About the Founder and Director of Georgetown Guitar Academy:
Piotr Pakhomkin is not just a guitarist—he’s a storyteller, technician, and innovator, transforming six strings into a full orchestra. Praised as a "virtuoso" by WYPR/National Public Radio, he’s performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to international festivals across Europe, Central America, and North America. Whether dazzling audiences with lightning-fast Paganini runs or crafting poetic interpretations of Bach, Piotr’s playing is a masterclass in precision.
But beyond the concert hall, he’s also a dedicated teacher and mentor, equally at home coaching world-class professionals, ambitious young players, and dedicated amateurs. As a faculty member at Georgetown Guitar Academy and a professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus, he has helped students of all levels unlock their musical potential. He's taught music on three continents in three different languages and has built his method over the course of 20 years.
Piotr Pakhomkin is not just a guitarist—he’s a storyteller, technician, and innovator, transforming six strings into a full orchestra. Praised as a "virtuoso" by WYPR/National Public Radio, he’s performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to international festivals across Europe, Central America, and North America. Whether dazzling audiences with lightning-fast Paganini runs or crafting poetic interpretations of Bach, Piotr’s playing is a masterclass in precision.
But beyond the concert hall, he’s also a dedicated teacher and mentor, equally at home coaching world-class professionals, ambitious young players, and dedicated amateurs. As a faculty member at Georgetown Guitar Academy and a professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus, he has helped students of all levels unlock their musical potential. He's taught music on three continents in three different languages and has built his method over the course of 20 years.
Piotr’s journey to classical guitar mastery began in an unconventional way. After moving to the U.S. during the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 as a small child, he picked up the classical guitar more than ten years later. Within a year of formal training, he was winning prizes at competitions and performing at venues like the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. His prodigious talent caught the eye of legendary guitar pedagogue Aaron Shearer, leading to his feature in the documentary film Aaron Shearer: A Life with the Guitar. Soon after, his idol Manuel Barrueco had invited him to the Peabody Institute to begin his Bachelor and Master degrees. At this time, this was was the premier studio in the world, an elite group of professional classical guitarists from England, Croatia, Armenia, Poland, Israel, China and France.
His fearless approach to performance has earned him top prizes in major international competitions, including: First Prize at the Mexican International Guitar Competition, Top awards at Boston GuitarFest and Montreal International Guitar Competition and the 2016 Respighi Prize, leading to his Carnegie Hall debut in 2018 and professional management contract with Dan McDaniel in Chicago.
His fearless approach to performance has earned him top prizes in major international competitions, including: First Prize at the Mexican International Guitar Competition, Top awards at Boston GuitarFest and Montreal International Guitar Competition and the 2016 Respighi Prize, leading to his Carnegie Hall debut in 2018 and professional management contract with Dan McDaniel in Chicago.
Piotr’s impact extends beyond live performances—his recordings have been internationally recognized, most notably his work on the album Astor Piazzolla: Music for Guitar with Naxos Records, one of the most prestigious classical music labels. His interpretations have been praised for their depth, nuance, and technical mastery, bringing fresh life to works from Bach to contemporary composers.
In addition to recording and performing, Piotr continually expands the guitar’s reach by transcribing works once considered impossible for the instrument. His arrangements of Chopin and Vivaldi pieces demonstrate the guitar’s limitless potential, bridging the gap between string instruments and redefining what’s possible in classical guitar performance.
In addition to recording and performing, Piotr continually expands the guitar’s reach by transcribing works once considered impossible for the instrument. His arrangements of Chopin and Vivaldi pieces demonstrate the guitar’s limitless potential, bridging the gap between string instruments and redefining what’s possible in classical guitar performance.
At Georgetown Guitar Academy, Piotr brings his vast experience to a diverse group of students. Whether you’re a concert-ready musician refining your craft, a dedicated amateur looking to improve, or a complete beginner with big aspirations, his lessons are designed to help you unlock your full potential.
With an approach that balances technical excellence with expressive freedom, Piotr ensures that every student not only plays the music but truly understands and feels it. His guidance goes beyond the notes—helping students develop stage presence, confidence, and their own musical voice.
Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Train with Washington D.C.'s best at the Georgetown Guitar Academy.
With an approach that balances technical excellence with expressive freedom, Piotr ensures that every student not only plays the music but truly understands and feels it. His guidance goes beyond the notes—helping students develop stage presence, confidence, and their own musical voice.
Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Train with Washington D.C.'s best at the Georgetown Guitar Academy.