Getting into Classic Guitar

Ben Bolt is credited with being the first classic guitar instructor to introduce the classic

style of playing to the masses. Because of his worldwide success, his work has been mimicked

throughout the publishing world. Several Ben Bolt books have consistently appeared on

Mel Bay’s “Best Seller” list. He also appears on Mel Bay’s videos of the complete volumes of

“The Modern Guitar Method”, a huge commercial success, selling in the millions of copies.

His publications are distributed internationally and have been featured at all the major

conventions and music shows, including the National Association of Music Merchants in

Germany. His video “Anyone Can Play the Classic Guitar” has become a reference for college

students as the authority on the fundamentals of classic technique. He is endorsed by

D’Addario Strings and Takamine Guitars. He has recorded the classic guitar work for HGTV

and can be heard in the background of programs such as “America’s Castles”.

Ben Bolt first met Andres Segovia in the American Embassy in Madrid, Spain on his 18th

birthday. Bolt was registering for the draft as Maestro Segovia was getting his Visa together

to tour the U.S. This fortuitous meeting was the beginning of their relationship. Andres

Segovia, the Father of the classic guitar, was quoted saying “Ben Bolt is an excellent guitarist

with fine tone.” After studying with Segovia, the Maestro personally paid for scholarships

so that Bolt could continue his studies abroad, as well as setting up lessons with his assistants

while he was on tour.

Ben Bolt first met Abel Carlevaro in Paris. Carlevaro then invited the 20 year old to study

with him under full scholarship at the yearly Master Classes held in Brazil. After Brazil,

Bolt moved to Montevideo, Uruguay. He won first place in the “Concurso Internacional

Aemus” by unanimous decision. Carlevaro awarded him the coveted “Premio de Merito” at

the National Library of Montevideo for his outstanding efforts in music. In 1978, Bolt assisted

maestro Carlevaro in his first master's class in the states held at the San Francisco

Conservatory of music. Bolt completed his music studies under the direction of Maestro

Guido Santorsola, who bestowed him with an original composition for guitar entitled “Seis

Bagatelas” as a graduation gift. After returning to the States he became the first guitarist

inducted as a National Patron of Delta Omicron’s International Music Fraternity.