Diego Retana

I'm a NYC-based guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator with over 15 years of professional performing and teaching experience. My work spans jazz, rock, pop, blues, musical theater, and Celtic traditions — and that versatility is something I bring directly into every lesson.

My performance credits include Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Birdland, The Iridium, and 54 Below, along with pit work for professional and regional theater productions. I currently teach private lessons and coach ensembles at The Dwight School in New York City, one of the city's top private schools.

I hold a Bachelor of Music in Jazz & Commercial Performance from Towson University and am bilingual in English and Spanish.

My teaching approach is ear-focused and repertoire-driven — meaning we learn through real music, not just exercises. I tailor every lesson to your goals, your learning style, and the music you actually want to play. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through a plateau, I'll meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be.

My lessons are conversational, practical, and always grounded in real music. I draw heavily from listening and playing by ear, while also building strong technical foundations in harmony, rhythm, and fretboard fluency. Students aren't just learning to play songs — they're developing the musical instincts and independence to keep growing on their own.