For Adam Levin, the guitar captures the essence of the world of classical music. He also believes it is the perfect instrument to draw an audience into that world.
“Guitar is a bridge to classical music, so once you draw the audience in, a bait and switch, you then introduce them to a whole new and wide variety of music from cultures around the world.”
Levin has loved music and the guitar since childhood. That led him to a Master’s from New England Conservatory, followed by a Fulbright Scholarship in Spain where he focused on expanding the repertoire for the guitar through the commission of new works.
“The result was an eclectic body of music with new Spanish composers at the core,” Levin said, “I wanted to share these creations and give other musicians the opportunity to perform them as well and share this beautiful music with the world.”
Following his return from Spain, Levin connected with the acclaimed Naxos recording label, and with their help he organized 30 new compositions into a four-volume series—21st Century Spanish Guitar, Adam Levin, Classical Guitar. Two volumes have already been released and the third is in the works.
Levin, who also teaches classical guitar at the University of Massachusetts Boston, co-founded Kithara Project, a non-profit that provides equitable access to the classical guitar worldwide. So far, Kithara has projects in Boston and Mexico City. “Our goal is to create young classical guitarists and a vibrant and creative culture in which these students can thrive,” said Levin.
“It is not just about playing or teaching the guitar, but about serving the community and creating a society of creative citizens. Together with music activism and performance and teaching, I want to redefine the identity of the 21st century musician.”