Our Mission
Our mission is to nourish and build the classical guitar community in Brooklyn, and to increase awareness and appreciation of classical guitar music everywhere. The BKCGS is the only Brooklyn-based organization exclusively devoted to the advancement of classical guitarists and classical guitar music.
Your donation will help us keep our monthly open mic free, produce concert series, and host special events and workshops.
Bio
Since 2022, the BKCGS has hosted the only open mic specifically for classical guitarists in Brooklyn, as well as concerts, workshops, and social events. Through our activities, we hope to galvanize the classical guitar community in Brooklyn and elsewhere into attending and participating in new and refreshed classical guitar events.
Four Brooklyn guitarists founded the society:
- Matt Kaplan: Professional classical guitarist and educator
- Pierre Ferreyra-Mansilla: Professional classical guitarist and educator
- Rodrigo Guzman: Guitarist, programmer, and entrepreneur
- Josh Paul: Guitarist and local business owner
We were brought together by a shared recognition that classical guitarists of all levels could benefit from a welcoming guitar culture and performance opportunities. Performance opportunities are scarce—especially since COVID—and performing is an important developmental step for all musicians.
Together, we started a free monthly open mic. The first was held on November 10, 2022, and they have happened every month since. The open mics are free for everybody—performers and listeners—and we are committed to keeping them that way! The open mics allowed us to establish a core group of members, which in turn let us begin offering concerts, workshops, social events, and society memberships.
We are in the process of planning our 2024 season, which will feature Brooklyn-based guitarists at Brooklyn locations. Future offerings will include workshops, masterclasses, online programs, mentorships (established Brooklyn/NYC artists helping up and comers from Brooklyn), and ensembles.