Alfonso Adan
Guitarist, composer, educator, and 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
2024
Bio
Alfonso Adán
Alfonso Adan is a multifaceted musician, composer, educator, and recording artist with a rich educational background and extensive professional experience. He embarked on his musical journey in 1988, beginning his lifelong dedication to the guitar.
Educational Background:
Alfonso's formal education in music began at the Classical Conservatory of Spain, where he graduated in Classical Performance. His passion for jazz led him to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned a degree in Jazz Performance. Further honing his expertise, he obtained a Master’s degree in Jazz with a focus on Performance from New York University, NY. Currently, he is a Doctoral Candidate at Stony Brook University in New York, where he continues to delve into the intricacies of guitar improvisation and harmony.
Professional Experience:
Throughout his career, Alfonso has been an integral part of numerous musical projects, both as a leader and a sideman. He has performed in various studios and live venues, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft. His experience spans multiple genres and settings, allowing him to develop a unique voice in the world of music.
Mentorship and Influences:
Alfonso has had the privilege of studying with a host of renowned professors who have significantly shaped his musical approach. His professors and mentors include Bret Willmott, Wayne Krantz, Rick Peckham, Drew Gress, Andy Milne, Adam Rogers, Ray Anderson, Alan Ferber, Billy Drewes, and Martin Ehrlich. Additionally, his academic journey has been enriched by studying under esteemed scholars such as Judith Lochhead, Deborah Heckert, Dr. Kevin Holt, Dr. August Sheehy, and Dr. Dave Schroeder.
Current Research:
His doctoral research delves into the historical development of guitar improvisational techniques, harmony, and innovation. This study reflects my deep commitment to advancing the field of music composition and the performance of guitar in improvisational contexts. By examining the contributions of iconic musicians such as Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt, George Benson, Mick Goodrick, Bret Willmott, Jim Hall, and Bill Frisell, he aims to uncover the evolution of improvisational methods in music education, and harmonic practices on guitar performance.
Objectives:
1. To trace the historical evolution of guitar improvisational techniques from early jazz to contemporary styles.
2. To analyze the harmonic innovations introduced by key guitarists and their impact on the broader musical landscape.
3. To explore the interplay between compositional practices and improvisational performance in guitar music.
4. To contribute to the pedagogy of guitar performance by integrating historical insights into modern teaching methods.
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