Phillip Lester is an acoustic and classical guitarist, composer, arranger and recording artist. His compositions for fingerstyle guitar incorporate music of many traditions including, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Spanish, Jazz, and Contemporary Pop. His arrangements for solo guitar span the music of several generations from Bach to Beatles to Broadway musicals. 
 

From San Diego, California, Phillip began to play the guitar at the age of 12. His study of solo classical guitar began after several years as a a lead guitarist in rock bands. In 1980 he developed a program to introduce college students to the majestic sound of the classical guitar. The Artistry of the Guitar was first presented in residence halls throughout the University of Florida and was received with tremendous enthusiasm. In the Spring and summer of 1981 Mr. Lester attended Master classes taught by Christopher Parkening and Andres Segovia. In the summer of 1990 he studied with Windham Hill guitarist, Alex De Grassi. His other musical influences include Earl Klugh, Chet Atkins, George Winston, and Andrew York.

Christopher Parkening describes Lester as: 

" a very fine solo guitarist, His approach to the guitar is both sensitive and intelligent. He is a talented arranger with a gift for musicianship."

"Lester's imagination researches all the shades of coloring the acoustic guitar has to offer."
      --  New England  Performer Magazine

As a performing artist in universities, theaters, art centers, and music clubs around the country,  his music has been presented to a wide variety of audiences from middle school children, college students, corporate businessmen to senior citizens. His repertoire spans Renaissance to Ragtime, from Bach to Beatles, from Classical to Celtic. His recordings have been featured on radios stations from Portland, Oregon; to Boston, Massachusetts. Over the past fifteen years, Phillip has worked with entertainment agencies and events coordinators in New York City, Boston, Orlando, and Southern California. He is presently residing in northern New Jersey and performing throughout the NY/NJ/CT area.  For booking information or any correspondence contact:
 

Phillip Lester  P.O. Box 1231 Maplewood, NJ  07040  973-748-4490

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