Folk Lessons
John Cesar
Banjo & Folk Guitar
John Cesar is a professional guitarist and guitar instructor from New Jersey. Originally inspired to play music by the greats such as Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, John created his love for blues and rock n roll. Soon after this lead John be involved in numerous bands and music projects around the Northern NJ Music Scene. When it came time for college John decided to pursue the study of the classical guitar.
John completed his Bachelor’s of Music in Guitar Performance from The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University and a Master’s Degree at the Hartt School of Music. While at Hartt John worked closely with award winning guitarist Christopher Ladd and the renowned classical guitar pedagogue, Richard Provost. As teacher John has been working with students of all ages and levels for over 8 years. Students of his in the past have recorded their own music, gotten into high school jazz bands, and been accepted into college music programs. John is also a registered Suzuki guitar instructor through the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
John completed his Bachelor’s of Music in Guitar Performance from The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University and a Master’s Degree at the Hartt School of Music. While at Hartt John worked closely with award winning guitarist Christopher Ladd and the renowned classical guitar pedagogue, Richard Provost. As teacher John has been working with students of all ages and levels for over 8 years. Students of his in the past have recorded their own music, gotten into high school jazz bands, and been accepted into college music programs. John is also a registered Suzuki guitar instructor through the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Karen Hogg
Ukulele, Mandolin & Folk Guitar
A Berklee College of Music graduate, Karen brings a wealth of experience in musical instruction. She is a prolific performer and author, having written many articles for Acoustic Guitar magazine and Fretboard Journal, including interviews with legends Les Paul and Tommy Ramone. She has written two instructional books for guitar: Guitar Made Easy and Women in Rock. Her 25 years of teaching experience includes both private and group lessons on guitar, mandolin, and ukulele at various music schools and summer camps across the country. She also leads student bands in preparation for recitals.A New Haven-area native, Karen is the mandolinist in the band Flint Ladder. She also regularly provides solo fingerstyle guitar, fingerstyle ukulele, and solo mandolin at weddings and events in the area. Karen loves teaching and encouraging students to do their best AND have fun!