Teachers

NAME	Short Bio
Behdad Moghaddasi	Behdad is a celebrated guitarist, composer and teacher, He studied at Tehran University. His talent was quickly recognized leading to performances with the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, the Bahman Symphony Orchestra and the Tehran Chamber Orchestra. He also was a professor at Tehran Azad University. Upon immigrating to the United States in 2000, Behdad embarked on a career in both performing and teaching - he is sought after for master class instruction. Behdad has performed and been interviewed on WHYY, Philadelphia's public broadcating station. He is active with the Classical Guitar Society of Philadelphia. Behdad has also held various educational Workshops both in Tehran and the United States. These workshops include a workshop on 20th century guitar: the studies of Villa Lobos and Leo Brouwer at Tehran University, a Workshop on contemporary and Programmatik music at University of Tehran. From 2004-2008 he also held various workshops on Baroque and Modern music. He has given master classes at the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society Festivals on the understanding of rhythm in chamber music performances. Style: Classical Level: Beginning, Intermediate , Advanced. Master Class 112 Marple Rd Haverford, PA 19041 Home: (610) 649-1181 Cell: (610) 283-2172 BEHDADM1@GMAIL.COM www.behdad-guitar.com
Brian Pearson	Aaron Shearer Method, Studied with Michael Decker, Master Classes with Aaron Shearer, Christopher Parkening Style: Classical Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Chalfont, PA 18914 215.822.7819 email: brianbrucepearson@gmail.com Brian Pearson
Daniel Boring	Director of Classical Guitar Studies Montgomery County Comm. College Former Faculty Univ. of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Univ. of Louisville (’98-05), Faculty: Muhlenberg College, Settlement School, Masterclasses with: Assads, Barto, Ghiglia, Holzman,Iznaola, LAGQ, North. Style: Classical, Romantic Guitar,Lute and Historical Instruments Level: Beginning,Intermediate, Advanced 417 Norfolk Road Flourtown, PA 19031 215.836.8444 email: danielboring@comcast.net
David Joel	Styles: Jazz, Pop, Rock, Classical, Folk, other various styles and influences Education - Master of Music New England Conservatory, Boston, MA - Studies with William Thomas McKinley, Mick Goodrick & Bob Moses - Bachelor of Music Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA - Studies with William G. Leavitt - Studies with Pat Martino Performance - Musical Director/Composer, David Joel Quartet (Jazz-fusion) - Fantasia Musical Circus, Japan - Musical Director, Living Stage Theatre Company, Washington, D.C. - Wide ranging various groups and as a solo guitarist throughout the U.S., Germany and Japan since 1981 Teaching - Proprietor, David Joel Guitar Studio, NE Philadelphia, teaching students throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond, since 1997 - Former Berklee College of Music Instructor, Boston, MA - Many various music schools and studios, Japan, Boston, Philadelphia and in the Maryland and Virginia regions Levels taught: beginners through advanced Email: david@davidjoel.net Teaching Website:www.philadelphiaguitarlessons.com Music Website: www.davidjoel.net
Emiliano Pardo Tristan	Education: Doctor in Music Composition from Temple University. Teacher: Maurice Wright. Master of Music from Temple University. Teacher: Ricardo Cobo. Superior Degree in Guitar Performance from the Madrid Royal Conservatory of Music (Spain) and the National Institute of Music (Panama). Teachers: José Lui Rodrigo and José Luis González. Master Classes with Leo Brouwer, Manuel Barrueco, Pepe Romero, and Pierre Boulez. Teaching and Styles: Classical Guitar, Latin American Popular Guitar, Guitar Composition and Music Theory. Level: All. Language: English and Spanish. Studio: Fishtown 2312 Tulip Street Philadelphia, PA 19125 Cel: 267 237 2931. Experience: Guitar Instructor at the Bryn Mawr Conservatory and Haverford College. Composition and Music Theory Adjunct Faculty at Temple University. "Emiliano Pardo-Tristán has taught classical guitar here at the Bryn Mawr Conservatory for more than 20 years, and each season he has brought continued fine teaching to his students. He takes seriously his task of training the new generation of players with utmost integrity; and he does so in a manner that is accessible to both his newer players and to the advanced and pre- professional. Emiliano has the sincere esteem of all the students and faculty, and certainly has my own high regard and gratitude for his outstanding work and personal grace". Kathryna Barone, Director of the Bryn Mawr Conservatory Email: epardo@temple.edu epardo@temple.edu Website: http://www.fermatapub.com/home/home.html Website: www.fermatapub.com/home/home.html
George Attisano	Style: Classical, folk, pop, fingerstyle Level: Beginner to intermediate Tesching Location: Philadelphia Studied guitar at the American Institute of Guitar in New York, and privately with Jerome Mouffe in Boston and Chris Ladd in Connecticut. Performed solo and in ensembles in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. BA, Rutgers University. Candidate for Master’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance, Temple University Contact email: georgeattisano@gmail.com Website: www.georgeattisano.com
John Marcel Williams	Education: Undergraduate (BM) and Masters (MM) received from the Peabody Institute of Music studying with Manuel Barrueco. Artist Diploma from the Curtis Institute of Music under Jason Vieaux and David Starobin. Prizes in numerous competitions and frequently performing concerts nationally and internationally. Artistic Director for the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society. Classical, Flamenco. All levels, beginners to advanced. Located in Center City Philadelphia Email: johnwilliams94@gmail.com Website: John Marcel Guitar
Jordan T. Peterson	Jordan Peterson began his undergraduate degree in jazz guitar, studying with Philly’s great, Tom Giacabetti. He soon acquired an affinity for the classical guitar, and ever since, he has studied under the tutelage of world renowned guitarist and composer Allen Krantz. Among Jordan’s other teachers are Eliot Fisk, Jason Vieaux, Nigel North, and Antigoni Goni. In his pursuits of composition, he has studied with Alexander de Varon and Jan Krzywicki. Jordan completed a Master degree in classical guitar performance and music theory, with a thesis on the music of Manuel M. Ponce. He has performed in several jazz and classical ensembles, opened for the Uri Caine trio, and performed with prominent saxophonist Richie Cole. Not exclusive to six strings, he has played electric and upright jazz bass for ensembles, in clubs, and in jazz orchestras. His unique taste in music sets his repertory apart from the classical “norms.” He is currently working with a violinist, playing works by Piazzolla, Matiegka, as well as a wide array of composers that are “off the beaten path.” Other endeavors include collaborating with pianists, vocalists, and playing original pieces. Classical Guitar, Music Theory, Composition, and Active Music Listening & Comprehension M.M Music Theory Bucks and Montgomery Counties Email: armchairmusictheory@gmail.com Website: https://jordantpeterson.com/
Kathleen Mayes	Bachelor of Music, Master Arts Administration. Teaching for over 20 years. Studied with Julian Grey and Larry Snitzler Style: Classical Guitar, Renaissance Lute Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced 324 Virginia Avenue Collingswood, NJ 08108 856.858.8902 Email - Kathleen Mayes
Keith Calmes	DMA- University of Southern California, MM – Juilliard, BM- California State University Northridge New Jersey Style: Classical, Jazz and other popular styles www.keithcalmes.com 732-688-3861 email:keithcalmes@rocketmail.com
Kevin J. Cope	University of Delaware, Music Composition & Guitar Performance. Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Music Theory, and Composition. ONLINE LESSONS AVAILABLE. Also available for composition commissions. Available to teach: Suzuki guitar, classical guitar, rock/metal guitar, folk guitar, composition, and music theory.M.M. Recipient of the Delaware Division of the Arts Emerging & Established Professional Award for Music Composition. Recipient of the Delaware Division of the Arts Established Professional Award. President of the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society. DESTINATION UNKNOWN CD: “A fascinating and stimulating debut that gets better and better the more you listen to it.” – Blair Jackson, Classical Guitar Magazine www.kevinjcope.com Newark, Delaware email: kevin@kevinjcope.com
Leonard Ranallo	B.M Oberlin Conservatory (2016) with Stephen Aron, M.M Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (2022) with Allan Neave & Matthew McAllister ABRSM Teaching Diploma (2022) Suzuki Guitar (2012) Drawing inspiration from Bach to Coltrane and beyond, American Guitarist Leonard Ranallo seeks to blur the line between composer, performer, and improviser. Equally comfortable in the concert hall or a local club, Ranallo brings a unique vitality to every performance. His fluency in both classical and electric guitar has resulted in performances across the United States and Europe. As a performer, he’s been featured at festivals in Italy, Scotland, and the US, and has won prizes in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young Musicians Competition, the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society Competition, and the James Stroud Competition. In 2012, Ranallo made his professional orchestral debut as a concerto soloist performing with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. As a composer, he works to incorporate new and expressive sounds and techniques into the guitar vocabulary. Ranallo is also a strong promoter of new music, collaborating with composers from the US and UK on new works for classical and electric guitar. Ranallo completed his Master’s Degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow studying under Matthew McAllister and Professor Allan Neave and his Bachelor of Music at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio under Stephen Aron. He is currently on faculty at the Peabody Preparatory in Baltimore and maintains a private teaching studio in Philadelphia. Classical, Acoustic fingerstyle, Electric (Rock, Blues, Pop, Metal) Beginner to Advanced, Suzuki Method & ABRSM Certifications FBI & Child Abuse Clearances PA & MD Private studio in East Passyunk S. Philly, or Classical Guitar Store, or Online via Zoom lennyranallo.com lennyranallo@gmail.com 716-946-1413
Lorie Nowaczyk	Director of Treble Clef Guitar, LLC in the Greater Harrisburg Area Certified Suzuki Guitar Teacher BA in Music, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Messiah University, 2018 Masterclasses with: Manuel Barrueco, Meng Su, Andrea Gonzalez, Jason Vieaux, Mychal Gendron, William Kossler. Style: Classical Guitar Level: Beginner to Advanced Age: 4yrs to adult Contact information: Trebleclefguitar.com lmn.nowaczyk@gmail.com Tel: 717-645-3895
Marisol Rampolla	Master of Music, Performance - Temple University Classical Guitar Settlement Music School, Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA 19147 267-992-3183 marisol.rampolla@verizon.net
Marlis Kraft-Zemel	Marlis Kraft-Zemel, trained and taught in her native Switzerland before coming to the US. She has taught both children and adults in classical and folk styles, beginning and intermediate levels. Her commitment to the joy of making music with others has resulted in many years leading ensembles of guitars as well as mixed instrumental groups. Classical and Folk Beginners and Intermediate 324 Harrison Ave.Elkins Park, PA 19027610-316-0984 email: marliskz@gmail.com
Matthew Lavanish	Teaches: Classical Guitar Lessons and Coaching, College and Audition Prep, Music Theory Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Locations: Havertown, PA area (home visit), Yardley, PA (home studio), and Wilmington, DE (studio) Virtual Lessons: Via Zoom CONTACT Email: matthew@lavanishguitar.com Phone Number: (302) 650-8797 Bio: Matthew Lavanish is a graduate of the University of Delaware where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music with a concentration in classical guitar performance under the instruction of Christiaan Taggart. He has also studied extensively with guitarist Alice Artzt of Princeton and Brazilian guitarist Paulo Martelli, and has played in master classes for Jason Vieaux, The Katona Twins and Eleftheria Kotzia, among others. Matthew is President, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of the Wilmington Classical Guitar Society, as well as an aspiring luthier. He currently teaches privately and in the past has taught at or served on the faculty of: The Music School of Delaware, The St. Andrew’s School and the Community Music School at The University of Delaware. Teaching Philosophy: Playing the classical guitar can be an enormously gratifying pursuit or an excruciatingly frustrating exercise. In more than 30 years of playing the classical guitar, I have experienced both extremes and have learned many tools to help make your study of the classical guitar more rewarding and enjoyable. I believe in a comprehensive approach to studying the guitar, including technical development, musicality, music theory, knowledge of the repertoire and composers, and performance practice. Students learn to develop good sight-reading skills and practice habits, as well as techniques for memorization and effective performance. Special attention is given to tone production and proper and effective techniques for realizing your musical ideas.
Pat D'Aprile	Flamenco guitar studies in Spain with El Entri, Jesus de Rosario, Antonio Gabarri Jimenez, David Serva. Master classes with Manolo Sanlucar, Raphael Riqueni, Enrique de Melchor, Felipe Maya, Merengue de Cordoba, Paco Serrano, Pascual de Lorca, Santiago Moreno, Gerardo Nunez. Studied jazz guitar with Brian Betz, Joe Federico and classical guitar with Joe Mayes. BA in Music Education from Rutgers University. Available for performances, workshops, lessons & all occasions. Style: Flamenco (solo and accompaniment), Jazz and Classical. 412 Albany Ave Westmont New Jersey 08108 609-220-0391 email: Tpdaprile1@verizon.net
Paul Smith	Mr. Smith is an active composer, recording artist, and educator. With over 20 years of work-force experience in developing and consulting intensive and life-changing music programs in urban settings, Mr. Smith has impacted hundreds of students annually through a portfolio of approaches that includes cultivating new generations of teaching artists who possess a 21st century toolkit. Mr. Smith is most proud of having mentored Tune Up Philly students successfully into every pathway program and audition-based ensemble within Philadelphia. Mr. Smith was recently a featured lecturer at PYOMI in 2020-21 presenting “Cosmic Chorales” a study into the organic and the mutational legacy of The Chorale from Western Europe to 20th Century Americas. Mr. Smith was also a featured presenter in the digital 2021/22 YOLA National Take A Stand Symposium lecturing on “Graphic Pathways” and analyzing his “Suite for Young Orchestra” – premiered by the Philadelphia Orchestra, under Maestro Cristian Măcelaru in 2014. Mr. Smith has appeared in three full-length studio recordings premiering the Solo Classical Guitar Compositions of David Loeb (Mannes College of Music, Curtis Institute of Music) released on the Vienna Modern Masters and Centaur Record Labels as a D’Addario Artist. His latest release, “Painting, Landscape, Text & Sky” features works inspired by the late 19th/early 20th century Prague painter, Jakub Schikaneder. Mr. Smith received his Bachelors of Music from the Mannes College of Music where he received the Associated Music Teacher’s Award in 2006. Mr. Smith received his Masters of Music from the Juilliard School, where he received the McCabe Teaching Artist Fellowship and was a recipient of a Hearst Foundation Scholarship, assisting his premiere of Robert Cuckson’s Concerto for Guitar, under Maestro David Hayes and the Mannes Composer’s Orchestra. Style: "Only Good Music" Teaching Level PYO Music Institute and throughout the region PYO Faculty and Staff PSmith@PYOMusic.org
Ross Mann	Master of Music – Cleveland Institute of Music, studied with John Holmquist & John Sutherland and masterclasses with Isbin, Dyens, Gilardino, Timofeyev and many more. Style: Classical, contemporary & a wide variety of traditional & international styles. Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Ross offers guitar lessons at convenient Center City and University City studios and has served on the music faculty of several colleges in the area. www.rossmannguitar.com Calvary Center 801 S. 48th (@ Baltimore Ave) Philadelphia, PA, & Temple Music Prep, 1515 Market St Philadelphia, PA email: ross@rossmannguitar.com phone: 215-893-0659
Ted Williams	Studied at Philadelphia Musical Academy with Peter Segal Private studies with Alice Artzt and Leonide Bolotine. Solo recitalist. Former faculty at Lafayette College, Moravian University, Muhlenberg College and Temple University Boyer College of Music Style: Classical Beginner through Professional Mucungie, PA Email: ted@twguitar.com Phone: 610-966-5677 Website: Ted Williams
William Newman	Studied with Peter Segal. Style: Classical Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced Also teaches at Muhlenberg College and in South Jersey (cell 609-254-8928). Classical Guitar Store