Casey Nielsen - Classical & Jazz Guitar
Casey "The Pedagogue"
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I have been teaching private guitar lessons throughout the Chicago land area since 2002. Comfortable teaching jazz, classical and popular guitar, I focus on what fundamentals a student is in need of, and what path will best compliment their personality and unique strengths. Having myself learned so much from listening to Cd's, I like to lead students by example of the recordings of great guitarists. I dislike pedantic lessons, and love to find solutions to musical problems.
Casey "The Performer"
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While growing up in Geneva Illinois, I began studying classical guitar at age thirteen with Roosevelt University professor, Paul Henry. Soon discovering a love for jazz music, I began separate lessons with jazz guitarist Neal Alger. I continued my private lessons until attending Northern Illinois University where, in 2004, I received my bachelors degree in Jazz Studies. At NIU, I had the privilege of studying jazz and classical guitar extensively with internationally renowned guitarist Fareed Haque. In 2002, I was a member of the Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble.
Since graduating, I have made my living teaching, studying and performing throughout North America. Between 2006-2009 I enjoyed studying with classical guitarist Denis Azabagic. In 2008 I was selected to participate in a masterclass with David Russell. He has given solo concerts for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, Baker Memorial Episcopal Church in St. Charles, the Northbrook Public Library’s Fine Arts Fall program and Salon Series, and Geneva Cultural Arts Commission’s Riverpark series. I have regularly performed at popular Chicago restaurants and cafes such as Geja’s and Julius Meinl. Since 2007, I have periodically performed with the Hot Club of Detroit at jazz festivals in Canada and the United States. I currently reside in Chicago, where I continue to study and perform.
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Casey "The Recording Artist"
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I have enjoyed recording a variety of projects with my friends. My first endeavor in the recording studio, upon leaving college, was "The Casey Nielsen Trio and Quartet" with renowned saxophonist Ron Dewar. In 2007, I put the arm on my older brother, a great recording engineer, to record his classical guitar CD "A Guitar Recital." I am also proud to have been a part of jazz vocalist Christy Bennett's CD's "The Christy Bennett, Casey Nielsen Duo" and "Christy Bennet Quartet." All the aforementioned recordings have been predictably successful, selling copious numbers within the Nielsen family.
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Casey "The Person"
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A native of Illinois' Fox Valley, I enjoy the quiet pleasures of Midwestern life; reading, great cinema, hiking, dinner parties and the solitary artistic life. A recent transplant to Chicago, I very much enjoy the noisy, wild, often insane, hodgepodge of city life too.