Jazz Guitarists Lorne Lofsky and Vic Juris Join Mike's Master Classes

Press release
Source: Mike Gellar

Mike’s Master Classes is pleased to announce that Canadian guitarist Lorne Lofsky and leading jazz educator Vic Juris have been added to the outstanding roster of guitar instructors providing online master classes at www.mikesmasterclasses.com. Mike's Master Classes provides students and some of the top Master Musicians/Educators around the globe an opportunity to learn and network together in his virtual classroom. Students have been studying with Jack Wilkins, Sheryl Bailey, Paul Bollenback, Tony DeCaprio, Steve Herberman, Chris McNulty, Sid Jacobs, Barry Greene, Jack Pezanelli, John Stowell, Jay Umble and Phil DiMaio from the comfort, convenience and privacy of their homes.

The great Canadian guitarist Lorne Lofsky has joined the growing roster of Mike's Master Classes. Lorne is a mainstay of the jazz scene in the Toronto area where he has been performing and teaching since the 70's. He has performed and recorded with Oscar Peterson, Ed Bickert, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Chet Baker, Johnny Hartman, Bob Brookmeyer and Pat LaBarbara among many others. From 1983 to 1991 Lorne played in a quartet with Ed Bickert which yielded two fine recordings. From '94-'96 Lorne was a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet. The group performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Sao Paolo, Brazil and numerous concerts throughout Europe. In addition, Lorne was featured on three CDs with Oscar Peterson. Over the years, Lorne has taught many clinics on jazz guitar and improvisation. He has been an Instructor at York University in Toronto since the late 70's, and has taught for several years at the University of Toronto. Lorne also has an extensive private teaching practice. Lorne's first class will be Saturday, Februrary 17th at 11 AM EST.

From the wilds of Manhattan to the shores of Japan and Germany, jazz guitarist Vic Juris has covered an impressive range of territory, musically as well as geographically. He has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Phil Woods, Jimmy Smith, Sarah Vaughan, Chico Hamilton, Dave Liebman, Richie Cole, Mel Torme, Eddie Jefferson and Nancy Wilson. In the mid eighties Vic teamed up with the phenomenally talented guitarist Bireli LaGrene and the two began playing together regularly. Their popular performances were charged with the intensity of two masters challenging each other to new heights. Vic and Bireli toured Europe together.

Vic has also been a member of the David Liebman group since 1991. This band has recorded 10 CDs, traveled throughout Europe, Japan, Israel, and the United States throughout the 1990s and is still going strong till this day. Vic was also a member of the Gary Peacock Quartet and musical director of the Charles Mingus Guitar Quintet. He performed at George Wein's J.V.C. Festival, in duets with John Abercrombie and Russell Malone. As a leader, Vic is performing in the U.S. and in European venues. His own quartet includes saxophonist Dick Oatts, and has recorded on the Steeple Chase label "Night Tripper", "Pastels", "Moonscape", "Remembering Eric Dolphy" . His CD "Songbook" hit top 10 pics in 2000. Vic has also recorded on Double Time Records "Music of Alec Wilder". Vic's 2004 release of "Blue Horizon" listed him as top pics for that year. He is currently recording for the Mel Bay label. Vic tours as a special guest, with his own band or in duo with vocalist Kate Baker.

Vic Juris is also one of the leading jazz educators throughout the world. He has written two books published by Mel Bay, "Vic Juris Inside/Outside: Original Play-Along Modern Jazz Guitar Solos" and "Modern Chords: Advanced Harmony for Guitar". Both books are highly regarded by up and coming guitarists. He currently teaches at The New School for Social Research, Rutgers University, and Lehigh University, and conducts clinics throughout the US and Europe.

Unlike other online classes, Mike’s Master Classes are truly live and interactive. Attendees can see and hear the Master and pose questions during Class.

Students can easily browse the upcoming as well as past Classes, read more about each Master on the roster and view sample clips. Those who purchase a class before it is held will gain access to the live class, written materials and a recording of the class. Past classes purchased include the recording and the written materials.

What students are saying about Mike’s Master Classes:

“Too good to be true! I am on the other side of the world and to be able to study with jazz masters like these is a dream.” – Nakarin T. (Bangkok, Thailand)

“That was great – seriously! It will prove to be an incredibly effective teaching method. Very cost-effective for the consumer, too. Thanks!” – Tom R. (Sydney, Australia)

“My lines are already starting to sound more connected and musical. Books would have never brought me to this point.” – Gy M. (Bowie, MD, USA)

“I like the comfortable and casual feel of the class” – Rob A. (Perth, Western Australia)

“The pace and content were phenomenal!” – David G. (Chandler, AZ, USA)

While initially, Master Jazz Guitarists have comprised the majority of the roster, other instrumentalists and vocalists are starting to appear. To keep abreast of the latest news and Master Classes or to reserve your seat, go to www.mikesmasterclasses.com.

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