Marco Gerace

I began studying guitar at 8 years old, learning my first chords from my dad, an enthusiast guitarist and collector of vinyl and guitars. A couple of years later, I also started studying piano and became fascinated with jazz music.

When I was 20, I listened to a recording of John Williams performing Bach’s four lute suites and decided I wanted to learn classical guitar. So, I joined the Conservatoire of Music, A.Casella, L’Aquila, Italy, studying classical guitar and composition. In 2001, I graduated with honours in classical guitar, and composition (IV° Anno di Composizione).

I went on to graduate in Italian Literature (Università La Sapienza, Rome) in 2003, specialising in History of Music.

While studying, I taught jazz and rock guitar at Università della Musica, Rome from 2006 to 2008, had a regular column in Axe Magazine from 2007 to 2008, and was a regular contributor for Chitarre from 2009 to 2011.

After many years as a guitar teacher, I decided to consolidate my experience of teaching into a comprehensive guitar method. This resulted in the publication of a three-volume book, Manuale di Chitarra Moderna, with Ricordi-Universal MGB Publications in 2008.

After working on a couple of Italian productions of internationally renowned musicals, I got a taste for performing in theatrical bands, leading me to move to London’s West End, where I have been performing in West End productions ever since.

Currently: Guitarist on Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – Aldwych Theatre, London