Dario Chiazzolino
Adjunct Lecturer
Music and Art
EMAIL: dchiazzolino@bmcc.cuny.edu
Office:
Office Hours: Tuesday - 11 am / 4 pm
Phone:
Dario Chiazzolino is an internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist, composer, and educator recognized for his technique, deep harmonic knowledge, and innovative improvisational style. With a career that has taken him to some of the most prestigious jazz venues and festivals worldwide, including the Blue Note, Ronnie Scott’s, Umbria Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, and NYC Winter Festival Festival, he has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary jazz.
Dario has collaborated and performed with some of the most influential musicians in the jazz world, including Yellowjackets, Billy Cobham, Bob Mintzer, Dave Liebman, Taylor Eigsti, and Will Vinson. His dynamic approach to the guitar blends tradition with modern influences, making his playing instantly recognizable and deeply expressive.
As a recording artist, Dario has contributed to more than 30 albums, eight of which he led or co-led, receiving widespread critical acclaim for his work as both a performer and composer. His discography reflects a commitment to pushing musical boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for jazz heritage.
Beyond performance, Dario is dedicated to music education and research, specializing in jazz studies, improvisation, and guitar technique development. He has authored multiple instructional books that guide musicians through the complexities of jazz improvisation and contemporary harmonic concepts. His academic interests explore the intersection of performance, cognition, and artistic individuality, inspiring students to develop their unique voices as musicians and scholars.
Expertise
Jazz and Popular Music
Degrees
- Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies
- Master’s Degree in Music Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies
Courses Taught
- This course introduces students to music notation and the elements of music, such as scales, keys, intervals, rhythms, and chords - commonly used across many genres of music. Students will practice notating music, basic aural and keyboard skills as a preparation for further studies in music.
- This course is open to all students and the first level of a two-semester sequence in guitar playing. Students will learn guitar repertoire in a variety of styles, including modern chordal accompaniments for simple popular, rock and jazz songs. Fundamentals such as tuning the instrument, open position chords, technique (finger style and plectrum), theory and notation (music notation and tabulature), alternate tunings, and basic aural recognition (scales and chords) will also be covered.
- This course is the first level of a four-semester sequence in guitar performance skills. Students will be assigned technical exercises and works to be performed. Music theory, aural skills, sight-reading and musicianship appropriate to the level of practical ability will also be covered. Juries and recitals of solo performances will be required. All applied studies for music majors include a weekly one-hour individual lesson and two-hour studio lab.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department and admission is by audition
Corequisite: MUS705, MUS706, MUS707, MUS708 or departmental permission - This course is the second level of a four-semester sequence in guitar performance skills. Students will be assigned technical exercises and works to be performed. Music theory, aural skills, sight-reading and musicianship appropriate to the level of practical ability will also be covered. Juries and recitals of solo performances will be required. All applied studies for music majors include a weekly one-hour individual lesson and two-hour studio lab.
Prerequisite: MUS 676
Corequisite: MUS705, MUS706, MUS707, MUS708 or departmental permission - This course is the third level of a four-semester sequence in guitar performance skills. Students will be assigned technical exercises and works to be performed. Music theory, aural skills, sight-reading and musicianship appropriate to the level of practical ability will also be covered. Juries and recitals of solo performances will be required. All applied studies for music majors include a weekly one-hour individual lesson and two-hour studio lab.
Prerequisite: MUS 677
Corequisite: MUS705, MUS706, MUS707, MUS708 or departmental permission - This course is the fourth level of a four-semester sequence in guitar performance skills. Students will be assigned technical exercises and works to be performed. Music theory, aural skills, sight-reading and musicianship appropriate to the level of practical ability will also be covered. Juries and recitals of solo performances will be required. All applied studies for music majors include a weekly one-hour individual lesson and two-hour studio lab.
Prerequisite: MUS 678
Corequisite: MUS705, MUS706, MUS707, MUS708 or departmental permission - MUS109 explores the music of Bebop and Hip-Hop, their social relevance, global influence and popularity, along with societal interpretation and criticism. From Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker to Mos Def, Tupac and Jay-Z and beyond, MUS109 demonstrates that while each of these genres of music is distinct, possessing its own conventions, performance practices, and formal qualities, they are also grounded in similar techniques and conceptual frameworks identified with African American musical traditions. Credit will be granted for only MUS109, or 122, or MUS104.
Research and Projects
Dario Chiazzolino’s research focuses on jazz improvisation, guitar technique development, and the interplay between composition and performance. His work explores advanced harmonic concepts, phrasing, and motivic development, providing new frameworks for improvisers.
He has also been deeply engaged in projects examining counterpoint in modern jazz guitar, particularly in duo and solo settings, developing innovative approaches to improvised contrapuntal textures. His contributions to music education include publications and masterclasses that investigate the cognitive and technical aspects of guitar performance.
Currently, Dario is working on recording and performance projects that integrate contemporary harmonic and rhythmic structures, further expanding the language of jazz guitar.
Publications
Dario Chiazzolino has authored several instructional and analytical works on jazz guitar, improvisation, and advanced harmony. His Acid Jazz Funk Jam – Full Solo Transcription and Full Transcription of All The Things You Are offer detailed insights into his phrasing, articulation, and harmonic approach.
In How to Improvise Over Unrelated Chords, he explores creative strategies for navigating unconventional progressions, while Transcription of the Improvisation Over II-V-I in All Keys provides a systematic study of jazz’s most essential harmonic sequence.
Additionally, Chiazzolino has contributed educational articles to Axe Magazine, Jazzitalia, and Guitarmania, sharing his expertise on jazz guitar technique and improvisation.
Honors, Awards and Affiliations
- Named Best Guitarist at the Umbria Jazz Award (2006)
- Voted Best Guitarist by the Italian Jazz Magazine Award (2011)
- Recognized as Best Guitarist by the Archivio Chitarristi Jazz Italiani (2011)
- Honored as Artist of the Year by D-Magazine (2013)
- Selected as Best Guitarist by Guitarlist Magazine (2015)
- Awarded Best Song of the Year by Suono Magazine, Top 15 (2015)
- Recognized for Best Jazz Album (Spirit Fingers) by Soul and Jazz Magazine (2018)
- Named Best Jazz Guitarist of the Century by Jazz Guitar Magazine (2019)
- Recipient of the prestigious Louis Armstrong Foundation Award (2020)
- Member of Latin Recording Academy
- Member of Jammcard
- Member of MIDJ
- Member of Opera America
Additional Information
Dario Chiazzolino is an official endorser of several premier musical instrument and gear manufacturers, collaborating with brands that support his artistic and technical vision. His endorsements include:
- D’Angelico Guitars
- DV Mark
- Kinman Pickups
- Dogal Strings
- Keeley Electronics
- Essetipicks
- Slinger Straps
- Hosa Technolog
- Aria Sounds
- Crossrock
- Millennia
