Richard Miller
Richard Miller earned a Ph. D. in music theory from Catholic University of America and a Masters in guitar performance from Manhattan School of Music. He currently teaches music theory and ear-training at Columbia University. Very active as a performer in New York City and abroad, Richard has been touring with his Brazilian group “Choro da Manhã” and with the Ukrainian group "Gerdan." He was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro Brazil to an American father and Brazilian mother, where he began to play guitar and surf at an early age. Recent credits include Iridium Jazz Club; The Pearl Theater in the show Mapmaker's Opera; lecture, workshop and concert at Texas Southern University; lecture and concert at Middlebury College (7th year); White House performance for President Obama, and an upcoming tour in Canada. He recently published the book "The Guitar in the Brazilian Choro." |
Freddie Bryant
Freddie Bryant received a Master’s degree in classical guitar from the Yale School of Music and is in demand in the New York jazz and Brazilian scenes, where he has worked with Elaine Elias, Tom Harrell and many others. He currently is a member of Ben Riley’s Monk Legacy Septet, the Mingus Orchestra and leads his own groups, Trio del Sol and Kaleidoscope. Bryant has seven CDs as a leader: Dreamscape: Solo, Duo, Trio featuring Chris Potter and Scott Colley (GJKSounds), Live Grooves…Epic Tales with his band Kaleidoscope (HiPNOTIC records) Trio del Sol (Twinz Records); Brazilian Rosewood, Boogaloo Brasileiro, Live at Smoke (Fresh Sound Records); and Take Your Dance into Battle (Jazz City Spirit). He has toured 50 countries and collaborated with musicians from a variety of backgrounds, including Indian classical musicians, African singers, oud players, traditional Arab groups and klezmer bands. As an impassioned educator, he has taught jazz to all ages around the world. Bryant is on the faculties of Berklee College of Music and Prins Claus Conservatory in Groningen, Holland. His website is www.freddiebryant.com
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Ben Curtis
Ben is a professional actor, musician and wellness instructor. Born and raised in TN, he grew up with an ear for blues, and a love of sports and the outdoors. He played every sport you can imagine and has fronted in rock & blues bands since the age of 13. In 1999, he moved to NYC to pursue his dreams and received a BFA in Drama from NYU. Ben has gone on to become an award-winning actor on stage & screen (see imdb.me/bencurtis). While in acting school, he continued to play music, but he also studied yoga and was instantly hooked. To supplement his acting and music careers, he became a certified yoga instructor with YogaWorks. Shortly thereafter, he met his partner Cassie Fireman, an actress, musician and wellness professional on the same journey. Through their mutual love of mind-body connection the two co-founded,
Soul Fit NYC, a wellness company devoted to creativity, health and full self expression. Together they continue to work with individuals and groups all over the world in workshops and retreats, including Balanced Guitar. Sharing a love of performance and music, they also co-founded their current music project, Fire & The Frost, with their writing partner, Robbie Frost. The band blends old school blues with a modern indie-folk edge. Check out www.fireandthefrost.com |
Cassie Fireman
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Cassie is a gifted Thai Body Work practitioner, certified at the Integral Yoga Institute. She’s also an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer. Although she has lived all over the world, she calls California her home. Cassie received her BA in Communications and Dance from the University of California San Diego in La Jolla, CA. Her approach to training is holistic and combines strength building exercises, thai massage, functional training, fun and meditation. After meeting her fiance, Ben Curtis (a wellness professional and performer on the same path), they co-founded Soul Fit NYC, a wellness company devoted to creativity, health and full self expression. Together they continue to lead individual and groups all over the world in workshops and retreats, including Balanced Guitar. Sharing a love of performance and music, they also co-founded their current music project, Fire & The Frost, with their writing partner, Robbie Frost. The band blends old school blues with a modern indie-folk edge.
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