"...passion for teaching... inspiration... his goal is... success for his students."
- Nick Troiani (scroll down for the full testimonial)
Ramon Taranco teaches
ALL STYLES - - - - - - ALL AGES - - - - - - ALL LEVELS
*blues (acoustic & electric)
*latin jazz
*classical
*flamenco
*rock
*metal
*slide
*folk
Ramon is an extremely experienced teacher who taught and performed in New York City for over 17 years. Since he moved back to the Toronto area in June 2012 , he has built a thriving private music teaching studio and now, with the covid-19 pandemic, he is doing all his teaching online.
Click on the link below
to read details about
Ramon's teaching background...
to read details about
Ramon's teaching background...
| ramon_taranco_resume.doc |
Student Testimonials
Letters of Reference
Feedback from Fans
Here are Teaching Testimonials written by guitar students & fellow music teachers plus Letters of Reference from concert promoters, journalists & members of the public who have become avid fans of Ramon's amazing guitar playing & his unique world beat blues & Afro-Cuban jazz compositions:
Nick Zide, age 19, New York City
Ramon Taranco is more than just a guitar teacher; he's a mentor in life. Rather than show you his way to play, he helps you develop your own - in order to grow more musically, and individually.
Through strict repetition, I gained perfection in any piece I choose, and through caring guidance I learned to challenge myself and to never stop growing. Ramon will open your eyes to the true music and beauty you can find in any genre. He puts you on the path to grow in every direction rather than focus on one.
I thank Ramon from the bottom of my heart for helping me open my eyes and ears to true beauty found all throughout the universe. You'd be making a mistake missing an opportunity to learn from a true master of his art.
Through strict repetition, I gained perfection in any piece I choose, and through caring guidance I learned to challenge myself and to never stop growing. Ramon will open your eyes to the true music and beauty you can find in any genre. He puts you on the path to grow in every direction rather than focus on one.
I thank Ramon from the bottom of my heart for helping me open my eyes and ears to true beauty found all throughout the universe. You'd be making a mistake missing an opportunity to learn from a true master of his art.
Nick Troiani, Chair of the Music Dept,
Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Long Island NY
Don McLean & Nick Troiani
I have known Ramon Taranco for 6 years and have worked with him at Astoria Music during that time. It is there where I witnessed Ramon's passion for teaching as well as the inspiration he provides to his students. Ramon is dedicated to his profession. His teaching skills are refreshing and he connects with his students, regardless of their age or ability. He has taught both beginner and advanced students, but his goal is a common one, success for his students.
Ramon is an experienced guitar player and has been playing professionally for many years. He has composed and recorded countless songs, and has toured in both America and Canada. Ramon is a hard working musician, and his experience and knowledge is an asset to those he teaches, as well as, the musicians who benefit from his knowledge and musicianship.
[Nick co-composed (with Don McLean composer of the hit song "American Pie") a musical called "The Day The Music Died" which won USA Today's New York Best Original Musical Award in 2008]
Ramon is an experienced guitar player and has been playing professionally for many years. He has composed and recorded countless songs, and has toured in both America and Canada. Ramon is a hard working musician, and his experience and knowledge is an asset to those he teaches, as well as, the musicians who benefit from his knowledge and musicianship.
[Nick co-composed (with Don McLean composer of the hit song "American Pie") a musical called "The Day The Music Died" which won USA Today's New York Best Original Musical Award in 2008]
David Parsons, Head of Music Dept,
Burnhamthorpe Collegiate, Etobicoke ON
Ramon Taranco has performed for my high school classes three times during recent years, both as guitar soloist and most recently with an African drummer. His musicianship is of the highest caliber; he comes well-prepared and he relates well to the students. He is capable of performing a variety of musical styles and his knowledge of guitar playing and guitar literature is exceptional. I have no reservations about recommending Ramon as a guitarist for high school audiences.
Burnhamthorpe Collegiate, Etobicoke ON
Ramon Taranco has performed for my high school classes three times during recent years, both as guitar soloist and most recently with an African drummer. His musicianship is of the highest caliber; he comes well-prepared and he relates well to the students. He is capable of performing a variety of musical styles and his knowledge of guitar playing and guitar literature is exceptional. I have no reservations about recommending Ramon as a guitarist for high school audiences.
George Philips, owner of Astoria Music, Queens NY & musician
Ramon Taranco is undoubtedly one of the finest guitar teachers, guitarists and musically-knowledgeable people to ever be on the Astoria Music teaching staff.
As owner of the school, I have received a lot of positive feedback about the quality of Ramon's music lessons from students of all ages and parents of children who have taken lessons with Ramon during the past 10 years.
He treats each student as an individual - customizing their course of study and is sensitive to the musical interests, goals, learning style, aptitude level and life concerns of each student. Ramon has taught some high-achieving young people who have become professional guitarists but he also teaches children and adults who want to advance at a more leisurely pace.
As a professional musician, he is right on top of his game as a guitarist and as a songwriter himself, Ramon has effectively helped student composers to refine their craft. Ramon can teach almost any style of guitar to a very high level and I highly recommend him to any student or institution as a complete and dedicated guitar instructor.
As owner of the school, I have received a lot of positive feedback about the quality of Ramon's music lessons from students of all ages and parents of children who have taken lessons with Ramon during the past 10 years.
He treats each student as an individual - customizing their course of study and is sensitive to the musical interests, goals, learning style, aptitude level and life concerns of each student. Ramon has taught some high-achieving young people who have become professional guitarists but he also teaches children and adults who want to advance at a more leisurely pace.
As a professional musician, he is right on top of his game as a guitarist and as a songwriter himself, Ramon has effectively helped student composers to refine their craft. Ramon can teach almost any style of guitar to a very high level and I highly recommend him to any student or institution as a complete and dedicated guitar instructor.
BRONX MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
March 8 1995
Mr. Ramon Taranco
156 West 92nd Street, Apt 4
New York, NY 10025-7580
Dear Ramon
On behalf of the Bronx Museum of the Arts, I would like to thank you for the terrific presentation of “Strumming the Americas” at our African American Heritage Month Celebration on February 18, 1995.
The feedback I received was full of praise, and it was a beautiful sight to see a room full of people of different ages and backgrounds enjoying your playing and explanations of our vast musical heritage! Yours was a most appropriate and successful addition to our celebration.
Thank you again for making our celebration an entertaining, educational one, and best of luck in all your future endeavors here in New York.
Sincerely,
Rozella Floranz
Director of Public Affairs
Bronx Museum of the Arts, Bronx NY
Mike Forzano, age 24, Astoria, Queens NY
I studied many different kinds of music with Ramon for about 5 years. In that time, I didn't only learn what it meant to read notes and execute passages with good technique. I learned how to practice, how to act around other musicians, and how to express myself on my instrument. He also taught me how to humbly survive in a difficult profession. Ramon has a plethora of experience to draw from as a performer and a person who lives a music lifestyle, and lessons like that aren't easy to come by.
Mike is graduate of the Conservatory of Music at SUNY (State University of New York), Purchase - Bachelor's in Jazz Performance
http://www.myspace.com/mikeforzano
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrYbaf8hfC8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCxZC5S4m60
Mike is graduate of the Conservatory of Music at SUNY (State University of New York), Purchase - Bachelor's in Jazz Performance
http://www.myspace.com/mikeforzano
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrYbaf8hfC8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCxZC5S4m60
Nick Jenkins, age 19, NYC
I started taking lessons from Ramon when I was about 12 years old. I had been playing for a couple years on my own yet I seriously lacked any form of discipline or guidance on the instrument. I barely knew the difference between a major and minor chord, had no clue how to play a major scale and yet I thought of myself as one of the best guitar players around; if not the best.
I vividly remember my first lesson with Ramon. My father was bragging to him about how I could play all the AC/DC and Led Zeppelin songs perfectly. Ramon asked me to demonstrate my abilities so I played "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC using only my left hand to hammer on/ pull off the notes. Ramon was impressed that I had learned that on my own. However, I quickly realized how naive I had been. Ramon was warming up, tuning his guitar and in the process played about 3 or 4 notes doing a little warm-up lick.
That little warm-up lick changed my view of the guitar for the rest of my life. In 60 seconds Ramon had shown me what it meant to be an absolute master of the guitar. It was in that moment that I realized I was going to be a professional musician for the rest of my life. Ramon saw the desire I had for knowledge and saw the hours I spent practicing pay off.
Ramon transformed me from a pretentious, stereotypical 12-year-old guitar player into a musician. Ramon taught me many things, but arguably the most important was the concept of Discipline.
Ramon believed in "tough love" as he called it. I would have to play something absolutely perfectly 10 times in a row without stopping in order to prove to him that I had it down. Ramon trained me to be a diligent, disciplined, and well-rounded player. If not for Ramon, I would have never made it as far as I have in music. He introduced the blues, jazz, funk, folk, latin music, and classic rock to me. He taught me to appreciate ALL music and understand the subtleties and the beauty of the nuances of every genre; in particular with regards to the guitar playing of course. Ramon is one of the last true guitar gurus. He is one-of-a-kind and should never be overlooked. Seriously Ramon has changed my life forever and I owe everything to him.
Here Nick play...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU_NOwoQza8
http://www.youtube.com/user/jenkinsguitar
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSalmonKing43
http://www.youtube.com/user/neutranyc
http://soundcloud.com/jenkinsguitar
http://www.myspace.com/neutranewyork
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/groundwork-ep/id479619404
I vividly remember my first lesson with Ramon. My father was bragging to him about how I could play all the AC/DC and Led Zeppelin songs perfectly. Ramon asked me to demonstrate my abilities so I played "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC using only my left hand to hammer on/ pull off the notes. Ramon was impressed that I had learned that on my own. However, I quickly realized how naive I had been. Ramon was warming up, tuning his guitar and in the process played about 3 or 4 notes doing a little warm-up lick.
That little warm-up lick changed my view of the guitar for the rest of my life. In 60 seconds Ramon had shown me what it meant to be an absolute master of the guitar. It was in that moment that I realized I was going to be a professional musician for the rest of my life. Ramon saw the desire I had for knowledge and saw the hours I spent practicing pay off.
Ramon transformed me from a pretentious, stereotypical 12-year-old guitar player into a musician. Ramon taught me many things, but arguably the most important was the concept of Discipline.
Ramon believed in "tough love" as he called it. I would have to play something absolutely perfectly 10 times in a row without stopping in order to prove to him that I had it down. Ramon trained me to be a diligent, disciplined, and well-rounded player. If not for Ramon, I would have never made it as far as I have in music. He introduced the blues, jazz, funk, folk, latin music, and classic rock to me. He taught me to appreciate ALL music and understand the subtleties and the beauty of the nuances of every genre; in particular with regards to the guitar playing of course. Ramon is one of the last true guitar gurus. He is one-of-a-kind and should never be overlooked. Seriously Ramon has changed my life forever and I owe everything to him.
Here Nick play...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU_NOwoQza8
http://www.youtube.com/user/jenkinsguitar
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSalmonKing43
http://www.youtube.com/user/neutranyc
http://soundcloud.com/jenkinsguitar
http://www.myspace.com/neutranewyork
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/groundwork-ep/id479619404
Jeannine Cullen, New York
Taking guitar lessons with Ramon Taranco was a great experience for me. I watched myself become a stronger performer and was able to sing and play with more confidence because of his methods. I still practice the techniques he taught me to this day as I perform at various venues and wineries in New York.
Jeannine is a performing guitarist and composer
www.jcullenmusic.com
http://www.jambase.com/Artists/37558/Jeannine-Cullen-Band/Bio
http://media.speakeasyvintagemusic.com/2007/04/im-feeling-the-sound
http://www.myspace..com/jeanninecullenband
also check out Jeannine's live performance videos on you tube
Jeannine is a performing guitarist and composer
www.jcullenmusic.com
http://www.jambase.com/Artists/37558/Jeannine-Cullen-Band/Bio
http://media.speakeasyvintagemusic.com/2007/04/im-feeling-the-sound
http://www.myspace..com/jeanninecullenband
also check out Jeannine's live performance videos on you tube
Steve Schnepf, Buffalo NY
I've taken lessons from about a half-dozen different teachers over the years and Ramon Taranco was hands down the best of the bunch! He is, first and foremost, an excellent player and can teach any style including classical and flamenco. Ramon is good at explaining things in terms that make sense to novice players, and he's careful to make sure his students are learning proper technique; which other instructors are not always so careful to do. He's also very encouraging and, I believe, helps to bring out the best in his students.
In my case, Ramon encouraged me to go out and perform at some open mic nights after I had been taking lessons for a few months. He even went so far as to locate some places that had regular open mics and passed the information along to me. It was this encouragement that helped me to get out and perform in front of others, which is, of course, the reason most of us pick up instruments in the first place. I enjoyed talking with him about bands and music in general. This was one of the things I always looked forward to when I went to my lessons. I'd definitely recommend Ramon to anyone interested in learning guitar.
Steve Schnepf is a Buffalo NY newscaster (WBEN) who was recognized for excellence by the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Steve is also a performing and recording guitarist http://soundcloud.com/crush-logic
In my case, Ramon encouraged me to go out and perform at some open mic nights after I had been taking lessons for a few months. He even went so far as to locate some places that had regular open mics and passed the information along to me. It was this encouragement that helped me to get out and perform in front of others, which is, of course, the reason most of us pick up instruments in the first place. I enjoyed talking with him about bands and music in general. This was one of the things I always looked forward to when I went to my lessons. I'd definitely recommend Ramon to anyone interested in learning guitar.
Steve Schnepf is a Buffalo NY newscaster (WBEN) who was recognized for excellence by the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Steve is also a performing and recording guitarist http://soundcloud.com/crush-logic
Alexander Apollo Salazar, age 20, New York City
Ramón Taranco is a tribal leader. He was my teacher for about seven years. He made me realize my calling in life, and let me just say, perhaps one of the hardest things in life is finding the true intuitive passion for something one wouldn’t mind doing until the end of time.
Later after years of development of good friendship, he became a father figure. With a warm heart he has helped me progress not only musically, but mentally and spiritually. This is where Ramón becomes a Shaman. He teaches you that music is like a religion, and needs to be practiced and loved daily. From the age of 13 to now (age 20) I have grown to love my maestro, and someday I hope to be taught once again lessons that weigh like gold.
Ramon has spawned some of the most genuine amazing guitar players I have seen in the New York area. I hope the people he teaches back in Canada don’t take this man for granted. Here is a man who comes maybe every 100 years to pass on the message of music. A message so sublime and reasoned that can perhaps change your life, like he has done to me.
Alex plays in the NYC-based progressive rock/funk/latin fusion band, Nova
http://rockingfem.blogspot.ca/2011/06/band-alert-band-alert.html
http://thecomedypoint.com/2012/02/14/nova/
http://www.facebook.com/NovaNewYork?sk=info
Later after years of development of good friendship, he became a father figure. With a warm heart he has helped me progress not only musically, but mentally and spiritually. This is where Ramón becomes a Shaman. He teaches you that music is like a religion, and needs to be practiced and loved daily. From the age of 13 to now (age 20) I have grown to love my maestro, and someday I hope to be taught once again lessons that weigh like gold.
Ramon has spawned some of the most genuine amazing guitar players I have seen in the New York area. I hope the people he teaches back in Canada don’t take this man for granted. Here is a man who comes maybe every 100 years to pass on the message of music. A message so sublime and reasoned that can perhaps change your life, like he has done to me.
Alex plays in the NYC-based progressive rock/funk/latin fusion band, Nova
http://rockingfem.blogspot.ca/2011/06/band-alert-band-alert.html
http://thecomedypoint.com/2012/02/14/nova/
http://www.facebook.com/NovaNewYork?sk=info
Ameer Kazmi, age 16, Queens NY
My name is Ameer Kazmi and I’m a 16 year old from Queens, NY. I have been taking guitar lessons at Astoria Music with Ramon Taranco for 6 years. Ramon is friendly and fun to work with as well as stern, to make sure that you progress consistently. Since I began playing guitar, he has guided and pushed me to strive for excellence; not only in music, but in other aspects of my life. The dedication and practice it takes to learn an instrument taught me to practice and work harder in school and sports.
Ramon also connected the importance of my musical background with my passion for filmmaking. He showed me how I could set the mood with the type of music I use in a soundtrack and what the right times are to add music. Ramon also encouraged me to explore other aspects of music so I joined my school band as a percussionist. Over the years, I’ve learned that Ramon is a knowledgeable person. Taking guitar lessons with Ramon helped make me a well-rounded person.
[Ameer produced Ramon's concert videos for the Ramon Taranco You Tube Channel]
Ramon also connected the importance of my musical background with my passion for filmmaking. He showed me how I could set the mood with the type of music I use in a soundtrack and what the right times are to add music. Ramon also encouraged me to explore other aspects of music so I joined my school band as a percussionist. Over the years, I’ve learned that Ramon is a knowledgeable person. Taking guitar lessons with Ramon helped make me a well-rounded person.
[Ameer produced Ramon's concert videos for the Ramon Taranco You Tube Channel]
Ricky Calderon, age 16, Astoria NY
The past 3 years I have been Ramon's students at Astoria Music Center and over the years I realize how lucky I am to have him as a teacher. He is a well-rounded teacher who taught me electric, acoustic, and Spanish guitar. He took an interest in the songs I showed him to teach me and also introduced to me new songs that interested me. He's strict when it comes to perfection, but the results are amazing. By learning under him I gained a sense of my own rhythm into songs I learned. I had other teachers in the past for music and they didn't feel like the right one, but under Ramon I learn new things in every lesson.
Kimo Hernandez, age 15, Queens NY
I took music lessons with Ramon Taranco for 3 years. He taught me the things I know today and he is an excellent teacher. I learned chords, scales, lead and even some blues since I started lessons when I was 10 years old. I am now 15 years old. I have played in my school and now I'm trying to start a band. I gotta say, I have learned a lot.
Angel Bayron, age 11, Queens NY
Hi. My name is Angel Bayron. I am 11 years old. I am Ramon Taranco's student for guitar class. My teacher, Ramon Taranco, is a wonderful guitar teacher. He makes you practice for 30 minutes but it's worth it. He will teach you anything you like; for example, I enjoy blues and Ramon taught me a blues scale. For each lesson, it's a private lesson; meaning that he is not in a group. If you don't have a guitar, Ramon will let you borrow his. He knows what he is doing and he will be happy if you join his guitar class.
He plays so good that you won't believe on what you are seeing. I say Ramon Taranco is the best teacher you can find. I recommend that you go to Ramon Taranco's guitar class. He's friendly and fun to be with. He never screams and helps you on the guitar if you are having trouble. Like I said before, I recommend that you go to Ramon Taranco's class.
A MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE RESPONDS
MARC-PAUL BLOOME
10 East End Avenue,
New York NY 10021-1115
18 July, 1995
Director – WorldBeat Jazz Series
Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue
New York NY 10022
Dear Director,
Before I say anything, let me say thank you. Your WorldBeat Jazz series, one more time, gives me another good reason to continue to live in New York. It simply encapsulates what New York is all about. The Guggenheim – and its continuing ability to enrich the lives of New Yorkers and the world.
The very idea of such a program taking place in your space just seems right. It is as if the very concept of the Guggenheim has successfully reached out to another art form and made it its own.
And the musicians. Last Friday, we were fortunate to have heard Ramon Taranco and his group. In fact, we went back Saturday, the next night, to make sure that what we heard was really that superb. He is a master musician, and in his way, very much in the right company with the master painters and sculptors that you display. He is a true innovator, and, notwithstanding his Latin surname, he creates sound pictures far beyond that genre. From Mississippi shuffle blues to Blue Grass to Villa Lobos to Thelonius Monk and his own compositions, he exhibits a very rare span of musicianship. He is simply in the right place at the Guggenheim.
I might add that I studied music for more than a decade and fed myself through university playing the piano on the south side of Chicago. Not in his class, but my appreciation of his ability was met equally by some young Japanese visitors and a German couple sitting next to us.
Again, I commend you for your program and your choice. May I ask, why just in summer?
Very truly yours,
Marc-Paul Bloome
10 East End Avenue,
New York NY 10021-1115
18 July, 1995
Director – WorldBeat Jazz Series
Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue
New York NY 10022
Dear Director,
Before I say anything, let me say thank you. Your WorldBeat Jazz series, one more time, gives me another good reason to continue to live in New York. It simply encapsulates what New York is all about. The Guggenheim – and its continuing ability to enrich the lives of New Yorkers and the world.
The very idea of such a program taking place in your space just seems right. It is as if the very concept of the Guggenheim has successfully reached out to another art form and made it its own.
And the musicians. Last Friday, we were fortunate to have heard Ramon Taranco and his group. In fact, we went back Saturday, the next night, to make sure that what we heard was really that superb. He is a master musician, and in his way, very much in the right company with the master painters and sculptors that you display. He is a true innovator, and, notwithstanding his Latin surname, he creates sound pictures far beyond that genre. From Mississippi shuffle blues to Blue Grass to Villa Lobos to Thelonius Monk and his own compositions, he exhibits a very rare span of musicianship. He is simply in the right place at the Guggenheim.
I might add that I studied music for more than a decade and fed myself through university playing the piano on the south side of Chicago. Not in his class, but my appreciation of his ability was met equally by some young Japanese visitors and a German couple sitting next to us.
Again, I commend you for your program and your choice. May I ask, why just in summer?
Very truly yours,
Marc-Paul Bloome
HOSPITAL AUDIENCES INC., Manhattan
HAI – Transforming Lives Through the Arts
Patty Reitkopf - Director, Performance Program
Hospital Audiences, Inc. (HAI)
548 Broadway, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10012
Tuesday May 22 2012
To whom it may concern,
As the director of HAI’s performance program, I have known Ramon Taranco since 1996. He has performed as a soloist as well as with various musical partners for (Hospital Audiences Inc.) HAI. Mr. Taranco has an excellent record of accomplishment – always receiving rave reviews from HAI audiences and facility staff. He was particularly good about adapting his repertoire to various situations - playing holiday music when required as well as rhythm and blues and jazz at Mardi Gras events.
Ramon Taranco is a reliable and professional artist who HAI program coordinators called upon to deliver a quality program. In my capacity as Director, I would recommend Mr. Taranco for programs needing talented, dependable artist who can respond to the requirement of a particular audience, especially those with special needs.
Patty Reitkopf
Director, Performance Program
HAI
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The following is feedback HAI received from an event coordinator at Bishop P. Hucles Nursing Home, Brooklyn NY; after a June 2011 concert by Ramon Taranco + His Havana Blues Revue:
The Ramon Taranco band was EXCELLENT.
It was a huge turn-out and all the residents LOVED him. Just about everyone was dancing, tapping feet and hands, and smiling. Plus he sang a lot of music that the residents knew and could sing along to.
Hands down, his band is the best entertainment I have seen so far. They were also really warm with the residents afterwards, wishing the men Happy Father’s Day and telling others what a joy it was to play for them.
Patty Reitkopf - Director, Performance Program
Hospital Audiences, Inc. (HAI)
548 Broadway, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10012
Tuesday May 22 2012
To whom it may concern,
As the director of HAI’s performance program, I have known Ramon Taranco since 1996. He has performed as a soloist as well as with various musical partners for (Hospital Audiences Inc.) HAI. Mr. Taranco has an excellent record of accomplishment – always receiving rave reviews from HAI audiences and facility staff. He was particularly good about adapting his repertoire to various situations - playing holiday music when required as well as rhythm and blues and jazz at Mardi Gras events.
Ramon Taranco is a reliable and professional artist who HAI program coordinators called upon to deliver a quality program. In my capacity as Director, I would recommend Mr. Taranco for programs needing talented, dependable artist who can respond to the requirement of a particular audience, especially those with special needs.
Patty Reitkopf
Director, Performance Program
HAI
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The following is feedback HAI received from an event coordinator at Bishop P. Hucles Nursing Home, Brooklyn NY; after a June 2011 concert by Ramon Taranco + His Havana Blues Revue:
The Ramon Taranco band was EXCELLENT.
It was a huge turn-out and all the residents LOVED him. Just about everyone was dancing, tapping feet and hands, and smiling. Plus he sang a lot of music that the residents knew and could sing along to.
Hands down, his band is the best entertainment I have seen so far. They were also really warm with the residents afterwards, wishing the men Happy Father’s Day and telling others what a joy it was to play for them.
JAZZ FESTIVAL DIRECTOR & instigator of Port Jefferson NY's "Artist-in-Residence" program - Ramon won the position
INTERNATIONAL ART OF JAZZ
5 Saywood Lane, Stony Brook, New York NY 11790-3103
516-474-2929
November 10, 1995
Mr. Ramon Taranco
207 West 85th Street, Apt. 305
New York, NY 10024
Dear Ramon
For the past six months, you and I have worked together in what I consider to be a most pleasant and productive collaboration involving program planning and performances.
You saw our non-traditional audience development project as a challenge, the concept of which you embraced fully. No one could possibly have been more cooperative or accessible than you, trekking back and forth on the Long Island Railroad from Manhattan to Port Jefferson in summer heat with never a complaint!
Your two performances for us were in sharp contrast to each other, yet you were equally at home and well-received in both – the outdoor concert opening the Village of Port Jefferson’s Harborside Festival and the private-home reception for Assemblyman Englebright.
As for the members of the planning committee, we congratulated ourselves on our good fortune to have found an artist who so perfectly met the very specific criteria we had established: charismatic, bilingual, articulate, and talented. It was a lot to ask for, but that shoe fits you.
I appreciate the thought you put into the project, the value of the suggestions you made, and the fact that you always kept in touch with me! Your communication instincts and skills are totally professional.
You are a talented professional who is a pleasure to work with. I hope you will feel free to use me as a reference. All good wishes, Ramon.
Sincerely,
Ann H. Sneed
Founder/Director
The following is a letter to Ann Sneed from New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright after hearing Ramon Taranco perform:
Dear Ann,
Thank you so much for attending my August 6th 1995 fundraiser and for your generous contribution on behalf of you and Clare Connaughton.
Thank you especially for bringing Ramon Taranco to play his guitar for us so beautifully that Sunday. His performance greatly enhanced our brunch, and the guests truly enjoyed hearing this fine musician play.
Sincerely,
Steve
[Politician Steven Englebright has been serving in the New York State Assembly since 1992. He formerly curated the Geologic collection at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, was founding director of the Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences and holds a Master’s degree in Paleontology and Sedimentology.]
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This letter is from the Mayor of Port Jefferson, Robert T. Strong:
October 19, 1995
Dear Ann:
If this letter is a little late I hope you and our friends at the Lila Wallace Reader’s Digest Fund will understand. A new Village administration and my own recent hospitalization are responsible. The Village of Port Jefferson remains your “arts partner”.
We were delighted that Ramon Taranco could perform with the IAJ Ensemble at the opening of our Harborside Music Festival on July 6th. I’m especially pleased to have had the opportunity to talk with him after the concert. Ramon is an excellent choice for our artist-in-residence-to-be.
It seems the planning months have gone by very quickly and now it is time to put the final touches on the project application.
If I can be of any further help just give me a call.
Sincerely,
Robert T. Strong
Mayor of Port Jefferson NY
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The following is Ann Sneed’s outline of the attributes they were looking for in the candidate they would select for Port Jefferson’s Artist-in-Residence. As Ramon Taranco was granted the position, this letter says a lot about Ramon:
INTERNATIONAL ART OF JAZZ
5 Saywood Lane, Stony Brook, New York NY 11790-3103
(516) 474-2929
March 8 1994
Dear Russ,
IAJ has received a planning grant from the Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Arts Partners Program. It is an audience-development project devised around an artist-in-residence who will serve as both a planner and implementer.
It is a demanding and challenging opportunity for the right artist, one that offers a rewarding break for the performer who needs, perhaps, some restorative time for him/herself.
We are looking for a “Pied Piper,” a very special person who will embrace the project and this diverse community. For that reason, we have chosen to communicate our search through those best qualified to identify qualified artists who might be intrigued by such a non-traditional venture.
Please feel free to copy and circulate the following as you deem appropriate:
ARTS SEARCH
Long Island arts partnership seeks artist-in-residence candidates for 12-month multicultural, audience-development project. Candidates must 1) be professional performing musicians; 2) have charisma and strong communication skills; 3) be willing and able to relocate to Port Jefferson area; 4) be able to assist in development of music program for area residents. Bilingual (English/Spanish) desirable.
Thanks very much; we’re grateful for your help!
Ann H. Sneed
Executive Director
International Art of Jazz, Inc.
5 Saywood Lane, Stony Brook, New York NY 11790-3103
516-474-2929
November 10, 1995
Mr. Ramon Taranco
207 West 85th Street, Apt. 305
New York, NY 10024
Dear Ramon
For the past six months, you and I have worked together in what I consider to be a most pleasant and productive collaboration involving program planning and performances.
You saw our non-traditional audience development project as a challenge, the concept of which you embraced fully. No one could possibly have been more cooperative or accessible than you, trekking back and forth on the Long Island Railroad from Manhattan to Port Jefferson in summer heat with never a complaint!
Your two performances for us were in sharp contrast to each other, yet you were equally at home and well-received in both – the outdoor concert opening the Village of Port Jefferson’s Harborside Festival and the private-home reception for Assemblyman Englebright.
As for the members of the planning committee, we congratulated ourselves on our good fortune to have found an artist who so perfectly met the very specific criteria we had established: charismatic, bilingual, articulate, and talented. It was a lot to ask for, but that shoe fits you.
I appreciate the thought you put into the project, the value of the suggestions you made, and the fact that you always kept in touch with me! Your communication instincts and skills are totally professional.
You are a talented professional who is a pleasure to work with. I hope you will feel free to use me as a reference. All good wishes, Ramon.
Sincerely,
Ann H. Sneed
Founder/Director
The following is a letter to Ann Sneed from New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright after hearing Ramon Taranco perform:
Dear Ann,
Thank you so much for attending my August 6th 1995 fundraiser and for your generous contribution on behalf of you and Clare Connaughton.
Thank you especially for bringing Ramon Taranco to play his guitar for us so beautifully that Sunday. His performance greatly enhanced our brunch, and the guests truly enjoyed hearing this fine musician play.
Sincerely,
Steve
[Politician Steven Englebright has been serving in the New York State Assembly since 1992. He formerly curated the Geologic collection at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, was founding director of the Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences and holds a Master’s degree in Paleontology and Sedimentology.]
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This letter is from the Mayor of Port Jefferson, Robert T. Strong:
October 19, 1995
Dear Ann:
If this letter is a little late I hope you and our friends at the Lila Wallace Reader’s Digest Fund will understand. A new Village administration and my own recent hospitalization are responsible. The Village of Port Jefferson remains your “arts partner”.
We were delighted that Ramon Taranco could perform with the IAJ Ensemble at the opening of our Harborside Music Festival on July 6th. I’m especially pleased to have had the opportunity to talk with him after the concert. Ramon is an excellent choice for our artist-in-residence-to-be.
It seems the planning months have gone by very quickly and now it is time to put the final touches on the project application.
If I can be of any further help just give me a call.
Sincerely,
Robert T. Strong
Mayor of Port Jefferson NY
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The following is Ann Sneed’s outline of the attributes they were looking for in the candidate they would select for Port Jefferson’s Artist-in-Residence. As Ramon Taranco was granted the position, this letter says a lot about Ramon:
INTERNATIONAL ART OF JAZZ
5 Saywood Lane, Stony Brook, New York NY 11790-3103
(516) 474-2929
March 8 1994
Dear Russ,
IAJ has received a planning grant from the Lila Wallace – Reader’s Digest Arts Partners Program. It is an audience-development project devised around an artist-in-residence who will serve as both a planner and implementer.
It is a demanding and challenging opportunity for the right artist, one that offers a rewarding break for the performer who needs, perhaps, some restorative time for him/herself.
We are looking for a “Pied Piper,” a very special person who will embrace the project and this diverse community. For that reason, we have chosen to communicate our search through those best qualified to identify qualified artists who might be intrigued by such a non-traditional venture.
Please feel free to copy and circulate the following as you deem appropriate:
ARTS SEARCH
Long Island arts partnership seeks artist-in-residence candidates for 12-month multicultural, audience-development project. Candidates must 1) be professional performing musicians; 2) have charisma and strong communication skills; 3) be willing and able to relocate to Port Jefferson area; 4) be able to assist in development of music program for area residents. Bilingual (English/Spanish) desirable.
Thanks very much; we’re grateful for your help!
Ann H. Sneed
Executive Director
International Art of Jazz, Inc.
CBC RADIO MUSIC PROGRAM PRODUCER
ALAN GUETTEL -
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation / Société Radio-Canada
Music Producer, CBC Radio
354 Jarvis St., Toronto ON
11/02/87
To whom it may concern:
I have known Ramon Taranco and his music for a number of years – especially in my former capacity as music producer of CBC Radio’s “Morningside.”
He is a talented player of popular and classical guitar styles. As well, the versatility of his playing, and [knowledge] of the guitar itself, has led him to a genuine understanding of a wide range of music.
Ramon is comfortable with jazz, classical, pop and blues – as well as the Afro, Latin American and folk musics that are the sources of today’s pop music.
All of this is relevant to any recording project he may undertake. As an independent producer as well myself, I know how this sort of versatility and breadth of understanding in a musician makes it easier to accomplish even the routine musical tasks – like selecting synthesized sounds or rhythmic figures for a particular production. And it is essential in establishing the big picture and the direction of a recording project.
The applicant’s music will appeal to a mature audience – people who appreciate musicality and skillful playing, as well as good songs.
If this project is well funded enough that all of Ramon Taranco’s talents can be used, I’m sure that there is a place – possibly several places – for his work in the record business.
Sincerely,
Alan Guettel
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation / Société Radio-Canada
Music Producer, CBC Radio
354 Jarvis St., Toronto ON
11/02/87
To whom it may concern:
I have known Ramon Taranco and his music for a number of years – especially in my former capacity as music producer of CBC Radio’s “Morningside.”
He is a talented player of popular and classical guitar styles. As well, the versatility of his playing, and [knowledge] of the guitar itself, has led him to a genuine understanding of a wide range of music.
Ramon is comfortable with jazz, classical, pop and blues – as well as the Afro, Latin American and folk musics that are the sources of today’s pop music.
All of this is relevant to any recording project he may undertake. As an independent producer as well myself, I know how this sort of versatility and breadth of understanding in a musician makes it easier to accomplish even the routine musical tasks – like selecting synthesized sounds or rhythmic figures for a particular production. And it is essential in establishing the big picture and the direction of a recording project.
The applicant’s music will appeal to a mature audience – people who appreciate musicality and skillful playing, as well as good songs.
If this project is well funded enough that all of Ramon Taranco’s talents can be used, I’m sure that there is a place – possibly several places – for his work in the record business.
Sincerely,
Alan Guettel
Peter Donato
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT INC.
544 Richmond Street West
Toronto ON M5V 1Y4
July 7, 1994
To whom it may concern:
I have known Ramon Taranco for over fifteen years. As a musician he is truly gifted. I have had the good fortune during that time to both work with Mr. Taranco and to enjoy his music.
As a professional musician and a producer of musical events (Southern Comfort Blues Festival, Songwriting workshops, electronic music seminars), I speak with some authority and knowledge of the music industry and in my professional opinion would rank Mr. Taranco as a first class guitarist and certainly one of the more talented artists to have crossed my path.
In dealings with Mr. Taranco I have always found him to be highly professional and disciplined both as an artist and as a person.
I have no hesitation in recommending him to you as a significant artist.
Should you require any further information about Mr. Taranco, I would be pleased to have you call me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Peter Donato
Partner, Special Assignment Inc.
To whom it may concern:
I have known Ramon Taranco for over fifteen years. As a musician he is truly gifted. I have had the good fortune during that time to both work with Mr. Taranco and to enjoy his music.
As a professional musician and a producer of musical events (Southern Comfort Blues Festival, Songwriting workshops, electronic music seminars), I speak with some authority and knowledge of the music industry and in my professional opinion would rank Mr. Taranco as a first class guitarist and certainly one of the more talented artists to have crossed my path.
In dealings with Mr. Taranco I have always found him to be highly professional and disciplined both as an artist and as a person.
I have no hesitation in recommending him to you as a significant artist.
Should you require any further information about Mr. Taranco, I would be pleased to have you call me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Peter Donato
Partner, Special Assignment Inc.
Peter Goddard
former music critic for the Toronto Star
November 10, 1987
To whom it may concern:
I have heard a number of Ramon Taranco’s compositions, both popular and light classical, and believe he has a talent worth nurturing.
He deserves support to establish a career which, I believe, might bring a new musical flavouring to our culture.
Yours truly,
Peter Goddard
To whom it may concern:
I have heard a number of Ramon Taranco’s compositions, both popular and light classical, and believe he has a talent worth nurturing.
He deserves support to establish a career which, I believe, might bring a new musical flavouring to our culture.
Yours truly,
Peter Goddard