Clinic with Leo Nocentelli of the Meters

Leo Nocentelli is known as the “funkiest, fast-fingered” guitar player today. Nocentelli is the lead guitarist, composer, innovator, and originator of the syncopated funk sound that defined his musical work in the Meters, known as the "Pioneers of Funk.” As the major musical songwriter for the Meters and the author of "Cissy Strut," a song that has stood the test of time, Nocentelli has been credited as one of the top 50 guitarists in the world.

Nocentelli has written more than 200 songs, many of which were recorded by definitive artists such as Peter Gabriel, Harry Connick Jr., George Duke, Etta James, Robert Palmer, Joe Cocker, the Neville Brothers, Z.Z. Hill, Albert King, Patti LaBelle, Ramsey Lewis, Otis Rush, and Trombone Shorty.

In addition to receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, along with the Meters, in 2018, Nocentelli's solo musical compositions and contributions have continued to evolve, with appearances on stages and television shows.

Sponsored by the Guitar Department, this clinic is part of the Performance Divison's Funk Week, a collaboration of the Guitar, Percussion, and Ensemble Departments. It will be hosted by guitar faculty member, Jeffrey Lockhart.