This issue’s member of the month is Prudencio Agostini, a guitarist and composer who has been playing since his teenage years. Originally from Puerto Rico, Prudencio now lives in the Bronx. He began playing guitar when he became involved with the South Bronx Community Action Theatre, where he met other young people interested in the guitar. He subsequently had many performing opportunities, both solo and ensemble, was seen in various local venues and was even showcased with the group on one of the local Spanish television channels.

Wanting to further his musical education, Prudencio continued his studies with Albert Blain, who, he says, “taught me the difference between rest stroke and free stroke.” He was an eager student. “I was willing to learn anything — classical, flamenco, Chinese — as long as I was playing guitar. I ended up doing classical, and I really enjoy it.” He later studied with Helen Bates as well as John La Barbera, founder of the Italian ensemble I Giullari di Piazza.

Prudencio has been an active member of NYCCGS for the past year and is frequently seen at meetings playing his own arrangements and compositions, a hobby he has enjoyed since 1997. “I usually pick out a scale and begin composing,” he says. “It’s a trial and error process.” He also often performs his music and others’ in a guitar duo with Mark Greenberg, a fellow NYCCGS member and friend he made from work.

As for influences, Prudencio has many. He cites Cebastiao Tapajos, Paco de Lucia, Baden Powell, Andrew York, and the Gypsy Kings as just a small sample of his musical tastes. He enjoys most anything, he says, and during the summers he often leaves work early to attend the free concerts in lower Manhattan. He sees a wide variety of orchestral concerts, folk groups, and rock legends while enjoying the open air and lawn.

“I love music,” Prudencio says. And we believe him.