Amanda Monaco

Amanda Monaco is an accomplished Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, renowned for her dynamic performances and innovative contributions to the jazz genre. She has graced prestigious venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, and the Blue Note, collaborating with notable artists including Milt Hinton and the Mingus Orchestra. As a leader, Amanda has released six albums and currently leads several eclectic projects, including the avant-garde quartet Deathblow and the chamber jazz trio Mo-Fi-Co. Her unique guitar style is characterized by distinctive phrasing and inventive chord progressions, earning her recognition as a refreshing voice in both mainstream and free jazz. An educator since 1990, she teaches private lessons, labs, and ensembles at Berklee, while also sharing her expertise through online courses. Amanda's book Jazz Guitar for the Absolute Beginner is available globally, further solidifying her role as a mentor in the music community. Additionally, she serves as the Artistic Director of Convergence Arts, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting improvisation across diverse audiences. Amanda holds a B.Mus from William Paterson University and an M.A. from The City College of New York, where she studied under esteemed musicians like Ted Dunbar and Kenny Barron.