This was a fun one. I spent my masters program sitting in a different kind of chair opposite to Dick. This was a great interview. We talked about all sorts of topics but ultimately I think you'll take away the massive amount of knowledge he has. As a musician he has toured the world, studied with Segovia, Ghiglia and others. as a teacher he founded the oldest guitar program in the country and as a man he has lived a full life of music and art. Get comfortable, grab a notebook and absorb as much of this as you can!

This interview is the EXACT REASON I created this podcast. Patrick and I talk about all sorts of things, from metal, to metal, to metal, then eventually to the guitar, education and what makes a good musician (and person). ************************************* SHOW NOTES ************************************* *I mistakenly noted Jerome Ducharme instead of Jerome Mouffe. (Sorry Jeromes and Jim Davidson) From Patrick's Bio Classical guitarist Patrick Kearney represents a rare balance between sheer technical virtuosity and intense musicality. A true artist, he consistently spellbinds audiences through his deep musical insight and natural dramatic flair, interspersing his performances with narration and anecdotes discovered through deliberate research into the guitar repertoire. Born in Montreal, Canada, Patrick Kearney discovered the classical guitar early on in life. Having won his first national competition in Ottawa at the age of ten, he pursued his studies first under Daniel Boyer and then with Jacques Joubert at Vanier College. Convinced that music was his true calling, Patrick went on to complete his Superior Diploma in Performance at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, where he received the highest honours under the direction of Rafaël Andia and Alberto Ponce. Upon his return from France in 1993, Patrick began his professional career as an international competitor and touring artist, winning top prizes in several international competitions. Patrick has performed in concert and conducted master classes on numerous tours throughout Europe, the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras, including the Orchestre Philharmonique de l’Îsle, the Shenandoah University Orchestra, Montreal’s I Musici, and the Ensemble Appassionata. In 1997 he completed his Master’s Degree under the guidance of Peter McCutcheon. Never content to remain confined within the standard guitar repertoire, Patrick has taken steps to contribute significantly to the world of art music. He has commissioned and premiered several works by contemporary composers such as Harry Stafylakis, Andrew Zohn, Atanas Ourkouzounov, Jay Kauffman, Ginette Bellevance, and Robert F. Jones, and has inspired composers such as Daniel Boyer and Claude Engel to create and dedicate new works to him. Patrick Kearney has released four guitar albums: Bouquet (1997); Stringendo (2002), which is a tribute to contemporary Montreal-related composers and was nominated for the prestigious OPUS Prize; the powerful Diabolico (2004), in which the listener follows a musical timeline between ambitious youth and understated maturity; and recently the acclaimed Impressions (2009), featuring the works of M.M.Ponce, on the ATMA classique label. Before the end of 2019, Novae, Patrick’s latest album, will see the light of day on the Spanish label, Contrastes Records! Mr. Kearney has been newly appointed (summer of 2019) to teach classical guitar at McGill University in Montreal. As well, Patrick teaches guitar at Concordia University in Montreal and Vanier College. He is the founder and director of the Montreal International Classical Guitar Festival and Competition, which is hosted by Concordia Music.

I know I say this in every description for every video, but damn if this wasn't one hell of a night. Scott and I talked for a few hours about all sorts of stuff. There was a lot of dry sarcasm, dated references and fun. We talked about his life with music, competitions and the types of guitars he likes to play. We didn't get to Segovia, coffee or watches (too much), but that will be for next time.

From Peter's website: A native of New England, award winning guitarist Peter Clemente is a frequent recitalist and committed music educator. An eclectic musician with influences from both classical and improvisatory traditions, his playing has been described as “sumptuous classical guitar” (Camden Herald), and “haunting expressiveness” (Worcester Telegram and Gazette). Mr. Clemente’s performance career began with First Prize awards in the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Solo Competition in 1986 and the Ovation Classical Guitar Competition in 1981. In addition, he was chosen by maestro Andres Segovia as a finalist in the Segovia Fellowship Competition held at New York University in 1984, and was a Second Prize winner in the International Guitar Competition of Puerto Rico in 1985. He has since performed in solo and chamber music settings throughout New England and beyond. Some noteworthy performances include those for Bay Chamber Concerts, Boston and CT Classical Guitar Societies, Rochester Chamber Music Society, WCRB Copley Square Concert Series, and at venues such as Weill Hall (with soprano Katherine Emory), Mechanics Hall, Cornell University, Jordan Hall, University of Texas and many more. Hailed by Soundboard magazine for his “professionalism and musical aplomb,” Clemente is further recognized for his creative programming, often including original compositions and improvisations alongside traditional repertory. Viewing the voice of the guitar as transformative, he has also worked with composers such as the late Daniel Pinkham and film score writer John Kusiak in the preparation and performance of new and exciting works for the instrument. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a blast talking to Peter. We talked about all sorts of topics and his general love for the instrument. You will learn a lot from this one!

Phil is such a fun guy to talk to. Although this was our first time talking "in person", I noticed a lot of similarities. We both enjoy guitar, we both study weird hobbies, and we both have similar critiques of the mainstream guitar world. Phil really knows his stuff and is a wonderful person. The following is an excerpt from his bio. Phil was awarded the 1st prize at the 2018 Charlottesville International Classical Guitar Competition, receiving a near perfect score for his performance of Capricho Arabe by Francisco Tárrega. Earlier that year he won the first prize - Peter Segal Award - in the 2018 Philadelphia Classical Guitar International Competition. Judges remarked on his "considerable sense of drama and varied color and dynamic range," as well as his sense of "pleasing calm, juxtaposed by moments of technical brilliance." In 2015, Phil was a fellowship recipient at the Crown of the Continent guitar festival in Bigfork, Montana after winning first prize in the James Stroud Classical Guitar Competition. At that festival, he gave solo concerts and workshops, and collaborated with top musicians across all genres.

Tariq! what can he not do! I won't bore you with a long bio here. Tariq is a wonderful person, a monster player and has a resume that goes out the door, down the stairs and into the front porch. We talk details of the guitar, his killer education with the top players of the east coast and life. check out more of his stuff here: https://youtu.be/6jtuTCy8RXg

If you are a fan of classical guitar on Instagram Hannah needs no introduction. She has over 100 thousand followers and for a good reason! The content she produces is of a high quality and that comes from her education and experience. Hannah and I talk about all sorts of stuff, the state of classical guitar, quarantine, animals and crazy undergrad experiences. Hannah is currently a part of a wonderful project that's taking a different approach to guitar and guitar competitions. She talks about how her, Phil Goldenberg and Evan Tacuher created Ex Aequo. This interview was a lot of fun and I hope to have her back on The Lone Guitarist sometime soon!

Evan Taucher is one killer player. Like many of us "crossover" guitarists, he started playing music at a young age but didn't settle on the classical guitar until much later. Through top notch education and dedication he has earned himself a strong place in his field. We talk about his journey, guitar in general, and you know, random things. I hope you enjoy!

I had such a great time talking with Andy Sorensen. It's crazy, we should have already been good friends. We went to the same school, hang out with the same people, and live in the same general area. I can honestly say this was one of my favorite conversations. Andy was a lot of fun and the stories just flowed out of him. I really hope you enjoy. check out his links and bio below www.andysorensonmusic.com www.andysorensonmusic.com/book www.atlasgray.com www.instagram.com/andysorenson www.instagram.com/atlasgray Andy is a guitarist, composer, producer, and educator based in Hartford, CT. As a founding member of the band Atlas Gray, he has toured with legendary artists such as Albert Lee, Denny Laine, and Peter Asher.  Atlas Gray's new full length album is slated for release throughout 2021.  They recently released a cover of Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney) for SongAid benefiting the NAACP and WhyHunger alongside artists such as Carlos Santana, Tom Morello, Wilco and more.  Andy is half of Twin Engine, a studio collaboration with fellow producer/composer Rob Griffith (Bronze Radio Return) in which they compose music for licensing purposes as well as producer artists and bands.  As a session musician, Andy is versed in electric and acoustic guitar, bass, and lap steel, and has worked with a variety of artists and bands in an array of styles ranging from rock, soul, pop, folk, hip hop and more.  In the fall of 2017, Andy joined renowned singer-songwriter Stephen Kellogg on his Postcard Tour, playing electric and acoustic guitar, lap steel and bass. Andy is the producer for hip hop artist WHXAMI, with whom he has accumulated millions of streams on Spotify and Soundcloud. Under the name AUMEN, Andy has released an EP of music for meditation, as well as composed and produced music for meditation catalogs and courses by Lydia McClain and MoonRising Circle. As an educator, Andy created a guitar reference ebook with the goal of helping guitarists and musicians of all levels hone their skills in a clear and concise way focused on real world knowledge and application. The new expanded version 3 is now available for download.