(No Singing) Dr. Gogoncea, World-Famous Guitarist

Serves Bakersfield, CA

35244

Hired 71 times

1 employee

16 years in business

$250/hour

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo.

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Credentials

Background Check

Mircea-Stefan Gogoncea
Completed on 8/18/2022

Introduction

I am a touring concert guitarist from Europe. I have earned over 100 music awards and performed over 400 concerts on 5 continents. I hold 6 university degrees in guitar performance, including a doctorate from USC and a doctoral-level degree from the Royal Academy of Music in London. I am quite sure that you won't find a more experienced or qualified guitarist on Thumbtack. I love playing live music in my time off from touring because gigs are where I can have the most direct impact on people's mood. There's nothing I love more than gifting people unique and unexpected musical moments through my work! ** Please note: I am a solo guitarist, not a singer. I do not sing. I love collaborating with singers, though! See below for ensemble work. ** Genres / styles: Although my background is classical, I have a doctorate in guitar performance and can play almost any style that you request. If you don't have a preference, I can gladly use my vast existing repertoire to craft a diverse program that would best fit your event. I have about 6 hours of active repertoire, but I'm happy to take requests and learn new music specifically for your event! Do you have a favorite song or film soundtrack? I can probably play it for you on the guitar! And if you're looking for Spanish guitar, classical guitar, or classical crossover music, that's exactly where my background is. I also love jazz, Latin music and Balkan music, so let me know if you'd like me to play some for you. Guitar & Electronics: You don't need to book multiple musicians to achieve variety of sound and instruments at your event! Through the use of my proprietary live playback technology, I can trigger synchronized pre-recorded backing tracks to accompany me at all times. This brings the sound of an entire band or orchestra to your event without requiring you to pay more than one artist. Check out some samples on my website! Types of events: I have a lot of experience playing both corporate events and private events such as weddings, birthday parties, etc. For corporate events, I have been hired by companies such as BMW, Deutsche Bank, MGM Studios, Audi, Lloyds Bank, and many others. For weddings, birthdays and other private parties, I play both background music (during the reception or cocktail hour) and foreground music (e.g. during the walk down the aisle), as well as special musical events (e.g. a short musical moment after a toast.) I also love playing full-on private concerts, in both indoor and outdoor settings. Equipment: As a solo guitarist, I am incredibly versatile and can play in almost any setting of your choice. I have my own PA kit that does not require access to power for the first ~4 hours of a show. The only thing I do require is a basic chair with no armrests, and a place to safely store my belongings while I perform. Instruments: Although I am not a singer, I love collaborating with singers! If you would like to book me for a guitar + voice concert, just let me know. Keep in mind that booking me to play together with other musicians will cost more, because they will also need to be compensated. My posted rate is for solo concerts. Happy to make a proposal based on the specific number and type of musicians required! I handle all payments via my own user account and manually disburse compensation for all other artists. You will only have to pay once.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

My base rate is $250 / hour for background or mixed-use music. I usually request a minimum booking time of 2 hours, though this can be waived under certain circumstances. Setup & breakdown time is INCLUDED (free). My amplification kit is INCLUDED (free). Discounts: For very short events, discounts are available. For multiple event bookings, I offer 10%-20% discounts depending on value and frequency. Large discounts available for charitable, non-profit, and educational events. Other discounts can be negotiated. Extras: Driving more than 15 miles from my studio: $0.655/mile. Private concerts: +$100 / hour (where my music lies at the center of your event.) Interactive concerts: +$150 / hour (this format requires extra preparation.) Specific song requests: $50-$200 per event depending on complexity. Gear rental: Use my amp + mic to amplify yourself for a speech, wedding, etc. for $50/hour. Attending rehearsals billed at the same rate as performances.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

For performances: we hop on a quick call to discuss date, time, performance length, budget, and your requirements, such as style, instruments, etc. If you prefer, we can also discuss everything via text instead. For lessons: We will begin by scheduling an introductory meeting, either via video call or in-person. This will allow me to better understand your goals in music and craft a plan for your specific needs. If you book a lesson with me, the introductory meeting and the first lesson are both included in the price.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Six university degrees, including two doctoral-level degrees. In reverse order: 1) Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, Los Angeles, CA (2022) 2) Advanced Diploma (post-master's), Royal Academy of Music, London, UK (2017) 3) Konzertexamen (Highest German performance degree), Robert Schumann University Düsseldorf, Germany (2017) 4) Master of Arts in Music, Royal Academy of Music, London, UK (2015) 5) Master of Music, Robert Schumann University Düsseldorf, Germany (2015) 6) Bachelor of Music, Robert Schumann University Düsseldorf, Germany (2013) As Head of Guitar at tonebase (the world's best online music education platform, a multi-million dollar venture-backed startup), I produced 60+ high-quality lessons and hosted 150+ educational livestreams with the world's most inspiring artists. I have been awarded over 100 music awards and I have performed in 50+ masterclasses in festivals around the world.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

Performance: I began playing at the age of 4 and have been a professional musician ever since I was a child. I won my first competition prize at age 5 and played my first full recital at age 8. I was a child star in my home country. Teaching: I taught my first private lesson at age 14 and was first employed in a music school at age 17. I've taught in multiple languages and worked with all levels of students. I've taught in every kind of institution from kindergartens to universities. Most recently, I spent 4 years as a teaching assistant at USC.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Performing: everything from private concerts in intimate venues to 1,500+ people in outdoor auditoriums. I also do live background music for events. I've worked with private customers, institutions, and large enterprises. Teaching: All ages, all levels, from complete beginners to professional musicians who have been playing the guitar for over 25 years. I can teach you everything from the basics about how to hold the guitar up to the most advanced techniques required for the most complex pieces. I teach in English, Spanish, German, Italian, or Romanian.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

As part of my music charity efforts in West Africa, I've founded and run the first series of guitar masterclasses and workshops in the history of Nigeria (Lagos, 2018-2019). A documentary is available on YouTube about the incredible story of the young Nigerian students who benefitted from the project. As a teacher, I've given guitar lessons to a member of Germany's most popular punk band, Die Toten Hosen. Great fun! We worked on a flexible schedule for about 6 months and focused mostly on improving his classical guitar technique, to complement his vast experience as an electric guitarist.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Make sure you like the music they play, and make sure that you click with them on a personal level. Let's book an intro call to find out!

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

For performances: 1) How long is your event? How long would I need to be there? 2) What kind of music would you like me to play? 3) Will the music I play be the center of attention, or just background music? Remember the foreground music is billed at a higher rate. 4) Instruments: Would you like me to play solo or with any other instruments? For lessons: 1) What kind of music would you like to be able to play? 2) What genres and artists do you listen to in your spare time? 3) Are you looking to play music as a hobby or do you have professional aspirations? 4) Do you have any experience in music or guitar? ("No" is a perfectly acceptable answer.) 5) Do you already own an instrument? If so, which kind? (If not, I can assist you in choosing one.)