Michele Rampino

Hi! I am Michele, a professional guitarist with over 15 years of experience and good expertise in performing solo, chamber, and orchestral music from the baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary repertoires. I give guitar and music theory lessons for all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced players.

I have obtained prizes in several guitar competitions and attended several advanced courses. I also studied composition for 5 years learning tonal harmony, vocal counterpoint, and forms. I composed several pieces for solo instruments (especially for guitar) and small ensembles. I am very interested in improvised music which I have been practicing for some years, attending seminars, and working in ensemble projects (such as Tarar and BURST!).

I graduated from a Guitar Master in Pesaro (Italy) at the Rossini Conservatory, and I obtained a Master’s degree in guitar at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague with maestro Zoran Dukic, winning the Fock-Medal for the best final presentation of the year.

Besides classical music, I like to play other genres such as pop and rock, and I have always been practicing electric guitar. I have been teaching privately and in music schools for more than seven years to people of all ages, from children to adults, developing an approach that puts in the first place the needs and tastes of each student.

I believe that following a path that best suits the characteristics, tastes, and goals of each student is the best and funniest way to learn the guitar. Each of my lessons is unique and adapted to the student's personality.
At first, I usually aim at the acquisition of basic knowledge relating to the instrument. Then, you decide what to learn: from classical guitar to electric or acoustic guitar, from classical music to rock, pop, or folk!

If you want to learn how to play classical music, we are going to work on how to read and interpret a score, acquire a good technique (arpeggios, scales, and control of polyphony) while always focusing on the meaning, the feeling, and the direction of the musical piece.

At the same time, if you want to focus on other genres (such as rock, pop, etc...) we are going to work on improving your ear skills, sense of rhythm, and theory knowledge while learning the songs you like the most. In this way, you will be able to learn not only how to play guitar by yourself, but also how to play together with other people, be able to understand the music and play what you really feel and want to play.

Of course, nothing stops us from working on different styles of playing at the same time!

I am also available for the preparation of the entrance exams to the guitar courses (preparatory courses, Bachelor, Master) of the Conservatory.