Justin showed an interest in music starting with piano and trumpet in his early years. He soon shifted over to guitar and found his true instrument. Throughout high school he played in numerous rock and jazz groups, winning awards at regional jazz festivals and competitions. Upon graduation he attended the Berklee College of Music and graduated with a B.M. in Guitar Studies. At this time he joined the Freelance Bishops, who went on to tour the country and release two studio recordings.
After a few years of teaching students and playing concerts Justin decided he would go to the New England Conservatory for a new challenge. He graduated with an M.M. in Jazz Studies and was able to study with such accomplished musicians as Charlie Banacos, Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone, George Ruckert, Gene Bertoncini, Ben Monder, and Joe Morris along with others. After graduation from NEC Justin co-founded the Allegro School of Music and kept up a busy schedule performing with such groups as Organ in Orbit, Angry Hill, Headshaft, Mindseye as well as various freelance concerts. Justin recently took lessons in classical guitar from Adam Levin, a student of Eliot Fisk, who was a protege of the great Andres Segovia. Justin currently resides north of Boston where he teaches, composes, and performs. Straddling the lines between jazz, funk, rock, and blues, he draws from the harmonic complexity of John Coltrane as much as the raw energy of Jimi Hendrix, while also being an accomplished acoustic and classical guitarist. Justin also has a strong foundation in the theoretical aspects of music, has written a book on reading for the guitar and is currently writing books on the western application of Indian polyrhythmic concepts and guitar technique. Justin uses and endorses John Pearse strings and Woodies Pedal Boards. www.jpstrings.com; www.sportinwoodies.com |
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