Philip Hemmo

Philip Hemmo, classical Guitar

Philip Hemmo is known throughout the Unites States as a teacher and performer of the classical guitar. As a faculty member at the University of Arizona, Pima Communtiy College, the University of Illinois, Springfield, and his current position at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, AZ, he continues to foster the next generation of classical guitarist. His academic training includes degrees from the University of Arizona (B.M.) and Illinois State University (M.M.), as well as study at the Rubin Academy in Tel Aviv. He has been featured in concert throughout the US and Mexico as a soloist as well as working with symphonies and chamber ensembles. He has performed such large ensemble works as Ramancero Gitano by Castanuavo-Tedesco, Concerto in D Major by Antonio Vivaldi, Fantasia para un Gentilhombre by Joaquin Rodrigo, as well as numerous small ensemble work. Mr. Hemmo’s students include international competition winners, performing artists, and current University Instructors. Mr. Hemmo is the author of the guitar method text ‘Beginning Classroom Guitar’ (Thompson Learning 1998, 2004, open source) which is the textbook of choice for guitar courses across the United States. His recordings ‘Petite Pieces for Classical Guitar‘ (2017), ‘Guitar Recital‘ (2013), ‘The 20th Century Guitar‘ (2012) as well as ‘Romantic Works for Classical Guitar‘ (2010) have been released on the Project Aurora Recordings label to national acclaim.

Profile

• Guitarist
• Musician
• Educator
• Teacher
• Music Educator

Instruments

• Guitar
• Violin

Genres

• Classical
• Rock

Influences

• Alex Lifeson
• David Russel
• Andres Segovia

Equipment

• Robert Ruck Concert Guitar
• Brian Dunn Double Top Concert Guitar
• Accord Flight Case
• Kremona Guitars

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Life!

What is your music dream?

To be able to share music far into may 70's or 80's.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

By changing views so that music education is seen as important as other more traditional topics. This is true especially for children. Numerous studies prove that kids that learn music have more developed cognitive skills.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Dreaming by Blondie or the Trees by Rush.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Rush, David Russell, Vicente Amigo, Anoushka Shankar, etc...

What inspires you to make music?

It is who I am.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Listen , enjoy, and think!

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Challenged to be the best version of myself.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Music has become a commodity. This is neither good or bad, it just is. This puts more pressure on musicians to create opportunities to be able to continue to create or perform.

What do you think of Drooble?

Great resource!

What frustrates you most as a musician?

My own perfectionism.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I support local music. It is important.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Humility and professionalism.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Irina Kulikova. Matt Palmer. Anton Dufay.

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