Dr Angelo Fraietta originally played “blues” guitar at the age of 15; influenced by such greats as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, and BB King. After commencing classical guitar in 1987 from Terry Latham, he discovered that a systematic learning technique was the secret to achieving his musical goals. In 1994, Angelo commenced studying from Gregory Pikler from the Sydney Conservatorium. The next year he performed in the Sydney Guitar Seminar with internationally renown guitar musicologist Robert Vidal at the NSW Art Gallery. Later that year, Angelo was awarded the A. Mus. A. in classical guitar. Angelo commenced full time music study at the University of Western Sydney in 1995, which included studying finger-style jazz from guitar virtuoso Bruce Mathiske. He graduated with First Class Honours in 1998 and was awarded the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts Award in Theoretical Studies for Superior Achievement in Contemporary Arts. Angelo completed a Doctor of Philosophy in creative arts in 2006, specialising in electronic music.

Angelo’s passion for the guitar was set ablaze when studying under the great jazz guitar legend, the late Don Andrews. Don was the quintessential master of guitar tuition, having written countless guitar method books, studied under Andre Segovia, and written the original AMEB guitar syllabus. Don passed on a considerable amount of insight into the finer side of guitar playing to Angelo and even said that Angelo was “one of the best students he had ever had.” When Don passed away in 2012, Angelo was asked to play at Don’s dedication concert in a line up with Guy Strazz and George Golla.

Angelo now writes his own solo guitar arrangements of many jazz, Broadway, and gospel standards. Angelo is also a consistently sought after guest for many soloists, duos, and bands, due to his flexibility, talent and feel.

In the spirit of Don Andrews, Angelo does not want to make you a clone of himself—he wants you to be all you can be as an artist. Angelo is selective in his students; however, his criterion is attitude and not ability. He accepts students of all stages and ages (he recently had one student who was first starting to play guitar at 65); however, they will be required to practice.

Newcastle Guitar Lessons is a registered business name with ASIC.

ABN 77 124 501 944