John Karkosiak, Guitar and Ukulele

John Karkosiak earned his Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Guitar Performance from the Jackie McClean Institute at the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. He also possesses an Associate of Arts (Jazz Studies) from Cuyahoga Community College. He has Studied extensively with Dan Wilson, Javon Jackson, Steve Davis, Rich Goldstien and Ernie Krivda. 

John is part of the applied guitar faculty at Cleveland State University. He is also on faculty with the Tri-C Jazz Fest Academy. His teaching style emphasizes ear training, applied music theory, fretboard visualization, improvisation and creative practicing. 

John can be found frequently performing across northeast Ohio with a wide variety of musical groups in such local venues as The Bop Stop, Happy Dog, Lock 3, Blu Jazz, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Mahall’s. He has also notably performed at Judson’s Live in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Arts in Orlando, the Dennis Moss Cultural Arts Center in Miami, Dormouse Theater in Kalamazoo, Fulton Street Collective in Chicago and Con Alma in Pittsburgh.  Recently of note are performances with Buck McDaniel and Jacob Kirkwood, Alla Boara, Stephen Phillip Harvey Octet, Bassel and the Supernaturals and Dominick Farinacci. Additionally he performs and records with his brother Andrew Karkosiak in his electro- acoustic folk Project “EMFP” and has lead his own band at the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival in Akron. John and his Andrew composed the soundtrack for “The Flagbearer” by local director Daniel Tomcik. The short documentary was a finalist in the New York International Film Awards.

“Our 9 year old son has been taking guitar lessons with John for a little over a year. He has gained so much confidence through his lessons, he even voluntarily took his guitar to school to play for his 3rd grade class!”
- Allison

“I am very impressed with his musical knowledge and ability. I am interested in understanding theory and he incorporates that into the lessons. He is very patient and encouraging.”

- Jeff

“I have been taking lessons here for about 3 months. My guitar teacher, John, is easy to talk to, a great player, and has plenty of awesome tips for playing. I learn something new every lesson and always look forward to going.”

- Ricky