Pro Member Roster
Playing a rare and eclectic repertoire on both classical and electric guitars, Jamie Balmer and Joseph Ricker as Duo Orfeo are emerging as one of the most distinctive voices in the classical music world. Duo Orfeo draws their repertoire largely from hidden and under-explored byways of western musical tradition both past and present—ranging from Renaissance lute and French Baroque harpsichord[...]
Norwalk native, Glenn is a sensational fingerstyle guitarist, his compositions suggest moods and narratives that compel the listener to fill in the details. Glenn Roth is not your typical commuter from Connecticut. Instead of a briefcase, he carries a gig bag. His workspace is the vaulted splendor of Grand Central Terminal or the tunnels and platforms of the New York City subway system. A literal [...]
Dave Giardina is a versatile guitarist, string instrumentalist and educator. He is an award recipient member of the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism and has performed extensively throughout the Northeast at major festivals, bandshells, First Nights, schools, clubs and casinos as a soloist and with ensembles. His compositions are featured on two releases by the CT Guitar Society of which he is [...]
His playing is “very engaging, virtuosic and spirited” —David Leisner. Scott Sanchez's playing has been described as "Colorful and poignant" (Soundboard Magazine, U.S.A.) and “Very engaging, virtuosic and spirited” (David Leisner, Chair of the classical guitar program at the Manhattan School of Music). Referring to his British debut Classical Guitar Magazine [...]
Turkish guitarist/composer Sinan Bakir is noted as a virtuoso player and a masterful composer by the music critics, audiences and his peers. Sinan's early musical journey started with mandolin lessons followed by an audition leading to the Ankara State Opera Children's Choir. After attending a rock concert in his early teen years he was inspired to pick up his first guitar and started taking [...]
Judy is Co-Founder of the Connecticut Guitar Society and is established as a preeminent guitarist in the region. She performs in a mandolin and guitar duo with her husband Mark Levesque, with the New American Mandolin Ensemble, the Rosewood Chamber Ensemble, Blackledge Music and other ensembles. Judy has given solo concerts & workshops at numerous venues throughout the United States including [...]
"Elegant." "Riveting." "Soulful." "Classic mastery." These are a few of the terms that have been used to describe the unique and stunning swing-jazz music of acoustic guitarist Guy Van Duser and clarinetist Billy Novick. Together as a duo for more than forty years, they have performed in concerts, clubs and festivals all over North America and Europe. You also may have heard them as [...]
The most eclectic Caribbean musical ensemble touring today; equally versatile in Latin, classical and jazz idioms. This musical family unit (father and sons) brings a unique and unmatched versatility and energy to any concert stage. Jose Gonzalez Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Puerto Rican Cuatro Guitarist, composer and virtuoso Cuatro player, Jose is a top performer of contemporary Latin music.[...]
Benjamin Tint is a classical guitarist and music educator in the Hartford, Connecticut area. Benjamin has a unique educational background. He studied music education and choral pedagogy at Central Connecticut State University with Dr. Drew Collins. At CCSU, Benjamin also studied classical guitar with guitarist Christopher Ladd. After his undergraduate degree, Benjamin went to the Hartt school to [...]
"An Intelligent And Communicative Player With Technical Ease And Natural Musicality. A Real Delight To Listen." —Antigoni Goni Known for being a “communicative player with natural musicality. Mr. Cutroneo has performed extensively throughout the United States and Italy. As a highly sought after chamber musician, Mr. Cutroneo is currently involved with the New [...]
Jamie has been performing, teaching, recording and producing in Connecticut for over 30 years. He began his guitar career as a rock musician trained in jazz and eventually received a bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance from the Hartt College of Music. There he performed many solo concerts along with ensemble work and had several master classes with Oscar Ghiglia and Sharon [...]
Award winning guitarist Francesco Barone has performed throughout the Northeast United States and in Italy as a soloist and chamber musician. He has been presented at guitar festivals and societies including The Hartt School Guitar Festival, the Connecticut Guitar Society and the New England Guitar Society. Francesco was also included on a La Bella Strings sponsored concert in 2011 in which he was[...]
Based in New Haven and described by the Hartford Courant as "a guitarist for music lovers to catch", Seattle native Daniel Corr is active as a performing classical guitarist nationally and beyond. Highlights of his career include performances of major guitar concertos with the American Classical Orchestra of NYC, the Waterbury Symphony, Seattle Creative Orchestra at Benaroya Hall, and with the [...]
Guitarist Paul Shumsky has been teaching and performing in a wide range of styles for over four decades. He relocated to Hartford in 2000 after 25 years as a full-time musician in Boston where he also earned his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Guitar from New England Conservatory. Paul enjoys teaching all levels from beginner to professional and draws upon his studies with several jazz guitar [...]
Rising star Xavier Jara has won numerous awards including first place in the senior division of the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America Competition, as well as in the youth division of the Indiana International Guitar Competition. Xavier Jara was born in 1993. He started playing guitar at the age of 12. At 15 he began studying with Alan Johnston at the MacPhail Center for Music in [...]
Fingerstyle jazz guitarist, has been described by George Benson as “sensational”. He has played on the Today and Tonight Shows, toured with Michael Bublé and Benny Green. Randy Napoleon is a guitarist, composer and arranger who toured and recorded with Benny Green, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Michael Bublé before joining The Freddy Cole Quartet in 2007;[...]
"Jean is extremely dedicated in her pursuit of the arts - from playing guitar to composing originals, and writing poetry. She shows great sensitivity in her choice of melodies and chords to express her creativity. Jean is a very patient teacher and can impart much knowledge in the world of playing guitar and beyond." - Tom Nazziola Actively enjoying teaching privately all ages, levels,[...]
Now selling Kenny Hill and Cordoba Guitars all over New England, Joe Burros has been in the business of selling musical instruments for 25 years. Joe sells the less expensive Cordoba guitars in the $150-500 range, and the Kenny Hill, New World guitars in the $900-2300 price range, working with players, teachers, and parents to help them find just the right guitar for their playing. Showrooms are [...]
