Gregory John Janicki currently heads the Guitar Department at Washington Township High School in Sewell, New Jersey, where he teaches Guitar Classes and directs the Guitar Ensembles. He is a co-owner of the Guitar-Works Music Education Resource, which continues to give seminars and develop resources for guitar in the classroom. Greg began his studies at the age of 5 on piano making a switch to trumpet then percussion which led him to the desire of his heart, the guitar. His passion as a guitarist gave opportunity to study many musical styles. A graduate of Rowan University, Mr. Janicki studied classical guitar and theory under Professor Joseph Mayes and jazz guitar/theory with guitar virtuoso Joseph Federico.
During his time at Rowan he performed with the Rowan University Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles/Combos and Contemporary Music Ensembles. In 2001, Greg led the Christian Rock group 7STAR to their first album entitled Ferris wheel, which landed #1 on the Christian Music chart. In 2005 recorded with jazz saxophonist Brian Height on his debut album Heart of Worship. Greg has also had the opportunity to study with many world-renowned artists such as Jimmy Bruno, Pat Martino, Jamey Abersold, Denis DiBlasio, Ron Pearl and has attended master classes with Pat Metheny, David Leisner, Manley Mallard, Garth Baxtor, Elliot Fisk and others. Mr. Janicki has performed with many groups along the Jersey shore, performed with the Dave Boyer Big Band in NYC, The John Clark Big Band in PA, toured up and down the East Coast and Nashville with 7Star, and currently performs Praise and Worship in local churches. He is consistantly sought after as a pit musician for many musical theaters, performs with the Uptown Jazztet, the Gregory John Quintet and has been known to give solo performances throughout the Tri-State area.
In 2008, Janicki released Sherbert Sky from his latest jazz ensemble, The Gregory John Quintet, which currently performs in Philadelphia, PA. In May of 2008, Janicki received a Masters in Jazz Studies from Rowan University where he studied exclusively with versatile guitarist/educator Tom Giacabetti. Greg currently is in the development phase of the Learn Music University(www.learnmusicU.com) Lesson Group. Mr. Janicki resides in Southern New Jersey with his lovely wife Lisa and their beautiful children Emily, Joshua and #3 on his or her way. |
