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Arthur Rotfeld began playing guitar in his teens, after being inspired by the greats of classic rock. While attending the University of the Arts and eventually the University of Bridgeport, Arthur dedicated himself to the study of jazz guitar and music education. Arthur went on to earn his MFA in the graduate composition program at SUNY Purchase, where he focused on writing contemporary chamber music.

As a performer, Arthur works regularly throughout the NY Metro area and has recorded a self-titled debut album of original music and a CD of jazz standards entitled Poinciana. Arthur’s music, while highly personal, shows the influence of guitarists such as Mike Stern, Bill Frisell, Pat Metheny, and John Scofield, without being derivative. His daily yoga practice spurred an interest in kirtan (call-and-response, meditative singing) and he now leads Tejase, a group that plays his original music. Their second album will be released in 2021.

Arthur is also in demand as a session player and live guitarist for pop and rock acts and has worked with Elyse Spies, Frank Enea, Hilary Cole, and other original acts. He has performed with Sal Salvador, Bill Finnegan, Paul Schaffer, Lew Soloff, Les Paul, and many others.

A highly respected author and editor, Arthur has worked on dozens of diverse titles, including books on The Doors, Warren Haynes, Brian Setzer, Led Zeppelin, Django Reinhardt, Albert King, Joe Pass—published by Alfred Music, Cherry Lane Music, and Hal Leonard. His comprehensive book on jazz harmony, entitled Jazz Voicings for Guitar and the Cherry Lane Chord Book were recently printed and are considred to be modern classics. His books are translated into many languages and are available worldwide.

Arthur currently teaches a wide variety of students, from the youngest beginner to accomplished adult performers, at his own studio, at local colleges, and via video. He gives clinics and workshops around the country on a variety of musical topics. As a skilled yoga teacher, he is sought after for his ability to relate those practices to learning and performing music.

Arthur’s own guitar teachers have been Harry Egnor, Mark Slifstein, Sal Salvador, Tal Farlow, Jay Azzolina, Randy Roos, and Tim Miller. He has studied composition with Edgar Grana and Ruth Schonthal.
 

E-mail Arthur or call/message (914) 953-8194 to find out more.
 

I look forward to talking with you!