Lorenzo Barcella
About
I am a professional guitarist, graduated with honors in Jazz Guitar and Composition from the G. Verdi Conservatory in Milan.
For over ten years I have been teaching guitar both privately and in music schools, working with students of all ages and levels. Alongside my teaching activity, I perform regularly with jazz, blues, pop and rock ensembles, and I also work as a composer and music producer.
I have had the privilege of performing at major jazz festivals in Italy and abroad, collaborating with musicians from different backgrounds and styles. These experiences constantly enrich my teaching, allowing me to share not only solid technical and theoretical knowledge, but also the real-world perspective of an active professional musician.
Teaching Style
My lessons are open to anyone, regardless of age or starting level. Some students come to me to pick up the guitar for the very first time, others already play and want to refine their technique, dive into improvisation, or simply enjoy exploring new musical styles.
The approach always changes depending on each student’s goals and interests, but the idea is the same: to build together a stimulating and enjoyable path, where playing comes first and theory naturally supports the music we make.
Along the way we might focus on chords and rhythm, techniques for both hands, arpeggios and scales, or the basics of reading music. For more advanced students we can go deeper into harmony, improvisation and the art of building a solo. The exact program and repertoire are always tailored to the student, so that every lesson feels relevant, personal and inspiring.
Curriculum
My teaching method is personalized for each student, focusing on technique, musicality, and practical application through songs and exercises. Lessons are engaging, flexible, and tailored to the student’s goals, whether learning chords, improvisation, or building a complete repertoire.
Recommended texts for general guitar students:
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Modern Method for Guitar by William Leavitt – technique, reading, and foundational exercises
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Hal Leonard Guitar Method – suitable for beginners and intermediate players
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Selected songs and exercises based on the student’s musical taste
Recommended texts for jazz guitar students:
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A Modern Approach to Jazz Guitar by Chuck Wayne – improvisation and jazz harmony
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Mickey Baker’s Complete Course in Jazz Guitar – chord voicings, soloing, and rhythm
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Jazz standards and improvisation exercises tailored to the student’s level
Credentials & Affiliations
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Diploma with Honors in Jazz Guitar and Composition, G. Verdi Conservatory, Milan
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Professional guitarist, composer, and producer with over 10 years of teaching and performing experience
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Member of:
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SCL (Society of Composers & Lyricists, USA)
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ASMAC (American Society of Music Arrangers & Composers, USA)
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SIAE (Italian Society of Authors and Publishers, Italy)
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Education
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November 2022. Conservatory of Rovigo, Italy. Post-Master's Certificate, Film Scoring
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June 2022. Conservatory of Milano, Italy. MM Jazz Studies, Jazz Composition, graduated with 110/110 cum laude and honorable mention
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February 2019. Conservatory of Milano, Italy. MM Jazz Studies, Jazz Guitar, graduated with 110/110 cum laude
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March 2015. Conservatory of Genova, Italy BM Jazz Studies, Jazz Guitar, graduated with 110/110
Awards
- 2022 1st Prize Luciano Vincenzoni Film Scoring Competition
- 2022 3rd Prize California Independent Film Festival Film Scoring Competition
- 2022 Winner Best Original Score, Hollywood on the Tiber Film Awards
- 2021 Finalist of Mercurio d'Argento Film Scoring Competition
- 2021 Finalist of A. F. Lavagnino Film Scoring Competition
Performances
2017 to 2022. JAZZMI, Milan Jazz Festival Italy
2018-2019 Ascona Jazz Festival, Switzerland
2021 Cernusco Jazz Festival, Italy
2018 Festa dell'Opera, Teatro dell'Opera, Brescia
2018 Novara Jazz Festival, Italy
2015 Piacenza Jazz Festival, Italy
2017-present. Guitarist for private events, weddings, lunches, and dinners in
luxury hotels.
2018.present. Guitarist in a jazz band for lindy-hop, boogie woogie, and
traditional jazz dance halls.
Teaching Experience
2020 to 2022 Middle School, Music Teacher
2021 to 2022 High School, Jazz Music Teacher
2020 to 2022 SAE Institute of Milan, Collaborator