Biography
Master guitarist Neil Geisler
began his musical studies at the age of nine. Throughout his teenage years he quenched his musical appetite performing in
various rock and blues groups. However, upon hearing the music of J.S.Bach and Francisco Tarrega Neil’s interests changed...
Being self-taught classically,
within two years Neil competed and won a top prize in the Wisconsin Conservatory of
Music Scholarship competition as a cellist. He won the esteemed Liberacci Foundation
scholarship, for many years subsequently. While studying the ‘cello at the WCM, Geisler discovered an entire realm of
guitar repertoire. Neil immersed himself in the history and study of the nylon string Spanish guitar and fell in love.
Soon Neil divided his hours practicing both the
guitar and ‘cello, performing ‘cello works such as; Gabriel Faure’s Elegy,
Camille Saint-Saen’s Concerto in A minor and Bach’s Suites. On the
guitar, works by; Tarrega, Barrios, Bach, and Sor were amongst Neil’s new favorite repertoire.
Eventually, performing many
hours on both instruments forced Neil to choose between the guitar or the cello. Mastering one instrument is a lifelong task,
choosing two would tax one’s resources and time (not to mention wrists!). So, the guitar, being the original inspiration,
won the painful decision. Neil quit the ‘cello habit (with considerable trauma!), and devoted eight to ten hours a day
on the guitar.
While studying with the master guitar faculty
at the WCM, Neil’s abilities advanced drastically and soon he won back to back guitar competitions there.
One day, Neil realized he
needed a concert quality instrument and was introduced to James Norris, a cutting edge luthier (guitar builder). Soon Geisler
not only owned a wonderful instrument but had found a mentor as well. Jim, a student of the famous Andres Segovia, was an
early pioneer of the ”Spanish guitar” in America, and was responsible for bringing John Williams to America for
his first performances in the late ‘60’s. Jim passed away in 2001 of mesothelioma (an incurable type of lung cancer).
In the year 2000, Neil accompanied Jim to the
Stetson International workshop where he was introduced to another Segovia disciple, Stephen Robinson – a prominent American
guitarist and pedagogue. After performing for Robinson, Neil requested advice regarding a change of maestros. Almost instantly,
Robinson invited Neil to Stetson University.
Within three weeks, Scholarships, admittance, and complex financial arrangements were complete! With only 20 dollars, his
guitar, bicycle and a suit case Neil moved to Florida. Since
the year 2000 Neil has had the opportunity to study with some the world’s greatest masters of the “classic”
guitar such as: Oscar Ghiglia, Italy; Manuel Barrueco, Cuba/USA; Roland
Dyens, France; Paul Galbraith, Scotland;
Denis Azabagic, Bosnia, and others.
While at Stetson Geisler met his wife Alexandra,
a talented pianist and composer, and soon they were inseparable.
Neil graduated with honors in May 2003, earning
a B.M. in Guitar performance.
After considering many offers for advanced studies
and assistantships at prominent universities, Neil declined and chose to relocate to Key
West, Florida, with his wife Alexandra. Why not move to paradise?
Neil regularly performs for Monroe County’s senior concert program and the Arts in the hospital program, in addition
to other engagements throughout the south.
