Julia featured on Book Shepherd

Julia was asked recently by Book Shepherd, a new website devoted to “Discovering the Best Books,” to offer her selection of recommendations for the category of “The Best Books on What Drives an Artist.” Thank … Read more…

In Honor of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

I caught this sad news today of an obituary for University of Chicago Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who devoted his life to studying the idea of happiness, which he put forth in his book Flow. Go … Read more…

Jorge Morel’s Gershwin Medley

In memory of My First Guitar interviewee, the spectacular guitarist, arranger and composer, Jorge Morel, who died this past week at age 89 and is survived by his beloved daughter, Francesca. Morel was a funny … Read more…

Need A Last Minute Guitarist Gift?

It’s been a lot this year…an understatement, especially for musicians and live performances.  My writing here is work that I’m proud of, in terms of being able to support other musicians.  However, this year, I’ve … Read more…

Gucci guitar, bridge close-up.

The Design Genius of Luthier Mark Nicol

Not long ago, I’d spotted an Alessandro Michele-designed leather Gucci guitar case in the back pages of a fashion magazine with a design that reminded me of the old 70s-era Lite Brite toy screen. Michele’s … Read more…

Julia’s March 13th Concert at Port Jeff

Julia is making a return engagement to the Greater Port Jefferson Northern Brookhaven Arts Council Concert Series on Friday, March 13, 2020, at 7:30 PM. The concert will be held at the Port Jefferson Village … Read more…

Musings on New Music

The goal of new music is to bring something new to the table and step past conventions, which doesn’t automatically mean that listeners are going to like it.  The important thing to be aware of … Read more…

Music-Themed Book Picks

I was trying to think of a freebie to offer on this page with the idea of providing readers a chance to relax and enjoy learning something new without all the holiday prompts to buy.  … Read more…

Classical/Fingerstyle Guitar Nail Care

Once upon a time, a prominent international concert hall performing guitarist experienced a significant nail breakage onstage, which sent a little piece of nail flying into the air like a projectile that pinged off me … Read more…

Jorge Morel: A Remarkable Guitarist/Composer

Anyone who is a fan of guitarist/composer Jorge Morel will be interested in reading his independently published biography, Jorge Morel:  The Remarkable Journey of a Legendary Guitarist/Composer, written by J. Vincent Moran.  The book, which … Read more…

Brouwer’s Mythological Beasts Emerge

The Americas Society presented the opening concert for the 19th New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes in celebration of composer and conductor Leo Brouwer’s 80th Birthday.  The evening featured a program of music written entirely … Read more…

Julia Featured in 44:16 Zine

Julia is featured in a 5-page long interview in Issue No. 3 of 44:16, a zine written and created by David Wallens, who is also the editor of Classic Car and Motorsports. 44:16 is “an … Read more…

Guitar Maestro – The Juan Martín Collection

London-based flamenco guitarist Juan Martín has released a joyful 4-CD compilation, Guitar Maestro:  The Juan Martín Collection (Flamencovision), with each disc featuring a generous set of 70 minutes of music. This collection should please any … Read more…

Play It Loudly

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is offering its first major exhibition of iconic rock n’ roll instruments from April 8, 2019 through October 1st. The show, Play It Loud, features 130 instruments played by artists … Read more…

Tony Acosta of Luthier Music

My condolences go to Tony Acosta’s friends and family. He was the proprietor of one of the last great storefronts for classical and flamenco guitar in New York City, who managed his longtime storefront on … Read more…

Brouwer in Buffalo 2019

Announcement of the 2019 Leo Brouwer International Composition Competition for Solo Guitar. Submission Deadline: February 20, 2019 Length of Composition: <13 minutes in length max. Format of Composition:.PDF or legibly handwritten and comprehensible. Must include … Read more…

Book Giveaway WINNER ANNOUNCED!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ADAM CUTSINGER, winner of a signed copy of My First Guitar.  Please check your email! If you would like updates on stories from this site, please subscribe. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED!! … Read more…

It’s a Wonderful Guitar Shop

What a way to close out the year:  Dan’s Chelsea Guitar Store will remain happily ensconced within its current location at The Chelsea Hotel, continuing what will be nearly thirty years in business.  Of course, … Read more…

An Accidental Invention for the Guitar

A year or so ago, backstage at the New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes, Sharon Isbin suggested that I write about the inventor of a guitar support device. “His name is Tim Johnson, and a … Read more…

San Gennaro Festival Photos

Nothing to do with guitar…but it’s a glimpse of life in the city as today closes the 92nd Annual San Gennaro Festival in New York City.

The Yorktown Ramblers

A few years ago, one of the first stories on this page featured an intrepid band of strummers and crooners who played at Conté’s Market in Yorktown on the far Upper East Side of Manhattan. … Read more…

João Luiz Rezende’s Brazilian Beats

Guitarist João Luiz Rezende, one of the founders of the acclaimed Brasil Guitar Duo, presented a lecture at the 2018 New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes this past July on Brazilian rhythms. I’d missed the … Read more…