Yasha Kofman, the founder and director of the Classical Guitar School of New York, has been, for the past twenty-nine years, the head of classical guitar studies at the legendary American Institute of Guitar, “the oasis for classical guitar in New York City.” (Guitar Player Magazine)

Yasha Kofman was born in Kiev, the heart of the Russian instrumental tradition. At the age of eleven he began playing the guitar and soon developed sufficient skill to attract the attention of the renowned Konstantin Smaga, who became his mentor. In his late teens he was given the special privilege of attending the prestigious Gnessin School of Music, which boasted the Soviet Union’s finest guitar department. After graduating with honors, Kofman became a concert guitarist, touring widely throughout the Soviet Union with performances in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and other major cities. Kofman has said of these years, “not only did these early performances allow me to express the best of the Western guitar tradition, but also to bring to my music the powerful sounds and spirits of the great Russian people.”

In 1978, Mr. Kofman emigrated to the U.S. with his wife, Yelena. Upon coming to New York, he soon became a teacher at the American Institute of Guitar where he developed a friendship with many of the world’s leading guitarists, including such giants as Mario Escudero, Sabicas, and Jorge Morel. As a result, Kofman broadened his repertoire to include the vibrant flamenco tradition, as well as his own potent interpretation of the classical Spanish composers.

He is also a graduate of the Mannes College of Music and, as a soloist, has performed widely: the NBC “Today Show”, WQXR, WNYC, and many other venues.

“Yasha has the rare ability to find and express the essence of a composer’s intention, calling attention to the music itself rather than the evident gift of the performer. In the world of the guitar, this is especially welcome.”
–Jorge Morel

“...grace and fluidity, dramatic tension and convincing music.”
–New York Times

“If your ambition is only to improve your technical proficiency as a musician, get ready to be challenged to set your sights higher. For Yasha, classical guitar is the gateway to spiritual union with Beauty itself. Every lesson is an invitation to share his joy.”
–Dave Tomlin. Associate General Counsel, The Associated Press

“The most wonderful event in my NY life is to have met Yasha. I think that he is not only a passionate artist, brilliant performer, but also is an excellent guitar teacher, and has a great personality. He always gives me the lesson on the technical guidance side where the idea is filled, and I am always surprised. His most magnificent part is particularly a point to guide the spiritualism of the music itself to me deeply, passionately, and so happily. The sound which he makes extremely beautifully is the highest model for me.”
–Mitsuhiro Mitsui, President & CEO, Mikimoto America

“I am writing to express my enormous admiration for Yasha Kofman, one of the premier guitarists of our time.”
–Robert B. Oxnam, The Asia Society, President Emeritus

“I have been studying classical guitar with Yasha Kofman for almost four years. He gives off feelings of love and happiness, which makes being in his presence an enlightening, life-changing experience. Yasha has shaped me as a guitarist and musician, as well as a person, like nobody else.”
–“Guitar prodigy” Zack Page, age 15. (The Record)

“Yasha is one in a million...at least. He’s a great guitarist, master teacher, and spiritual human being. He is supportive, non-judgemental and teaches to each student’s learning style. Certainly mine. Yasha has made a big impact on my life.”
– Bill Wurtzel

Classical Guitar School of New York   244 W. 54th St., 10th fl., NYC 10019   718-897-0991  yasha.kofman@rcn.com