Guitar
Education
Andy received both a B.M. and M.M. from Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University. He studied privately with Frank Koonce, Professor of Music at Arizona State University for seven years and with Chen Yi at Peabody, now Professor of Composition at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Performance and Teaching Experience
In addition to playing numerous concerts in the Mid-Eastern U.S. through Artist’s Representation International, Andy has performed with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Orchestra, Arizona and Baltimore Classical Guitar Societies, on public radio and has toured with vocal artist Steve Green.
Prior to teaching at Levine, Andy taught at the International School of Music, Anne Arundel Community College and currently maintains a private studio. He also lectured as guest artist at the University of Houston Moores School of Music, for the Baltimore and Philadelphia Classical Guitar Societies and at several guitar festivals.
Andy was listed as an Honored Professional in the 2002 Edition of National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals and received recognition in Classical Guitar magazine and the Washington Times.
In 1999, Andy released his debut solo guitar album, “Chimaera,” which showcases a range of compositional styles, including seven of his own compositions. His recordings have been aired on the Dayton Public Radio program “The Intimate Guitar” and his compositions have been recorded by other performing guitarists. His music has also been performed live on public radio and TV, including performances on NPR and Fox News.
At Levine
Andy joined the Levine faculty in 2004 teaching private classical guitar instruction, beginning guitar, advanced guitar and leads the Junior Guitar Orchestra.
“Levine provides a number of goals for students to aim for, such as recitals, jury exams, and competitions. These opportunities help to motivate students to work harder, and also provide inspiration and an objective means of measuring progress beyond a teacher’s studio.”
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
“One of the things I spend a lot of time on with my students is teaching them how to practice. I wasted a number of years in my life not knowing how to go about it effectively and do not want my students to have to go through the same thing. I also teach a specialized method of memorization theory as it applies to the guitar and composition if my student is interested.”
“I work with each student at their level and adjust according to each person’s individual rate of progress. It is important that my students play music which appeals to them personally, so I try to pick musical selections that the student likes while still achieving my teaching objectives.”