Jeff Cogan’s Biography

Education

Jeffrey Cogan, M.A. studied classical guitar at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).  He was a student of Ron Purcell.  In addition, he studied with Rico Stover, George Vick, Eric Jones and Joe Glaser.

A Master Class With Segovia

While still a student at CSUN, Cogan, was honored by being invited to perform for the great Spanish Maestro of the guitar, Andres Segovia, in an exclusive master class. 

Jeff Cogan is shown shaking the hand of  Andres Segovia  during a masterclass held at  California State University, Northridge.  The event took place during the Spring of 1982 in the Campus Theater.  Members of the audience included Laurindo Almeida, Frederick Noad, Rico Stover and others.

THE DAILY SUNDIAL Student newspaper of California State University, Northridge.  This article about the 1982 Andres Segovia Masterclass appeared in the February 23rd edition.

Career

Jeff Cogan built a career performing and teaching the guitar at CSUN and at Chapman University.  His performances have taken him all over the U.S. and Europe.  Additionally, some his students are winners of national competitions.  

Cogan was an associate professor of music in the Hall/Musco conservatory of music at Chapman University for 37 years and upon retirement was awarded Professor Emeritus status.

He performed and taught in the USA and Europe, including concerts and classes in Italy, France, Serbia and Spain.

In 2012 Mr. Cogan performed the guitar concerto, Fantasía Para Un Gentilhombre by Joaquin Rodrigo with the La Mirada Symphony.

Service to the guitar community

He directed the Guitar Foundatiton of America, (GFA), International Concert Artist Competition from 1987 until 2008.  In 2009, Cogan received the Distinguished Service Award from the GFA.  The Distinguished Service Award honors past GFA board members, officers, staff, and others for outstanding, critical and long-term service to the GFA.  He continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the GFA.  

In June, 2016, he served as a judge for the JoAnn Falletta Guitar Concerto Competition in Buffalo, New York.

Daniel Friederich, Luthier d’Art

The Friederich documentary film was begun as a sabbatical project in 2013.  After that Cogan received more than $5,000 in Chapman University grants and support from the chancellor, Daniele Struppa, (now president).  In 2015 it won an Award of Merit from the Accolade Global Film Competition.  It was screened at the Woodstock Museum Film Festival in 2016.  It is now for sale exclusively from jeffcogan.net.