“One of the extraordinary masters of the instrument.”
EVERY PIECE TELLS A STORY
Recognized as one of the USA’s finest classical guitarists, William Kanengiser instills each piece he plays with a dramatic, narrative intention. With his unique ability to make the guitar imitate a panoply of colors and instruments, he evokes far-flung locales and tells poignant musical stories. Kanengiser was First Prize Winner in the 1987 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, as well as in major international guitar competitions in Toronto (1981) and Paris (1983). He is known for developing a unique and individual repertoire for his instrument, ranging from arrangements of Mozart, Handel and Bartok, to his innovative excursions into jazz and word-music styles. Read More: Bio →
PROJECTS
FEATURED PROJECT: BRITISH INVASION
In this project, William Kanengiser and the Alexander String Quartet pay tribute to a group of English musicians who conquered the musical world with their revolutionary explorations. From the Elizabethan lutenist John Dowland to the pop/rock icons Sting, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, these artists made a lasting impact far from the shores of their small island. Their music served as inspiration for a set of compositions for guitar and string quartet by the talented composers Ian Krouse, Dušan Bogdanović and Léo Brouwer. It is especially appropriate that the guitar sits squarely at the center of these works, as the plucked string was the primary musical voice of these British innovators.
EDUCATION
USC & BEYOND
I’m very dedicated to the art of pedagogy, and I feel honored and privileged to have been a member of the esteemed guitar faculty at USC since 1983. I’ve taught hundreds of master classes around the world, and I truly enjoy sharing my love for the instrument and it’s traditions with the next generation. I’ve also developed talks on other specific topics, such as “Biomechanics for Guitarists”, “Tone Production on the Guitar”, “Increasing Left Hand Efficiency”, and “Changing Performance Anxiety into Performance Excitement.”
WELLNESS
HEALTH & Happiness
In addition to giving private lessons, directing Performance Class, coaching ensembles and conducting the USC Guitar Orchestra, I’ve become increasingly interested in issues of general Health and Wellness for Musicians. In 2017 I developed a course on the subject, and I’m proud that I’ve been able to help musicians across the Thornton School of Music to become more aware of these issues in their own lives.
REVIEWS
“America’s outstanding narrative guitarist.”
“Kanengiser has an amazing talent for creating delicately honed, lucid phrases from technically difficult passages. With dizzying execution and alacrity, he nonchalantly kept matters under control, giving the music exceeding vitality and warmth.”
“A brilliant, sensitive, sparkling musician, full of feeling, knowing his instrument down to the ground, willing to take chances, and using all his gifts to communicate the inner life of each work to his audience.”
Contact
William Kanengiser is available to book concerts, masterclasses, lectures, and lessons.
Please use the email addresses provided below to inquire about bookings and beyond.