Killer Technique: Electric Guitar

Vitali T - guitar player & composer from Belarus/USA: solo artist with the Vitali T Project and guitar faculty member at the Atlanta Institute of Music (Atlanta, GA). A native of Belarus, Vitali began his formal music training under the guidance of widely respected Yuri Dzmitrieu of the Ethno-Trio Troitsa, and “National Artist of Belarus” - Vladimir Tkachenko, a widely admired Belarusian guitarist who is known particularly for his two-hand tapping technique. Following his experience Vitali went on to study guitar and music on a University level at the Institute of Modern Knowledge. Instead of starting his career as a full-time professional musician, as many before him have done, Vitali moved out of his hometown to learn more about the study of music and guitar. In 2006, Vitali transitioned out of Belarus and into the United States in order to study guitar at the Atlanta Institute of Music (AIM). At AIM, Vitali’s focus and diligent study ethics led to his graduation as an honor student. In 2009, Vitali released a single “Fly Away”, and in July 2011 Vitali released his debut solo record “Sides”. In 2011 as an author Vitali released the book “Modern Scales Concepts” (Atlanta Institute of Music & VTP Publishing). Vitali continues as a guitar program faculty member at Atlanta Institute of Music (Atlanta, GA), and also spends time performing with his band “Vitali T Project” and two jazz bands “ATL City Jazz” and “Karizma Katz”.

Corey Christiansen grew up in a musical family. His father, Mike Christiansen, started teaching him guitar at the age of five. After high school, Corey received his bachelor's degree from USU. A year later Corey left for Tampa Florida to study with legendary jazz guitar educator, Jack Petersen. In 1999, Corey received his master's degree from the University of South Florida and took over the teaching duties of Jack Petersen the next year. "Awakening," Corey's first album as a leader spent twelve weeks on the Jazz Week chart, reaching number 16 in March 2005. Corey Christiansen has a number of publications with Mel Bay and has conducted countless guitar clinics and concerts across the country and beyond including Europe, South Africa and Australia.