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
Seth Austen is a nationally recognized acoustic multi-instrumentalist who composes and plays diverse styles from traditional Appalachian and Celtic dance music to Eastern European Klezmer, bottleneck blues, and jazz.
Website: www.sethausten.com
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Jeff Beasley holds B.A. degrees in Music and Classical Guitar, and writes the “Lethal Guitar” column for Premier Guitar, published monthly. Jeff has 31 years of teaching experience and is an endorsee of RKS guitars, THD Amplifiers, Dimarzio pickups, in Tune Guitar Picks and Keeley effects.
Website: www.guitarsource3.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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Chris Buono is an acclaimed avant/jazz-rock guitarist and guitar audio innovator. Chris can be heard on such diverse labels as Lava, LNR, Lion Music, E-Magic, RKM/Kindred, and MPT. Buono is a professor at Berklee College of Music and has taught at NGW for the last eight years. Chris has authored the Workshop Arts/Alfred book Jazz Lead Guitar Solos.
Website: www.chrisbuono.com
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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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Angus Clark has played with groups such as the Grammy Nominated Kitaro, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He also has recorded his own solo album Grace Period, and works as a guitarist and producer in New York.
Website: http://www.angusclark.com
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Blake Colie is a drum instructor for the National Guitar Workshop.
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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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Murali Coryell has been the supporting act for such artists as B.B. King, Gregg Allman, Wilson Pickett, and George Thorogood and has been featured on CNN.
Website: www.wild-rose.com/blues/murali
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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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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, guitarists, performer and educator, is a veteran member of the NGW Faculty. Jim teaches at Buck-dancers Choice School of Music, performs throughout the Northeast and has shared the stage with countless artists including The Wailers, and 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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Ernie Durawa began playing drums at the age of 10 and has performed with Bonnie Raitt, Herb Ellis, Pat Martino, Willie Nelson, and the Texas Tornados, to name just a few, as well as appeared on Saturday Night Live and Austin City Limits. He has also been a Grammy Award Participant with the Texas Tornadoes and Flaco Jimenez.
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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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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Tim Ferguson is a bassist who has performed throughout the world with a wide variety of jazz artists including Don Friedman, George Cables, Vanessa Rubin and the Village Vanguard Orchestra. He is the co-author of The Total jazz Bassist and has recorded lessons on line for WorkshopLive.com.
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, both a guitarist and composer, has performed with Joe Lovano, Richie Beirach, Kenny Barron, Jack Wilkins, Slide Hampton, Melba Liston, and many others. Jane has been featured in Guitar Player Magazine’s Sessions section, and her band can be seen playing in the New York City area and other spots around the country.
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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Tobias Hurwitz divides his time between music journalism, guitar performance, and music education. He endorses Paul Reed Smith guitars, Ernie Ball strings, and Budda Amplification. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
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,
Website: www.harryj.net
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Sunny Jain is an internationally recognized drummer and composer. He plays with his original band, Sunny Jain Collective, and has also worked as a side man at Madison Square Garden, the Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. In 2003 and 2005, Sunny was the recipient of the Arts International Award, and the Chamber Music America New Works grant in 2006.
Website: www.sunnyjain.com
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Pat Johnson has been an instructor at NGW since 1999 and published Beginning Fingerstyle Arranging and Technique published by NGW/Alfred.
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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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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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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Dave Martone has toured, performed, and hosted clinics with the like of 3 Doors Down, Steve Morse, Jennifer Batten, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, and Joe Satriani. Dave is endorsed by Parker Guitars, Vox Amplification, Digitech Processing, GHS strings, Radial Engineering Products, and Cakewalk Recording Software. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com
Website: www.davemartone.com
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Martha Masters is a 1st-Prize winner of the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America competition. She also teaches at Loyola Marymount University and tours extensively throughout the US and abroad. She also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
Website: www.marthamasters.com
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Dennis McCumber is an educator and performer, as well as the author of Funk Guitar Styles published by NGW/Alfred. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
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 is a winner of the Washburn Acoustic Guitar Competition and placed 2nd in Southern California’s Guitar Wars. He has scored music for film, TV, and the ballet, and his playing appears on platinum selling recordings. Jared endorses TTR Instruments. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
Website: www.spiderfingers.com
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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 is an award-winning pianist and has played and composed for musicians ranging from Maynard Ferguson to Aretha Franklin.
Website: www.ronoswanski.com
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Dave Overthrow has taught at the workshop since its inception in 1983, and has since performed with Stanley Clarke, Mike Stern, Frank Gambale, Zakk Wylde, and others. He has authored seven books for the bass, along with contributing to Bass Guitar Magazine and other publications. He also has lessons available on Workshoplive.com.
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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Shawn Purcell has played with his own band, Late Edition, as well as been the guitarist for the Air Force Jazz Band, the Airmen of Note. Purcell has played with such musicians as Herbie Hancock and the Temptations. Shawn has taught in numerous clinics and has been an adjunct professor at George Mason University and Penn State.
Website: www.shawnpurcell.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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Brian Seeger, a New Orleans guitarist, has performed, recorded and taught around the world, including the US, Europe, Bolivia, and Canada in the past year alone. Brian has a BM from Berklee College of Music and an MM from the University of New Orleans. He currently is on the faculty at the University of New Orleans and Loyola University.
Website: www.brianseeger.com
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Jeff Siegel is a professional drummer who has performed throughout the world with various groups and has performed with a multitude of artists including John Scofield, Kenny Burrell, and Sir Roland Hanna.
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 began playing drums at the age of 5, and counts Led Zeppelin, John Cage, and the Count Basie Band as some of artists that inspired him as a young musician. He has performed with Duke Robillard, Larry Coryell, Robben Ford and John Abercrombie, to name just a few, and is endorsed by Mapex Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Sabian cymbals and Aquarian Drum Heads.
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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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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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