VITAL STATS

Influences:
Glen Phillips
Johnny Greenwood
Damien Rice
Jimmy Page

Favorite Venue(s) to play:
The Southgate House
The Madison Theater
The York St. Cafe

Instruments Played:
Guitar
Bass

Topics specialized in:
Rock/pop
Guitar theory
Ear training
Lead guitar
Songwriting
Timing

JEFF KESSEN

Jeff Kessen grew up in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, less than a mile from where The Players' Collective is currently located. At age fourteen, he began taking guitar lessons from Gary Devoto, and within a few short years he was teaching for him. Eventually, Jeff moved his teaching practice to Maschinot's, picking up whatever he could along the way. The Players' Collective's own resident jazz master, Mark Schulte, was particularly instrumental in Jeff's continuing development.

In addition to teaching, Jeff has been actively gigging in/around Cincinnati with various acts. In the late nineties, Jeff formed the band Stonewater. The band was immediately well received, eventually gaining the attention of Cincinnati producer Ric Hordinski (Over the Rhine, Monk), who, in addition to giving Jeff lessons, produced both their self titled debut album and their follow up, "Common Wealth." Jeff also continues to gig regularly with his songwriting partner, vocalist/ guitarist Mike Liggett. Their popular classic/modern rock acoustic duo, cleverly named "Mike and Jeff", has been going strong now for over a decade.

As a teacher, Jeff has earned a reputation for his easygoing and patient approach. Over the years, he has taught students of all ages and skill levels, and he is eager to help each student reach their individual goals, whether it be playing out professionally or just strumming tunes on the back porch. He knows that students are more likely to practice and progress if they are excited about what they are learning, and he strives to make each lesson interesting, informative, and fun.

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Click here to hear Jeff's playing
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PROJECTS