The Mannes Guitar Seminar July 5-10 2011

I will be reporting on the fabulous 2011 Mannes Guitar Seminar over the next few weeks on my blogg here and various sites on the internet. As an active artist on the New York Classical and Jazz Guitar Scene since 1963, these reports will mark my return to my craft of reporting since my open heart surgery this past March 21st. The seminar had some of my dearest friends from the Classical Guitar scene in New York including one of the greatest Guitarists on the planet : FREDERIC HAND. Fred and I attended Mannes in 1968 and we were able to spend some quality moments reliving special events in that year including a visit from legendary Virtuoso ARTHUR RUBENSTEIN!

The artistic directors,MICHAEL NEWMAN and LAURA OLTMAN, delivered another flawless series of Concerts and workshops in the most positive setting and I will take my time in reporting on the wonderful events. This year I came in as a full participant only side stepping my 2 master classes as I am preparing for some non Classical Gigs and needed my head clear of a Master Class Head! I did participate in a guitar ensemble with some outstanding young kids who should go far in the Classical Guitar world. It contained an exceptional Guitar Duo who I will report on soon! We actually had a great time in our sessions together and I wish we had more to play.

I look forward to sharing this great festival with you as it was TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!