Yishai Fisher is a classical guitarist, a versatile musician, and a dedicated music educator.

 

Born in Israel, Yishai developed a profound passion for music early on, beginning his journey with the classical guitar at the age of 12.

He graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a Master of Music performance degree under the mentorship of guitarist David Leisner. He received a bachelor's degree, with honors, in guitar performance and music education in Tel Aviv, supported by a full performance scholarship under the mentorship of Professor Joseph Urshalmi.

Yishai has had the privilege of performing in master classes for renowned guitarists including Oscar Ghiglia, Sharon Isbin, Ana Vidovic, and SoloDuo, and has shared expertise in master classes in the USA as well as in Israel.

Yishai is a passionate and innovative music educator. he developed a unique method for teaching musical performance (both instrumental and vocal) through the concept of "Active Listening".

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Yishai's solo recital, "NeshamaGuitar," draws from the rich musical heritage of the Jewish culture. This musical journey, traversing various periods and styles, paints a picture of the guitar’s "Neshama," meaning "soul" in Hebrew.

 

Yishai is also passionate about guitar arrangements. He has skillfully transformed numerous keyboard works by such as François Couperin and Jean-Philippe Rameau, as well as works by other composers and popular pop tunes, into classical guitar adaptations.

 

Another significant project of Yishai is his collaboration with the talented composer and guitarist Jake Hertzog. "StringScapes" is a dynamic nylon and steel string guitar duo, blending the worlds of classical and jazz in a unique exploration of composed and improvised sounds. Their album, "A Portrait of  the World in Nylon and Steel" released in 2019 by FretMonkey Records, features a suite of four major works, each with movements inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of our planet—all composed by Hertzog.

 

Currently Yishai resides in East Brunswick, New Jersey, where he continues to educate, inspire and be inspired by the next generation of musicians.