummer, composer and educator. He has performed with Joey Baron, Marc Cary, Roy Hargrove, Norah Jones, Q-Tip, Dewey Redman, Martha Wainwright and the sufi-rock band, Junoon. He also leads his Indo-Jazz group, Sunny Jain Collective and the dhol 'n' brass band, Red Baraat Festival.
Website: www.sunnyjain.com
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Pat Johnson is the author of Beginning Figerstyle: Arranging and Technique for Guitar and has released two independent CDs. "Pat Johnson knows a thing or two about style. The blues loving singer-songwriter from Brockville clean finger-style guitar gives the bluesier material a Mississippi John Hurt sort of charm and his lyrics are humorous and entertaining. Would surely make even Taj Mahal crack a smile." -Brent Hagerman, Exclaim!
Website: www.patjohnson.ca
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John Knowles has played fingerstyle and classical guitar with Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Lenny Breau and the Romero Family. He has won 2 Grammy Nominations and one Emmy Nomination for his work, and currently writes the FingerStyle Quarterly.
Website: www.johnknowles.com
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David Koltai is the President of Pigtronix Futuristic Analog Technology, a company focused on creating effects that have not yet been heard, rather than focusing on emulation of “vintage” sounds.
Website: www.pigtronix.com/about.htm
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Bill Kratz, electric bassist and educator, has over 15 years teaching experience and has performed and recorded with numerous artists including Dennis Chambers, Samir Chatterjee, Eric Wollman, Sanjay Mishra, and Gary Hoey among others. Bill has taught, performed, and recorded worldwide in countries such as Kenya, Kosovo, Denmark, and Nepal. Bill endorsess Overwater Electric Basses.
Website: www.billkratz.net
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Rick Landwehr is a drummer, educator and composer based in Boston, MA. He is a Berklee College of Music graduate. Rick is currently performing with The Boston Jazz Trio, Daniel Bennett Group, his original fusion band Tamandua and Colin Stack & Novelty Act as well as doing freelance work around metro Boston. His piece "The Rainbow Path" for string quartet was recently licensed for use in the upcoming film Rochdale. Rick is a proud endorser of Vic Firth stick sticks and brushes.
Website: www.ricklandwehr.net
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Andrew Leonard, solo guitarist, has been called “a guitar phenomenon” by the Portland Phoenix of Maine. He runs the guitar program at the University of Kentucky’s School of Music.
Website: www.andrew-leonard.com
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Lisa Lim is a 2008 WAMA nominated singer, song writer, and multi instrumentalist based out of Central Virginia. She has toured extensively, performed solo, in duos, and various bands throughout the past two decades performing all styles of music. She currently is gigging with three projects and operating her music instructional program, " Lim's Music." Her bands perform blues funk, roots, rockin' original jams, and much more. Lisa is returning to NGW's McLean, Va. campus for her second year teaching blues core and special interest classes.
Website: www.lisalimmusic.com
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Simon Lott is currently the drummer in the Charlie Hunter Trio. He has performed with Rex Richardson, Joseph Motter, Nathaniel Prince Ans, Patrick Cronin, Adam Levy, Robert Nash, Tommy Sciple, and Micah Blouin. He also teaches drums part-time at the University of New Orleans.
Website: www.simonlott.com
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Jason Louglin is a sought after sideman, currently playing with Lesley Gore, and has also maintained a successful solo project. The Jason Loughlin Trio is an all-original country/jazz group that shows off his unique voice on the Telecaster.
Website: www.myspace.com/orangeslicemusic
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Lou Manzi is a veteran faculty member who performs regularly throughout the Northeast with fellow NGW teacher Rob Fletcher. Lou was proud to be selected as one of the first Workshoplive instructors. He has recorded lessons for beginner guitar, as well as intermediate acoustic.
Website: www.fletchermanzi.com
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Canadian guitar sensation Dave Martone has performed with such icons as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Greg Howe, Jennifer Batten, and Chad Kroeger. His discography includes 6 studio albums, 2 live conert DVD's as well as countless compilation albums. Martone has also done a series of special guitar videos with WorkshopLive.com as the host of "The Satch Zone" with Joe Satriani. Dave is an educator and clinician for The National Guitar Workshop, Workshop LIve, Parker Guitars, Digitech Processing, and Vox Amplification.
Website: www.davemartone.com
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Martha Masters has won multiple international classical guitar competitions, including the 200 Guitar Foundation of American International Concert Artist Competition. She currently teaches at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and on WorkshopLive.com
Website: www.marthamasters.com
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Dennis McCumber has been a guitar instructor and performer for more than 20 years. he holds a Bachelor's degree in music education from The College of Saint Rose. Dennis performs regularly in the New York City area with various Rock, Blues, and Funk bands. In addition to performing, Dennis has been a middle school music teacher in the Bronx for the past 10 years.
Website: www.dennismccumber.com
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Jeff McErlain is a NYC-based guitarist, producer, songwriter and instructor. As well as many performance credits, Jeff is endorsed by DiMarzio Pickups, Bogner Amps, Suhr Guitars and THD electronics. His new instrumental CD will be available this spring on Grooveyard Records.
Website: www.jeffmcerlain.com
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Jared Meeker has established a unique voice and style of guitar music. In 1998, he graduated from Cal Arts, where he studied composition, world music, jazz, classical, and studio production. He has written music for film, TV, composed music for two ballets, and produced several CD's. He has established Spiderfingers Guitar Studio in Valencia and has written several books on guitar concepts. He has taught at the National Guitar Workshop and seminars at USC, Loyola, SPU in Seattle, and MTSU in Tennessee, as well as classes through AVC and UCLA colleges. His new release, "Arachnodactyl," is an eclectic expression into the instrumental rock music that influenced his musical journey.
Website: www.jaredmeeker.net
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Russ Meissner Drummer Russ Meissner has performed with diverse artists including John Abercrombie, Bill Charlap, Norah Jones, Marian McPartland, Joe Wilder, Dick Hyman, John Scofield, Jim Campilongo and many others. He is currently involved with several projects including the Jack Grace Band, the Sean Smith Quartet, Gowanus Reggae and Ska Society (G.R.A.S.S.).
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Mike Michalkow has been performing, recording, and teaching drums and percussion for over 18 years. He currently plays and endorses Yamaha Drums, Sabian cymbals, and Vic Firth drum sticks. He is also a clinician on the Yamaha electronic and acoustic line.
Website: www.mikemichalkow.com
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Amanda Monaco has been an NGW faculty member since 1994, and she has been playing concerts and festivals touring the US and Europe for over 12 years. As a leader, Monaco fronts her own jazz quartet, which performs original compositions with post-bop mixed with the avant-garde as well as Middle-Eastern flavors and co-leads the jazz quintet, Playdate, which incorporates modern twists into a hard-bop, bluesy sensibility. The author of Jazz Guitar for the Absolute Beginner (Alfred Publishing), Monaco also has lessons on workshoplive.com.
Website: www.amandamonaco.com
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Ron Oswanski has performed with some of the most renowned musicians in jazz and contemporary music, including Dave Samuels, Maynard Ferguson, Jack Wilkins, Milt Hinton, Sheryl Bailey Trio, Tim Ries & The Rolling Stones Project, John Corbet Band, Dave Bergers Sultans of Swing, The Temptations, and Aretha Franklin to name a few. His touring credits include: world tours with Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau, and national touring with Blood, Seat, and Tears. Also an accomplished composer, two of Oswanski's compositions on Maynard Ferguson's "Brass Attitude" album received praise in TIME magazine, Jazz Times, and Wind Player magazine. Ron's first solo project, produced by Tim Ries, is scheduled to be released in late 2009.
Website: www.ronoswanski.com
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Dave Overthrow has authored 10 books for the electric bass, all published by Alfred, including The Complete Electric Bass Method and The Total Jazz Bassist. He has also filmed 3 instructional DVD's, filmed 60 video lessons for WorkshopLive, served as staff writer for Bass Guitar Magazine, and has a forum on Talkbass.com. Dave's performance credits include Stanley Clarke, Mike Stern, Frank Gambale, Trey Anastasio, SOnny Landreth, and he has also recorded two full length CD's with the Dave Overthrow Band.
Website: www.daveoverthrow.com
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Chris Parrello is a Brooklyn based instructor who has been a workshop mainstay for much of the past decade. He has performed/recorded with master musicians such as Bob Mintzer, Michael Wolf, Barry Greene, and Aaron Scott, and at world famous venues such as The Blue Note, Birdland, and Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club at Lincoln Center.
Website: www.chrisparrello.com
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Jeff Peretz has recorded and performed in many different styles in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. He currently performs with Abu Gara, The Rafael Cruz Band, and Bat-Sheva, and is the author of Zen and the Art of Guitar and Guitar Atlas: The Middle East published by NGW/Alfred. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
Website: jeffperetz.com
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Kim Perlak is a classical guitarist, teacher, and performance scholar in the field of American Music. Kim teaches at Austin Community College and the Austin Guitar School and has been a faculty member at the National Guitar Workshop for nine years.
Website: www.austinguitarschool.com/Pages/perlak.htm
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Ricardo Poza is a flutist, composer, lecturer, and a geek. He is also a graduate from Berklee College of Music in Film Scoring and Music Therapy. Ricardo currently works in IT at Berklee College of Music and freelances as a music consultant for Boston based musicians. He lives outside of Boston with his wife, children and two murderous cats.
Website: http://ricardopoza.info
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Shawn Purcell is currently working on his DMA in Jazz Studies and is the Jazz Guitar TA at the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana. Shawn did his undergraduate work at Duquesne University and upon graduating spent 2 years traveling as the guitarist for the Ringling Bros. Circus. Shawn then spent 8 years in Washington D.C. as a member of the U.S. Air Force's premiere jazz band, The Airmen of Note. During his tenure with "The Note" Shawn traveled to over 20 countries and played at many major music festivals throughout the United States, including IAJE and PASIC and performed with artists such as Jeanie Bryson, Jim Pugh, Chip McNeill, Eddie Daniels, Chuck Redd, Gene Ludwig, Jerry Bergonzi and many others. While in Washington D.C. Shawn was also on the George Mason University Jazz Faculty. After his tenure with "The Note" Shawn spent 3 years in Nashville, TN where he received his Master's Degree and taught Jazz Guitar and Jazz Improvisation at Middle Tennessee State University. Shawn endorses D'Addario strings and Weber VST speakers and can be heard on Professor Chip McNeill's upcoming CD "The Whirl" scheduled for release in the summer.
Website: www.shawnpurcell.com
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Steve Raleigh, guitarist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, teachers music as an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Orange County, is on staff at the National Guitar Workshop, Rock Camp, and is senior music instructor at Imperial Guitar Music School in Newburgh, NY. He is also owner and operator of LWR Productions Recording Studio, has over 11 projects on his label and has worked with such artists as Judi Silvano, October Project, Evelyn Blakey, Nick Brignola, Matt Garrison and Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan).
Website: www.steveraleigh.com
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Tobias Ralph began playing drums at the age of 4, and was the recipient of the first Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship Award, while in high school, as well as the first Yamaha Young Performing Artist Recognition Award, while a student at the Berklee College of Music. He has toured the United States and Europe with the broadway hit “Movin’ Out” and is currently a faculty member at the Collective in New York City.
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Sharon Ray is a long-time NGW faculty member who resides, teaches, and performs in Los Angeles. She is the author of Bass for Beginners published by NGW/Alfred. Sharon also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
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Jam Summit Director, Brian Seeger, is an integral part of New Orleans' vibrant music community. His fluid and rich tone, searching melodic improvisations, and gritty funkiness have led to his recognition as "One of New Orleans' best jazz guitarists," by the local music media. His recording and performance credits include Stanton Moore, Charlie Hunter, Big John Patton, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Chris Wood, Jason Marsalis, John Ellis, Brian Blade, and many others. When not on the road or in the studio, Brian is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of New Orleans.
Website: www.brianseeger.com
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Drummer Jeff "Siege" Siegel performed and/or recorded with a diverse group of jazz artists including Kenny Burrell, Sir Roland Hanna, Ron Carter, Benny Golson, Frank Wess, Pat Metheny, and Steve Turre. He is the leader of The Jeff "Siege" Siegel Quartet and co-leader of the trio Czech/US Out as well as the Stevens, Siegel & Ferguson Trio. Jeff is also on the faculty of S.U.N.Y. at New Paltz as well as Western Connecticut State University and is an endorsing artists for Vic Firth Drumsticks.
Website: www.jeffsiegeljazz.com
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Matt Smith is a veteran NYC performer, recording artist, session musician, educator and columnist whose articles have appeared in Guitar Player magazine. He has toured the US, Canada, and Europe and is a clinician for Hamer and Ovation Guitars. His book, Matt Smith’s Chop Shop for Guitar, published by NGW/Alfred, is a distillation of this exciting class.
Website: www.mattsmithsworld.com
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Scott Smith has remained a dedicated musician and bona fide guitar junkie for more than two decades. This native Texan has weaved his way through a variety of musical styles ranging from Progressive Heavy rock to Country. Scott is playing regularly with the icehouse band “Bitter Creek” and teaching privately at his home. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
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Dr. Ray Smolover is the author of The Singer’s Handbook, Vocal Behavior Analysis and Modification and Sing Your Best, book and DVD, published by NGW. His private practice in New York City includes many famous singers.
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Richy Stano is an original member of Mindwalk, a contemporary jazz group that’s released two CD’s and opens for groups like Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, The Yellowjackets, B.B. King, Steel Pulse, Joan Osbourne, Larry Coryell, Widespread Panic, and the Roots.
Website: www.myspace.com/richystanomindwalk
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Ken Steiger is a GIT instructor and has taught at MI since 1997. Ken is currently playing shows in the Southern California area with his band “Project Steiger,” recently opening for acts such as: George Lynch, Pat Travers, Dick Dale, and Rob Balducci. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
Website: www.steiger.rockguitar.net
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Pete Sweeney has been an instructor at the National Guitar Workshop since 1993. He has studied privately with Joe Morello and has recorded and performed with many great national acts such as Andy Summers, Dan Toler, Mick Goodrick, and Duke Robillard. Pete is a ful-time touring musician who performs music from every style, including rock, jazz, blues, salsa, and big band. He has written twelve critically acclaimed instructional books and three dvds for the National Guitar Workshop and the Alfred publishing company.
Website: www.petesweeney.net
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Terry Syrek’s credits include appearances with the Trans Siberian Orchestra, articles in Guitar Player Magazine, the book Shred is Not Dead, and the video of the same title.
Website: www.terrysyrek.com
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Drummer, Dave Tiede, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the University of Northern Iowa and has performed with many greats, including Kenny Werner, Cuong Vu, Clark Terry, Bobby Shew, Corey Christiansen, Jeff Coffin, and many more. While maintaining an active performance schedule, Dave has also appeared on multiple albums, UNI Jazz Band One's, "Destination Unknown," and "Renovation," Group X's "Kick the Can," and a new record with the Vagabonds Living a Dream Trio. Dave is an active educator, speaker, and clinician.
Website: www.davetiede.com
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Guitarist Gary Tu has performed across the US and UK and is a staple of the Chicago Jazz Community. The Gary Tu Trio can be heard in many jazz festivals throughout the Midwest, and his current release, Look East, has welcomed critical acclaim. "Tu has a clear, crisp tone, without any fusion or rock effects, and he's a fine one-note picker, adept at finding new melodies. And he swings." - Cadence Magazine.
Website: www.garytu.com
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Aside from his duties as a performer, Mr. Vieaux is highly dedicated to the art of teaching. He currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is Head of the Cleveland Institute of Music Guitar Department, the youngest Department Head to serve at the prestigious conservatory. He is also affiliated with Philadelphia-based Astral Artists.
Website: http://www.jasonvieaux.com
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Tracy Walton is a bassist comfortable playing in nearly any style. He received a degree in Jazz Performance from the Hartford Conservatory, and currently plays with the Tracy Walton Jazz Trio, and Rockwell Blues. Tracy is a teacher at the Kent School and Marvelwood School, and has written two instructional books for Alfred Publishing.
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Pete Weise is an educator and performer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He holds degrees in jazz performance from the University of North Texas and is Associate Professor of Jazz Guitar at Collin College. Weise performs regularly with his jazz/fusion quartet and quintet in the D/FW area and has been on the faculty of NGW since 2000.
Website: www.peteweise.com
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Mark Yodice is a guitarist and composer who lives and performs in the NYC area. He is currently recording a follow up to his recording of original music for solo guitar, June Again.
Website: www.myspace.com/markyodice
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Zach Zuchowski been teaching guitar for over 14 years and has been the main songwriter and member of several different bands including his current band Odenwrath. His former band Cauldron was the opening act for many acclaimed Metal artists such as In Flames, Arch Enemy, Nevermore, and Malevolent Creation. Currently Zach resides in Stockholm, Sweden and teaches guitar lessons full-time.
Website: www.odenwrath.com
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