A New England native, Nicco Centofanti does not consider himself a guitarist, rather a musician who plays the guitar. Originally influenced by classic rock and blues, Centofanti’s musical horizons have expanded far beyond rock and its sub genres since his adolescence. He soon began devouring as much music as he could get his hands on, becoming engrossed in the worlds of Jazz, R&B, Classical (both common practice and 20th century/contemporary), Electronic (both danceANDartmusic), as well world music of various cultures. Centofanti does not believe in genre, or that one style of music is any more valid than another. Indeed, when asked to name his biggest influence on the guitar, he is just as likely to name figures such as Ravel, Duke Ellington, or Flying Lotus as he is to name an actual guitarist!
Playing in various ensembles in high school, Centofanti was also a member of the school big band, which played approximately 100 concerts per year in various venues, including Disney World. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Vermont as an Honors College scholar, focusing on Physics and Jazz Studies. During this time, he studied all genres of music, and studied with Berklee alumnus Joseph Capps and Grammy winner Ray Vega. Centofanti graduated summa cum laude from the prestigious Berklee College of Music with his degree in Professional Music. As well he plans on continuing to work towards his masters degree. Centofanti continues to be active both as a performer and teacher, playing in, directing, and mentoring in various ensembles as well as teaching guitar and bass.
Playing in various ensembles in high school, Centofanti was also a member of the school big band, which played approximately 100 concerts per year in various venues, including Disney World. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Vermont as an Honors College scholar, focusing on Physics and Jazz Studies. During this time, he studied all genres of music, and studied with Berklee alumnus Joseph Capps and Grammy winner Ray Vega. Centofanti graduated summa cum laude from the prestigious Berklee College of Music with his degree in Professional Music. As well he plans on continuing to work towards his masters degree. Centofanti continues to be active both as a performer and teacher, playing in, directing, and mentoring in various ensembles as well as teaching guitar and bass.
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Coming from a big Italian family, Centofanti figured early on that music would be a great outlet for his boisterous and energetic personality. Always fascinated by it, he picked up the guitar at 15 and has not stopped since. He leads numerous bands, ranging from jazz trios and progressive rock quintets to acts such as EP=NC^2, a duo that makes up all the songs on the spot based on audience participation.
When not playing in and leading his own groups, Centofanti is also the musical director and bandleader for Wil Darcangelo and the Tribe, the world's first social enterprise rock band and afterschool/summer program that mentors young artists of all ages and gives them an avenue to experience music and creativity as well as develop their own talents. When he isn't doing this, he enjoys hiking outdoors with his dog Bruno, spending time with his brothers, and most other things that children of the early 90s find entertaining.
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