Faculty

Mariano Aguirre is an international concert artist, music professor, arts promoter and arts administrator. He is on the guitar, chamber music and music theory faculty of Mannes College Preparatory Divison, where he currently holds the position of Guitar Department Liason. He is also currently on the faculty of Hofstra University, Molloy College and The Brooklyn Music School.

Mr. Aguirre is a winner of the Artist International Award and the Greorgy Award for Excellence in Performance.  He has performed extensively in the United States and Latin America, including at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, The Noon Concert Series at Trinity Church, The Americas' Society, Music from Good Shepherd, The National University in Mexico City, Centro Nacional de las Artes, Conservatorio de las Rosas, Universidad de Xalapa, Museo Rufino Tamayo and Templo del Carmen, among many other venues. Mr. Aguirre has appeared at many festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival, Bach and the Baroque Festival, Warwick Music Festival, The New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes and the Latin American Cultural Week in NYC. In addition, Mr. Aguirre performs regularly with Duo Cantabile for voice and guitar and is a cofounder of the Six Hands Guitar Trio. Recordings on the Vienna Modern Masters label.

Mariano. Aguirre is a strongly committed guitar, chamber music and music theory professor. His students and ensembles have won 1st prizes at major guitar competitions and have been awarded full scholarships at prestigious conservatories. He has taught master classes and workshops at many festivals and universities, including the GFA International Convention and Competition, the GFA Symposium, the New York Guitar Seminar at Mannes, the Arts Now Festival at the Baryshnikov Center, La Semana de la Guitarra at UNAM, and the Paracho Festival. He has been invited to be in the jury panel of several international guitar and concerto competitions.

Mr. Aguirre presently lives in New York City with his wife, soprano Lauri Aguirre and his daughter Sofia.

Reviews:

"Mariano Aguirre interpretations shine as a picture-perfect example of emotional power in performance" - Classical Guitar Magazine

"Mariano Aguirre is an excellent guitarist with exquisite musicality and a deep understanding of his repertoire." - Music Connoisseur

 Mr. Aguirre is an evocative performer and establishes a strong connection with the audience." - Artes Milenio  

Ideas and experiences:

"Play from the heart and keep your ears wide open. Always play with intention."

"Playing music has always helped me find my own light and helped me grow as a person. Music enables me to emote my thoughts and feelings and gives me the opportunity to learn from the emotions of people from different cultures in present time and throughout History."

"As a teacher, I think that I am very good at transmitting my knowledge and passion for the guitar, music theory and performance, which is what I have been fortunate to do at the Brooklyn Music School for nineteen years and counting.  I love teaching, I love the interaction with my students, not only musically, but personally too."

Quote from a former student:

“You helped make me understand that there is a story behind every piece; that there is something far far beyond the black dots on the score, a metronome, and a lonely small space. I have learned to use the guitar as my voice, and now understand that no one can hear that voice if I don’t go out in the world and say something. Whoever comes through and studies with you in the upcoming years is very lucky. I’m sure that you will have the same impact on them as you have had on me. I won’t hesitate to ask you for advice or just say hello. Farewell maestro.”

— John Bogan - Mannes Prep 2013 - 1st Prize winner at the 2014 GFA Youth International Competition Senior Division

M.M. - Mannes College of Music

B.M. - Mannes College of Music

Advanced Certificate - Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (UK)