Van Stiefel

In the vibrant city of Atlanta, GA, in the year 1965, Van Stiefel embarked on a journey that would etch his name into the annals of guitar music history. His unique amalgamation of improvisation skills, mastery of the electric guitar, and a pioneering approach to interactive technologies have solidified his reputation as a multifaceted composer, guitarist, producer, and author. Now residing in Avondale, PA, he has crafted a diverse portfolio of over fifty compositions, each serving as a testament to his innovative contributions to the contemporary music scene. His musical aspirations were ignited early in life, a flame sparked by the melodies of the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, which led to his first musical instrument—a ukulele, gifted by his parents. This early introduction to music quickly evolved into a deeper exploration of the guitar under his father's guidance at the tender age of six. His musical landscape was further enriched through his involvement with the Atlanta Boy Choir, where he was introduced to the splendors of classical music, an experience accentuated by tours across England, Italy, and the US. Van Stiefel's passion for classical guitar blossomed at Maple Street Guitars in Atlanta, propelling him towards significant academic achievements, including the prestigious Cox Prize for Music Composition at Yale College. His educational pursuits continued with a Masters in Guitar Performance from the Yale School of Music, followed by an esteemed Certificate in Advanced Musical Studies from the Banff Centre as the Andre Segovia Memorial Fellow.