Today we’d like to introduce you to Emre Sabuncuoglu.
Emre, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Ankara, Turkey and grew up in a musical household. Though my parents weren’t actually musicians by profession, my father played the saz (a stringed Turkish folk instrument) and my mother played the mandolin as a hobby. We frequented the State opera house for an opera or a symphonic concert on the weekends. In high school, I chose classical guitar as an elective class. As my studies of the instrument intensified, so, too, did my passion for the music. I was entered into several competitions and was fortunate enough to be recognized within the international guitar community. At university, I majored in Mathematics but continued practicing the guitar and started teaching beginners’ classes in the classical guitar club in my free time. I didn’t make the decision to pursue classical guitar full-time towards the end of my Master’s Degree in Math, which was when I applied to the New England Conservatory’s prestigious classical guitar program in Boston. I was accepted to the master’s program. It was a difficult decision to start a new page in a different country.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think for most musicians, the business aspect of the profession such as learning about entities, accounting, taxation, copyright law, etc. is a huge impediment when all one wants to do is practice. These issues proved daunting for myself as well during my first few years in this country. I did the initial research myself, but eventually received great guidance from mentors and industry specialists.
Please tell us about Los Angeles Guitar Academy (LAGA).
We are a team of guitarists in the L.A. area that provide lessons and training in all styles, but primarily classical and flamenco guitar. Lessons are available in-person, or via webcam if the proximity is an issue. Moreover, we have a comprehensive online lesson program for students who instead prefer a pre-recorded, systematic online curriculum.
Recently, my lifelong fascination with the classical guitar’s multi-textural and polyphonic capabilities has blossomed into launching a sheet music publishing division. We specialize in popular classics arranged for classical guitar – from beginner to upper-advanced levels – at times testing the limits of the fingerboard. As to what sets us apart, we go through the arduous process of recording a full video performance of these pieces that accompany the sheet music and tabs, and make them publicly available. It’s been exciting to see that these videos have attracted a large following of our work.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I look back fondly on the times my father and I spent solving math puzzles at the dinner table. Those hours left such a strong impression on me that I continued my studies in both fields, and the subject of my doctoral thesis was the connection between math and music.
Pricing:
- In-person guitar lessons: $65 – %80 per hour
- Classical guitar sheet music: $9 – $27
- In-person guitar lessons: $65 – $80 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: onlineguitaracademy.net
- Phone: (323) 999-1881
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laguitaracademy/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/laguitaracademy
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
