Your Instructors... |
Richard Miller
Founder, (guitar & surf instructor) Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to an American father and Brazilian mother, Richard Miller’s recent credits include: a grammy nomination (Best Latin Jazz Album) for the recording "Virtual Birdland" with Arturo O'Farril, Paquito D' Rivera, and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra; a special performance for Pope Francis; a White House performance for President Obama; a residency at Club Bonafide in New York City, a cross-country solo tour entitled “A Rhythmic History of Brazilian Music,” and music director for the premiere of Olivério, A Brazilian Twist at the Kennedy Center and for its production in Los Angeles in 2019. With a Master’s in guitar and a Ph. D. in music theory, Richard is a dedicated educator, with 25+ years of teaching experience (including most recently teaching for eight years at Columbia University). Richard directed the education programs for the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA) in NYC and since moving to Southern California is writing their Afro Latin Jazz Curriculum for Higher Education. Richard’s publications include the book "The Guitar in the Brazilian Choro" and the CD It’s Time. He is currently working on the Afro Latin Jazz Curriculum for Higher Education, commissioned by the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance. A long-time practitioner of yoga and surfing, Richard created Balanced Guitar, a guitar, yoga, surfing retreat that takes place in Costa Rica (www.balancedguitar.com). Richard is now based out of San Diego CA. |
Freddie Bryant
(guitar & tai chi instructor) 
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
Managing Director, Balanced Guitar (yoga & guitar instructor) |
Cassie Fireman
Creative Director, Balanced Guitar (movement ,voice, thai body work) |
Ben has been a wellness professional and life coach for 5 years. With a passion for knowledge, adventure, and healing, he has taken his work to people all over the globe. Born and raised in the mountains of TN, he grew up with a thirst for spirituality, sports and physical challenge, always looking to push the boundaries of the mind and body. In 1999 he moved to NYC where he attended New York University for acting, physical theater and dance. It was their that he was introduced to and fell in love with yoga. His passion for learning led him to his 200hr RYT certification at YogaWorks. He has further studied Restorative Yoga, Sound Healing & Thai Yoga Bodywork with numerous teachers around the world. He co-founded SOLFUL, with his wife Cassie Fireman, as a stand for not only physical health and wellness, but also for full self expression and creativity. Out of this commitment, they now work with individuals and groups all over the world in workshops and retreats, including Balanced Guitar. Out of their love for music, they created their successful band, Dirty Mae, with Robbie Frost. dirtymae.com
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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 SOLFUL, 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 band, Dirty Mae, with their writing partner, Robbie Frost. The band blends old school blues with a modern indie-folk edge. DirtyMae.com
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