Harry George Pellegrin

Student Recommendations

• Rocky R. October 26, 2011

  "When I went to take classical guitar lessons with Mr. Pellegrin, I was only doing classical guitar as an instrument to complement my music business major that I would begin at school the next year. The very first lesson, I remember he asked me the question, "What do YOU like to play?" I really didn't know, as I didn't know much about classical guitar repertoire at all. That summer, Harry opened up a whole new world of music to me. I learned about all of the great guitar composers, Sor, Carcassi, and Barrios, to name a few. The way Harry played these pieces for me had so much emotion and power in the performance, and it made me think, "wow, this is the guy giving me lessons!" I learned so much about technique, economy of motion, and most importantly, emotion while playing guitar from Harry. Harry is also very good at articulating why he would recommend a chord be played a certain way, or why a certain phrase soft be loud or soft, or bright or warm. He is a patient teacher, and is slow to anger, unlike many other teachers that I've had. I'm so glad that my mother found his website online and told me about his guitar instruction! Another great thing about Harry's lessons is the price. Most of the most prestigious guitar teachers charge astronomical rates for lessons (the teacher I take lessons from at college charges $60/hour for his private lessons outside of school). Harry charges $40/hour, for which you will learn just as much, if not more than you would from any other teacher. And lastly, one of the greatest things about taking lessons with Harry is that he's now become a personal friend. He and I go to a guitar soree in Albany once a month, and if something happens and the soree gets cancelled, he and his wife, Elaine, still invite me over for dinner that night. He truly is one of the greatest individuals I've ever met."

• Scott A. October 26, 2011

  "Mr. Pellegrin is an extremely patient, knowledgeable and competent teacher as well as being a concert-level classical guitarist. His openness, patience, humility, calm demeanor and make learning the classical guitar an adventure rather than drudgery. His passion for the art comes alive and cannot help but inspire the student. A great teacher."

• Bill H. October 26, 2011

  "Harry is a superb guitar instructor. He explains and demonstrates in detail each facet of guitar instruction. He listens to students' requests and tailors the instruction to accommodate those requests where feasible. His musical education allows him to explain the theory and "whys" of music to the student rather than just the "hows". Above all, he teaches the student how to express feelings through music. As a bonus, he is an excellent recitalist and provides the student with examples of the techniques which may then be emulated by the student. "

• Barry L. October 26, 2011

  "I am a former student of Harry George Pellegrin. I took classical guitar lessons with him for many years. Harry first gave me a solid foundation in guitar playing, and then guided me to be the best musician that I could possibly be. He is warm, patient, and truly cares about the success of his students. I eventually became a music teacher myself, so I can really appreciate the practicality of his methodology. If you are looking to learn guitar in the proper way, then Harry is the teacher you want. The rating scale should go up to ten stars. Five stars does not do him justice. "

• Bernadette W. October 26, 2011

  "My nine year old daughter is one of Harry's current students. Not only is she excelling under his tutelage, but she loves her lessons. Harry provides the perfect mixture of fun(ny) and work. He is able to meet her at her level and pushes her to get better. He discusses music theory and therefore provides a rich musical experience. Harry also takes time to help me understand what my daughter should be working on at home. In addition, Harry is always available to answer questions and provide additional support. Harry is an amazing teacher - I recommend him highly!"

• Melanie W. October 26, 2011

  "I am currently a student with Harry and he is all I could've hoped for in a guitar teacher. I started lessons with him 2 years ago with absolutely no experience in the instrument, but always wanted to learn. He has always encouraged me to do my best, never pushes me in a direction i'm uncomfortable with, and is extremely encouraging and respectful of what you can bring to the table musically. I can tell what a great teacher Harry is every time I pick up the guitar. I went from barely being able to hold the instrument, to being able to actually play some music out of the instrument. I would absolutely recommend him to anymore interested in classical guitar lessons or in need of a performer. He has so much knowledge and respect for the instrument that he clearly loves sharing with others."

• Eric M. October 27, 2011

  "I am a local luthier who has had the great pleasure of getting to know Mr. Pelligrin. As a friend, as "his" luthier (not everyone has one), as a recording engineer, and as a student. As a friend Harry is a gentleman, and scholar. Generous and kind. As his luthier, we have worked together creating two of his guitars,"Myrtle" and "Dark horse". From selecting the wood to dialing in the kind of voice the instrument would have. As a recording engineer, to have Harry in my studio, to hear his magic unfold before me, ah, sheer indulgence on my part. As a student I have learned so much from just watching him play. When he teaches he doesn't waste a word. Every tip, every correction in technique is designed to not only teach music, but to help one gain confidence and self worth. Can't put a price on that. Eric Marczak Knox,NY "

• Derek W. October 27, 2011

  "Harry is the best teacher that any beginner guitarist could find. Studying guitar with Harry extends far past just learning the instrument. With Harry you learn about the guitar's history, music as a whole, and about what it truly means to express one's emotion through the art form. For those who are looking for an unforgettable learning experience, studying with Harry is definitely the way to go."

• mark H. October 27, 2011

  "My daughter has started lessons with Harry this fall. There is a marked improvement in her practicing and playing. She has structured lessons and she is more confident when playing. We are very pleased with Harry and she loves going to lessons. We highly recommend Harry for students who are serious about learning guitar."

• Tom W. October 31, 2011

  "I am a very new guitar player (6 months or so) and am very pleased that I selected Harry as my instructor. Not only did I not know much about the instrument I also knew little to nothing about music. One of the things that drew me to Harry was his emphasis on learning music. If you are interested in playing the guitar, and not just classical guitar, I would encourage you to speak with Harry. I have not yet settled on a style of music I would like to play but having witnessed him break down a Keb-Mo song in ten minutes (with the promise that he would teach me how to do it) I can honestly say he can take me wherever I want to go with the instrument. I run a business, have an active family and find myself on the road a fair amount. I manage to get enough practice in to keep moving and so can you. Harry will always make suggestions on how to play better but he also realizes not everyone has two hours a day to practice. If you have the desire to play and are willing to find consist time to practice he can and will help you."

• Thomas S. November 6, 2011

  "I have had 9 private music teachers over the years, 3 piano, 2 trumpet, 2 french horn and two guitar. Thus I believe I have a perspective in which to critically evaluate my relationship with Harry. Harry is tops. Over 4 years he has always remained energetically encouraging. How can he remain so while listening to my destroying a piece of music he plays so beautifully is beyond the patience of all of my prior teachers. Yet with his guidance, I am beginning to surprise myself. Practice is no longer a chore - in fact it gets in the way of other tasks I need to do. This is not because he is intimidating - quite the opposite. He is very understanding of where music needs to fit in with my other responsibilities. He has never expressed frustration with my lack of progress. But some how he makes me want to improve. That some how is entirely with positive reinforcement. In addition to his remarkable patience, his years of experience has resulted in a large catalog of music that is ready to teach me a new skill set or challenge my next level. Thus I always have something being polished and something that is tediously challenging. Each is met every week with an embracing encouragement. So if you are ready to be a learn music from a serious musician who can bring out your best, I can give no higher recommendation than Harry. He will actually make you believe that you can play as beautifully as he or at least encourage you aspire to that lofty goal. "