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As founder and director of the Electric Guitar Performance Program at Manhattan's Third Street Music School Settlement, Jeff maintatins a busy teaching schedule as he shares his passion for diverse musical styles with the next generation of musicians. Jeff is also an instructor at the New School University's Jazz & Contemporary Music Program and an adjunct professor at New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music. Through his work at the National Guitar Workshop, Jeff has published two books, Zen And The Art Of Guitar and Guitar Atlas: Middle East (see below), and has just completed writing his third, Guitar Atlas: Cuba to be released in the fall of 2007.

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From the Amazon.com website:

"Join performer and teacher Jeff Peretz on a musical journey that will open your mind and improve your guitar playing in ways you've never dreamed of. Using the practice of skill cultivation, one of the principles at the heart of Zen philosophy, you'll discover ways to develop your powers of concentration, "let go" as a player, and become a complete guitarist. Along the way, you'll learn about the history of Zen; the application of Zen to rhythm, melody, and harmony; and new ways of thinking about familiar musical elements. You'll find Zen and the Art of Guitar a musical learning experience unlike any you've ever encountered."


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From the Amazon.com website:

"The Guitar Atlas series is your passport to a new world of music. Learn the characteristic rhythms and techniques of some of the world's most remarkable guitar music, discovering the history, origins, and pioneering artists of distinctive styles from around the globe. This introduction to the exotic music of Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Morocco, Nubia, and neighboring regions includes insights into cultural and religious influences and the major musicians of each locality. Discover unique plucked instruments, the Arabic tone system and exotic scales, and open your mind to new forms of improvisation that will forever alter your approach to soloing. The examples and compositions throughout all 48 pages are presented in standard notation and TAB and demonstrated on an enclosed CD."


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From the Alfred Publishing website:

"The signature sound of Cuban music is popular throughout the world. At the heart of it is the clave - the underlying groove that defines the music of Cuba. The clave is not always easy to learn, but author Jeff Peretz breaks down this fundamental rhythm in Guitar Atlas: Cuba, proving that the clave can be played by any guitarist. For those who do not even play Cuban music, the concepts in this book improve sense of rhythm and syncopation in any style. Guitar Atlas: Cuba also explores the African and European cultural influences that shaped modern Cuban music - as well as the impact of the political events of the 20th century. Learn about different styles of music from all over the island and the musicians who popularized them. Also, explore the unique instruments of Cuba, such as the tres, botija, marimbula, and a multitude of percussion instruments. The CD included demonstrates all the examples and compositions featured in the book."

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