The Manhattan Plucked String Academy

04/07/2026

Fernando Sor’s Étude No. 2, Op. 31

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03/20/2026

Happy birthday to Leonhard von Call🎂🎉
While he didn't create a famous, systematic "method book," many of his pieces function as teaching repertoire. Here is Andante from his op. 24, which has some fun pieces for students!

Performed by Richard Johansson and Hannah Murphy. Guitars by Bernhard Kresse in Cologne Germany and Hanson Yao of Altamira Guitars. Recorded by Matt Kaplan

03/16/2026

An incredible masterclass with Rex Willis last night. Informative, musical, and FUN! Congratulations to all the students who performed!

02/16/2026

We’re happy to present Rex Willis who will be giving our students a masterclass March 15th in DiMenna’s Benzaquen Hall!
Rex Willis is a distinguished conductor, composer, classical guitarist, and educator whose vibrant career spans decades. Trained under legends including Aaron Copland, Christopher Parkening, and Pepe Romero, he founded and directed the State College of Florida Guitar Ensemble for over 25 years. Highlights include conducting a 150-guitar orchestra in Las Vegas (2024), performances at Brno International Guitar Festival, and leading the SCF Choir in his original work at Notre Dame Cathedral.
A prolific composer published by ClearNote and Les Productions d’Oz, his music has earned praise as ‘skillful,’ ‘brilliant,’ and ‘an absolute gem.’ He has directed 20+ musical theatre productions, served as interim conductor for the Bradenton Symphony (featuring Beethoven’s 7th), scored award-winning films, and penned the new musical Worthy Souls.
Recently, as an emergency understudy at Asolo Repertory Theatre, he thrilled audiences as Joel in Knoxville alongside Broadway talents.

12/10/2025

Shout out to one of our ukulele students who began lessons this year. We’re so proud of your progress-keep up the hard work!

08/26/2025

Testimonial Tuesday- From one awesome student! 🤘

08/22/2025

🎸 Strum & Fun: A Parent & Child Class 🎶Looking for a fun and meaningful way to bond with your child? Join us at Manhattan Plucked String Academy for Strum & Fun — a guitar class where parents and kids learn side by side!In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll explore chords, rhythm, and simple songs together in a relaxed, playful environment. No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and your strumming fingers!👨‍👧 Ages: Perfect for kids 5–10 and their grown-ups🕒 Weekly sessions | Small group format🎵 Learn. Laugh. Jam together.📍Held at MPSA in the Midtown area OR we can travel to you!📲 Limited spots available — Email us at [email protected] !

07/01/2025

🎶 Our Summer Solo & Ensemble Concert for Guitar & Harp was a total blast! Huge congratulations to all the students who performed — your talent and hard work truly shined on stage. We’re so proud of each and every one of you! 🔥👏✨

01/13/2025

Prelude in C major

1 of the 16 preludes that can be found in Matteo Carcassi’s op. 59 Guitar Method Book.
These little preludes are great for students, as each follows different right hand arpeggio patterns with basic progressions in different key signatures.

12/23/2024

Happy Holidays from our musical family to yours!

11/28/2024

NEW FACULTY ALERT:
Esther Yoon Chung, Harpist

Esther Yoon Chung is a distinguished harpist recognized for her versatile artistry and exceptional musical achievements. With a career spanning both performance and education, she has established herself as a dedicated performer and passionate educator in the classical music world.

Esther served as a substitute harpist for numerous prestigious orchestras, including the Seoul Festa Philharmonic (2023), Hankyung Arte Philharmonic (2022–2023), Korea National Opera (2022), Bucheon City Arts Group (2021), and an ongoing involvement with the Korean National Symphony Orchestra since 2017.

An experienced teacher, Esther has served as an assistant instructor at the Peabody Preparatory School and has taught master classes in both the U.S. and Korea. She is dedicated to passing on her knowledge and passion for the harp to the next generation of musicians. Her private instruction includes studies with notable harpists such as Mariko Anraku, Associate Principal Harp of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Ruth Inglefield, former faculty at Peabody.

Esther’s artistry, combined with her teaching experience and ongoing performance career, establishes her as a leading figure in the harp community, continually pushing the boundaries of what the harp can express in both solo and ensemble settings.