About
Andreas Kapsalis
Andreas Kapsalis is a Greek-American guitarist and composer born in the suburbs of Chicago. His first exposure to music was through his mother, Frances Kapsalis, a student of opera, and his father, Peter Kapsalis, a violinist. Andreas began teaching himself guitar at the age of 11, reading and writing music as well as music theory.
Biography
At the age of 18, Andreas suffered a hand injury, which led him to develop his unique ten-finger tapping technique. Under the mentorship of composer and producer Jim Tullio, a student of Aaron Copland, he refined his compositional style. Tullio produced his first EP, featuring an arrangement of Blue Rondo à la Turk, praised by Dave Brubeck himself.
He founded the Andreas Kapsalis Trio and recorded two albums featuring his original compositions. His film music career began with a prestigious fellowship at the Sundance Composers Lab, leading to his work on the documentary Black Gold, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He later composed scores for various films and was commissioned to create music for silent film festivals.
As a performer, he has played solo and in various ensembles at festivals worldwide, including Montreux Jazz Festival, Calcutta Guitar Festival, and festivals in Canada, the Philippines, Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. He also participated in the Sounds of Peace project in Armenia.
In addition to his performance career, Andreas is a dedicated educator, conducting masterclasses and private instruction across Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Teaching
Andreas has been dedicated to teaching guitar throughout his career, starting at Kapsalis Music Shoppe in Glen Ellyn and later at Elgin Community College, Glencoe School of Music, and Northwestern University Mini Courses. He also conducts workshops, masterclasses, and private lessons worldwide. As a self-taught guitarist, he emphasizes a personalized approach, integrating music theory, ear training, and technique to suit each student’s learning style.
His performance career began with the Andreas Kapsalis Trio, recording two albums of original compositions. While performing in Los Angeles, he was awarded a prestigious fellowship at the Sundance Composers Lab, which led to his film scoring debut with Black Gold, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. He went on to compose for various films, including Pig Business and Mulberry Street, and was commissioned by Northwestern University and Notre Dame for silent film festivals.
Andreas has recorded and performed with Polish vocalist and bassist Megitza and as part of the AKGI duo. He has toured internationally, appearing at Montreux Jazz Festival, Calcutta Guitar Festival, Canadian Guitar Festival, and many others across North America, Europe, and Asia. He was also invited to Sounds of Peace in Armenia, a musical exchange featuring artists from ten countries.
Beyond performing, Andreas continues to share his knowledge through masterclasses and private instruction worldwide.
Muisc
AKGI Guitar Duo by Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic (2009)
Legenda by Megitza Quartet (2012)
Megitza by Megitza Quartet (2012)
Andreas Kapsalis Trio (2005)
Original Scores by Andreas Kapsalis Trio (2008)
Boleritza by Megitza Quartet (2008)
