Bruce
Guitar
Hailing from the Minneapolis area by way of Canada and Australia, Bruce Acosta began playing guitar at age eight. After learning songs by Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin during his early years on the instrument, Acosta became interested in jazz in high school school through the music of Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and Jim Hall. Today, his devotion to the guitar tradition, love for the American Songbook and versatility as a sideman have led to performances at New York City venues including Blue Note, Cafe Bohemia, Dizzy’s Club, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and YouTube Music in addition to recording work at the legendary Van Gelder Studio and Sear Sound.
Since moving to New York City in 2018, Acosta has had the opportunity to study guitar with renowned jazz guitarists Paul Bollenback, Ed Cherry, James Chirillo and Doug Wamble and arranging with Grammy winner Don Sickler. He completed his undergraduate studies in 2022 through the Columbia-Juilliard Program, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in English, and is currently pursuing his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School. As an educator, Acosta has experience teaching at high school jazz camps and offers guitar lessons through West Amadeus Music Studio. He works with students of all ages and levels, from children to adults and from beginners to advanced performers.