Vahagn ”Vahagni” Turgutyan was born in Yerevan, Armenia in 1985. Brought up in a family of Artist's, Vahagni's father Sarkis Turgutyan, Guitar soloist for the National Philharmonic of Armenia, Mother Satenik ShahNazaryan, a theatrical Actress, and Uncle Artur Shahnazaryan, an Ethno- Musicologist and National Artistic Director of Armenia, all influenced and nourished Vahagni's musical development. Vahagni began playing the Guitar at the age of Nine under the instruction of his Father. At a very young age Vahagni showed a great interest in Flamenco Music. After several years of studies with his Father, Vahagni embarked on the first of his numerous trips to Andalusia, Spain. Under the Guidance of world famous Flamenco guitarist Paco Serrano, Vahagni spent over Two years mastering his craft , and participating in numerous Festivals in Andalusia. During the” Cursos Superior del Guitarra Flamenca” held in Malaga, Vahagni got the opportunity to play for his childhood idol and Legendary Flamenco Guitarist, Manolo Sanlucar. It was Vahagni's original and unique sound that impressed the Maestro, which led to a rare offer to study as a disciple of Sanlucar. Upon returning to the United States, Vahagni recorded his first self produced album ” Short Stories”( available on i tunes and CD baby) The album features musicians such as, Jimmy Branly, Carlitos del Puerto and Luis Conte to name a few. Vahagni's guitar playing has taken him on several World Tours, Festivals, Clinics. and appearances on TV and Radio shows. . A side from performing, Vahagni also teaches Guitar at the College of the Canyons and is a columnist for Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine called ”Flamenco-ology. Vahagni is endorsed by La'bella strings, Godin Guitars and Andres Dominguez Guitars.
http://vahagnimusic.com/
