New York Music Group

Calendar

education

• City College of New York 9/2000 — M.A. in Music, cum laude
• Berklee College of Music 9/1994 — B.M. in Jazz Composition, cum laude

biography

Originally from Rome, Italy, Luca Benedetti moved to the USA in 1989 to pursue his passion for music and the guitar. He completed a B.A. in Jazz Composition at the acclaimed Berklee College of Music and continued his education at the City College of NY where he attained a Masters Degree in Jazz Studies. While at City College, Luca had the privilege of studying with world renowned bass player, Ron Carter with whom he would also later perform professionally. Though his formal education is rooted in jazz, Luca has broad musical interests and maintains an active performance schedule in a number of styles. He tours with several groups both in the US and abroad and has written music for film, recorded nationally aired TV jingles, and performed in several Theatrical productions.

Highlights include:

• ASCAP Hall of Fame Concert Honoring Milt Hinton — Trio performance w/ Ron Carter
• CUNY All Star Big Band featuring Wycliffe Gordon of Lincoln Jazz Center
• Composed original music score to KPI TV feature film, "Lucha Libre: Life Behind The Mask"
• Festival performances at JVC Jazz Festival, Knitting Factory Jazz festival, CMJ Festival, Woodstock 1999, SXSW
• Japan and U.K. tours with established R&B/Jazz group, Cooly's Hot-Box and Angela Johnson
• Off-Broadway "Concerto Napoletano" with Miranda Martino — 47 shows at Judith Anderson Theater, Broadway, New York
• Recorded on TV jingles for Wendy's, Todd Oldham, Mercedes Benz, Rolex, Cotton Industry

Aside from performing, Luca has been an active and enthusiastic professional teacher since 1998. He has taught in a variety of formats including undergraduate level classes and ensembles at the City College of NY, elementary school guitar programs in NY Public Schools, and private guitar instruction at the Long Island Conservatory. Luca also maintains a schedule of private students at his home in Brooklyn.

my teaching approach

In teaching the guitar, my main goal is to help students develop their love of music through understanding their instrument and music in general. Reflecting my own diverse musical experience and performance history, I emphasize an awareness of multiple styles and thereby a full appreciation of all that music has to offer. As a teacher, I am intent on generating enthusiasm for learning the guitar and hope to introduce my students to new styles and genres that they might also enjoy. My teaching philosophy is based on the firm belief that an open mind and a solid understanding of universal musical concepts enriches musical appreciation.