Are you a classical guitarist living in the Greater Philadelphia area? Here's a list of things you'll want to know about.
The Classical Guitar Store
The spiritual home of the Classical Guitar Scene in Philadelphia since the mid-70s, Bob Page transformed The Classical Guitar Store a hole-in-the-wall to one of the the finest Classical Guitar Stores on the Eastern Seaboard. Page, a Francophile, was a huge proponent of French Lutherie and the shop still carries on this tradition. Bob also must've been very forward thinking regarding the internet; how else could he have secured the website name ClassicalGuitarStore.com?
Currently run by Bill Newman, a long-time teacher at the Classical Guitar Store, the store continues to sell entry-level ($600+) and high-end ($10,000+) guitars both locally and online, as well as carry sheet music, footstools, and string packets (you can even buy individual strings!).
Where Can You find the Best Classical Guitar Lessons?
You're in the right place. For more information about the best classical guitar lessons online and in the Philadelphia area, read this page.
Select Testimonials
Tim Ambrogi
I wanted to take a moment to let you know how much our lessons have meant to me. Learning to play this instrument has given me an extremely fulfilling new way to express myself musically, reawakening a part of myself that had lay dormant for the better part of a decade...
Kenny Voshell
I stepped into Kale's studio having no idea if I would do more than 1 lesson, but I walked out not wanting to wait another week before my next one. Kale has a unique combination technical expertise, passion for guitar, and a genuine desire to help his students succeed that makes him an amazing guitar teacher.
Complete testimonials here.
The Classical Guitar Society
Philadelphia is blessed with an active and attractive Classical Guitar Society (PCGS) that offers a full-schedule of classical guitar events.
Guitar Orchestra
The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society's Guitar Orchestra long-time leader Kathleen Mayes retired from teaching and leading during the COVID-19 pandemic. Left in the capable hands of Lenny Ranallo, the guitar orchestra provides an excellent opportunity for professional and amatuer guitarists to play in a large-ensemble setting and perform throughout the Philadelphia-area throughout the year.
Guitar Salons
Guitar Salons are held monthly and are a fantastic opportunity to perform in a lower-pressure environment.
Concert Series
During the concert season, PCGS puts on monthly concerts with amazing guitarists from around the world. That this concert series has been a long-time perennial stop for winners of the Guitar Foundation of America performers attests to its high-caliber. The Christmas Member's Concert is a chance for local performers to show off their stuff.
Guitar Festival
The season-closing concert always draws the biggest names in Classical Guitar. I've personally seen David Russell, Manuel Barrueco, Sharon Isbin, and Jason Vieaux at these festivals. The festival also includes concerts by other guitarists, lectures by teachers, and more.
Related Content:
Luthiers
UPDATE: I've scoured the internet for recommendations for the best Philadelphia Luthiers and given written a dedicated article about it.
Classical-Guitar specific Luthiers seem to be harder-and-harder to come by in the Philadelphia area. My go-to was Ruggiero's Guitar Workshop, before he moved out to Yardley, PA. While it's still viable, the drive is quite far from my West Philly home.
Nicole Bachel is the current Luthier working out of The Classical Guitar Store. She's spent a number of years studying with famed luthier Jose Romanilos. I've had her reglue a broken neck on my gigging guitar and stabilize some cracks in my concert classical guitar. She's great.
Performance, ensemble, and Competition Opportunities
This article lists a bunch of different opportunities that you may wish to take advantage of. The article is written mainly for the parents of my kids' guitar program.
Eliot Fisk
Legendary Classical Guitarist Eliot Fisk was born in Philadelphia. That is all.
