John Karkosiak has his bachelor’s of music in jazz guitar from the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, where he studied under hard bop style guitarist Richard Goldstein. He also studied extensively under international touring and recording artist Dan Wilson at Cuyahoga Community College.

John is part of the applied guitar faculty at Cleveland State University. He teaches with a heavy emphasis on ear training, applied music theory, fretboard visualization, improvisation, and creative practicing.

John frequently performs in the northeast Ohio region in venues such as Mahall’s, Bop Stop, Brothers Lounge, and Lock 3. He has played frequently with composer Buck McDaniel and Jacob Kirkwood including at Cleveland’s new music festival, NEOsonic Fest. He is also a former member of Akron-based funk/fusion band Acid Cats which performed locally and across the east coast. In 2019, he led his own band and performed a set of original compositions at Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival. He recently worked as the mastering engineer on trumpeter/composer Tommy Lehman’s new album through his own music production project “Landfish.”

“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