Originally from Norway, guitarist Jostein Gulbrandsen has been based in NYC since 2001 and joined the faculty at Kaufman Music Center in 2023. He holds a Master's Degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from Manhattan School of Music, with undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas and Agder College of Music in Norway, where he studied jazz, rock, pop, and classical guitar.
Gulbrandsen is passionate about teaching all levels and ages, covering most guitar styles. His students range from 6 to 85 years old, and he offers both individual lessons and group classes.
As a performer, Gulbrandsen has released three albums as a leader and collaborated with renowned musicians like Adam Nussbaum, Joe Farnsworth, and Mark Ferber. He has performed at prestigious venues and festivals including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Blue Note NYC, and the Kennedy Center.
In 2016, Gulbrandsen released his guitar method book "Modern Jazz and Fusion Guitar" through Hal Leonard, which reached the No. 1 spot on Amazon's best-selling books in its category. He is endorsed by several major guitar and equipment manufacturers, including Collings Guitars, Sadowsky Guitars, Quilter Labs and Eventide.
Gulbrandsen has been interviewed and featured in numerous publications in both Norway and the US, cementing his reputation as a respected guitarist, composer, author and educator.
