Ian Faquini

Ian Faquini is a Brazilian composer, guitarist, and vocalist who was born in Brasília and has lived in Berkeley, California since the age of eight. He was a member of the renowned Berkeley High School Jazz program, and at the age of 15, Ian met the legendary Brazilian composer Guinga, who became his mentor and inspired him to pursue a career in music, drawing on the rich musical traditions of his Brazilian heritage. Ian went on to study at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley and immediately after graduating joined the faculty there. He is also on the faculty at California Brazil Camp, alongside musical legends including Ivan Lins, Guinga, Chico Pinheiro, and Spok. Ian has become one of the most unique and respected guitar players in the San Francisco Bay Area, with his distinct compositional style and harmonic sense. He is also a brilliant accompanist, which has made him an in-demand collaborator with vocalists in the Bay Area and beyond.

My teaching style is flexible and tailored to each individual student. We will explore a variety of methods to truly understand the fretboard  in a hands-on approach. Much of my teaching aims to develop the ear-to-instrument connection. I will set goals and assign areas of study based on each student's individual style, ability, and aspirations. While theory and technique are very important to understanding and mastering the guitar, I will always stress the importance of listening and playing with expression and emotion. Repertory, arranging, composition, technique, ear training, and theory will all be analyzed in a easy-to-understand approach that will guide the student through a lifelong journey of artistic growth.