Alfonso Adan
Musician | Composer | Educator | Recording Artist
Discrepancy - Bird's Eye-View
Bird's Eye-View
Siho Chang Solo Exhibition May 18, 2021 ~ May 30, 2021
Music written by: Alfonso Adan
P&C Total Gallery
71-1 Samcheong-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Live Performances
2025
Bio
Alfonso Adán
Musician | Composer | Educator | Recording Artist
Alfonso Adán is an accomplished guitarist, composer, educator, and recording artist whose dynamic career spans over three decades of artistic excellence and academic achievement. Since embarking on his musical journey in 1988, Alfonso has cultivated a profound dedication to the art of guitar performance, composition, and musical innovation, continually expanding the boundaries of his craft.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts - DMA (Jazz Performance), Stony Brook University, New York (2025)
Master of Music (Jazz Performance), New York University, New York (2018)
Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance), Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA (2008)
Degree in Classical Performance, Classical Conservatory of Spain (2002)
Professional Experience
Throughout his career, Alfonso has contributed to a diverse array of musical projects as both a leader and sideman, performing extensively in live concerts, studio sessions, and interdisciplinary collaborations. His work spans multiple genres, seamlessly blending classical precision, jazz fluency, and contemporary innovation. This broad artistic range has allowed him to develop a distinctive and recognizable voice within today’s global music landscape.
Mentorship & Influences
Alfonso’s artistry has been shaped and enriched by the mentorship of an extraordinary group of internationally recognized musicians and scholars who have profoundly influenced his creative and intellectual development.
Musical Mentors:
Bret Willmott, Wayne Krantz, Rick Peckham, Drew Gress, Andy Milne, Adam Rogers, Daniel Ian Smith, Steve Rochinski, Barry Nettles, Kenny Werner, John Scofield, Alan Ferber, Dave Pietro, Billy Drewes, Martin Ehrlich.
Academic Mentors:
Dr. Judith Lochhead, Dr. Deborah Heckert, Dr. Kevin Holt, Dr. August Sheehy, Dr. Dave Schroeder, and Dr. Ray Anderson.
Doctoral Research
Alfonso’s doctoral research investigates advanced methodologies in jazz composition and improvisation, incorporating mathematical and geometric frameworks as structural tools for both compositional design and real-time improvisational practice. His work examines the historical development of guitar improvisation, harmony, and technique, offering original insights that contribute meaningfully to both contemporary performance practice and academic jazz scholarship.
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