Guitar Studies
Joe LoPiccolo is a guitarist and composer whose work is influenced by Classical, Jazz and World Music styles. Writer Dan O'Heron of the Pasadena Weekly states his music is "Soft spoken eloquence, fascinatingly improvised." and "The music is comforting and visual, it takes you to a better place, a paradise found." Guitarist Andrew York of the Grammy Award winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet states "Having exceptional ability in both classical and jazz genres is very rare; Joe excels in both styles." Andy Ellis, senior editor of Guitar Player magazine stated "LoPiccolo's impeccably executed, imaginative arrangements reveal his mastery of the guitar and its most subtle timbres."
Joe LoPiccolo is a graduate of The California Institute of the Arts, receiving his BFA in jazz guitar in 1994 and his MFA in Guitar Performance in 2000. During the pursuit of his Masters degree he was a Wasserman Scholar and Teaching Assistant for the Guitar Program. In addition to his BFA and MFA he is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music summer program. He is an adjunct professor of music at Mt. San Antonio College and College of the Canyons where he teaches Group Guitar, World Music, Guitar Improvisation and Individual Guitar Instruction. He has authored 2 instructional texts, "Guitar Mosaic" and "Improvisation for Guitarists" and was a contributor to Andrew York's "Jazz Guitar For Classical Cats" (Alfred).
He is a member of The Society of Composers and Lyricists and has been an ASCAP Plus Award recipient for the past 6 years, 2000-2005.
The 2004 Sierra Madre Music release “Passages” contains twelve original compositions by Joe LoPiccolo and features an impressive line-up of guest musicians including renowned guitarists Andrew York and Miroslav Tadic. The compositions and improvisations are reflective of many musical influences including African, Brazilian, Classical, Eastern European, Flamenco, Indian and Jazz genres.
Selected Discography:
“Passages”, Sierra Madre Music 0309
“Journey” (with Ray Sandoval), Phocus Records 2074
“CalArts Jazz 94”, (Sampler), Capitol Records DPRO 79365
“Jazz Guitar for Classical Cats” (with Andrew York), Alfred Publications 18471