Joe Charupakorn is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, author, and raconteur. Joe's musical journey began at the impressionable age of 13, initially influenced by the guitar virtuosos of the 80s. Joe took lessons at a local music store and studied with Dr. Nick Ramliak. His insatiable appetite for music eventually led him to enroll at Purchase Conservatory at the State University of New York, where he earned both a BFA and an MFA in composition. At the conservatory Joe studied privately with a stellar group of world-renowned musicians including contemporary classical composer Ruth Schonthal, and jazz pianists Richie Beirach and Mike Longo (pianist and arranger for Dizzy "John Birks" Gillespie). Other influential teachers include tenor sax-titan George Garzone and jazz-fusion guitar hero Mike Stern. |
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| Joe's oeuvre consists of orchestral works, chamber music, and pieces for solo instruments. As a performer, Joe pledges no stylistic allegiance. Adept as both a jazz guitarist and a rock artist he embraces each idiom with equal aplomb. He has recorded and performed with producer/ re-mixer Steve Augello (Christina Aguilera, Beyonce); pop rockers Field Trip, and Kacie Sheik; Afrobeat bands-Wonderland Orchestra, Asiko, and Akoya, in addition to leading his own group-the Joe Charupakorn Group. Joe is also active as an educator and clinician. He is an adjunct professor of music at Concordia College and has taught for the National Guitar Workshop. He has also authored thirteen instructional books, including the internationally acclaimed Guitar Reference Guide series, which is published by Hal Leonard Corporation/ Cherry Lane Music and has been translated in different languages. Additionally, he has edited numerous music books. Joe is endorsed by Peavey guitars, Radial Engineering Ltd., and LaBella Strings. |