The guitar professors from Mannes College of Music and Princeton University come to Brooklyn on a rainy day, drink old milk with watered down coffee, and give an interview to a broke 38 year old with gout. Let’s go Mets though.

A Classical Guitar Insider EXCLUSIVE: It’s the first time Michael shares his side of the story about that thing in 1986. That thing where he became “the guy Segovia kicked out of the masterclass at USC.” He also won the first GFA, has a robust guitar program at the University of New Mexico, and just recently cut his hair. He’s an all around great guy and I wouldn’t kick him out of anything.

Hunter College guitar professor Mariano Aguirre sits down and talks about how much he loves teaching, playing in ensembles and running the Mannes Guitar Festival. I talk about quitting a teaching job because they had a staff only copy machine (no faculty allowed). That was the last straw. Later dude.

Pablo Sainz Villegas is probably the best performer on the circuit these days. He captures the audience with broad and expressive phrasing, a vulnerable character, Mediterranean good looks, and the perfectly tailored Italian suit. I look like a free range chicken egg with a gambling problem. And I’m not in a good mood. 

University of Wisconsin guitar professor, Elina Chekan, moved to the U.S. from Belarus, learned english, went to Yale, and is completing her Doctorate. I moved to Brooklyn last week and am struggling with a wall fixture from IKEA. 

Grammy nominated recording engineer David Bowles takes time out from a three day lecture at NYU about spherical recording techniques and explains in scientific terms what I’ve been telling you hipsters for years: Records are not better than CD’s. Sorry Mustache Kid, you’ll have to find something else to spend your money on. Maybe hats? 

USC Professor and founding member of the Grammy winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Scott Tennant, talks about how William Kanengiser makes the the cutest little pancakes, how Andrew York is taking time off from the ensemble to invent an ethical dolphin saddle, and how John Dearman is changing his name to John Dearperson. 

July 16, 2015: Ryan’s Daughter 350 E. 85 St. New York, NY 10128 $15 comes with free drink. Party afterwards in the venue. 

Gizem Gokoglu (not pronounced Gizem Gokoglu), a brilliant young composer from Turkey, explains how she had to choose between engineering and composition. I had to choose between working in mens’ suits at JC Penny and catering at birthday parties in Yonkers. 

Juilliard Guitar Professor Tali Roth thinks I’m from Texas. I’m not from Texas everyone. I just struggle with my weight. I’m from California.