Andrew Karkosiak, Guitar

Andrew Karkosiak earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music . While there, his guitar performances and research won him several prestigious awards, including the Dana Young Scholar Award, the McDonough Honors Recital Series award, and the YMTA-YSU Scholarship Competition award.

As a professor at Youngstown State University, Andrew teaches Music History and Literature, Music Theory, and Guitar Ensemble. He also contributes as a part-time visiting professor of music composition for the Film & Media Arts program at Cuyahoga Community College. Andrew is dedicated to unlocking the immense potential of music education and helping students communicate effectively while expressing themselves through their instruments.

A regular in Cleveland's jazz scene, Andrew frequently performs with various groups and as a soloist at venues locally and beyond. He also co-founded the West Creek Duo, where he performs on mandolin and serves as the group’s lead arranger. As an emerging composer, his works have been featured in art exhibitions, film projects, theater productions, and classical concert programs, including the Isabelle Firestone Fall Concert Series where he recently had a string quartet commission premiere.