Andrea Solarino

I’m a conservatory-trained jazz guitarist, composer, and educator with 30+ years of performance, recording, and teaching experience. I’ve collaborated with leading Italian and London-based artists (including Fabrizio Bosso, Pietro Tonolo, Martin Speake, Mikele Montolli, and Keith Waithe) and appeared at major Italian jazz festivals in Rome, Turin, Terni, Matera, Ancona, and Padua.

My discography includes work as leader and sideman on projects such as More than Ever (Marco Tranchina/Smät Five, 2022), Dogor’s Flight (Cloud Club, 2022), Waiting (Qube Quartet, 2011), Do You Agree? (MP’s Jazzy Bunch feat. Fabrizio Bosso, 2013), Lazy Saturday (2010), and Tell Me the Story (Solarino–Manzi Quartet/Quintet, 2007).

I hold a Bachelor of Jazz Guitar from Conservatorio Pergolesi (Fermo) and studied with internationally acclaimed musicians including Kurt Rosenwinkel, George Garzone, Joe Diorio, Pat Martino, John Stowell, Scott Henderson, Jennifer Batten, John Parricelli, and Gilad Hekselman. I’m based in London, active in studio production and editing, and I hold an Enhanced DBS.

Clear, structured, and musical. I meet you at your level and build a plan that balances sound, time feel, fretboard clarity, and musical expression. Lessons mix:

• Technique you can use (economy of motion, tone, articulation)

• Harmony & voice-leading (functional harmony, chord-melody, comping shapes that move)

• Improvisation skills (motifs, guide-tones, rhythm, phrasing)

• Ear + theory together (sing/play, call-and-response, quick analysis)

• Ensemble awareness (how to comp, interact, and arrange in small groups)

  You’ll get targeted exercises, annotated charts, and Minus-1/backing practice so you know exactly what to do between lessons. I’m supportive but honest, and I keep you progressing with small, achievable wins.