January 24th, 2008
Hi and welcome. As we swing into fall I have been enjoying getting back in touch with ex-students and comrades as you have been discovering the site. One former student from my days at American Conservatory told me that he has had an entire career in the Navy as a Jazz Guitarist, RETIRED, and has his own business in Florida. OK, it's official-I am OLD. Feeling good though, doing what I love.
It's my fifth year at Elmhurst College, and of course I am excited about my new gig as Visiting Professor of Jazz Guitar at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. No, I am not moving there. The sightreading book has been a good seller and I am getting very positive feedback from students and teachers who have adopted it for their students. The fundamentals book is in its third edition and is pretty much organized and battle tested.
I am currently doing Bebop things with my trio, Free Jazz with Rich Corpolongo, some Klezmer and contemporary Israeli stuff and solo jazz guitar shows. Some very cool performances have been inked for the remainder of the year so check back every so often to say hi and see what's up. Thanks.
-frank