About the Author

Jason Sagebiel

Jason Sagebiel is co-founder of the music education company Artisound, LLC. A guitarist, composer, conductor and ‘udist Jason is recognized as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Guitar by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), a prestigious credential ever earned by only 5 other guitarists nationwide.

Jason is on the faculty of Concordia Conservatory and The City University of New York in addition to running his own music school, Forest Hills Music of Queens, NY. He is also the director and conductor of the Community Guitar Orchestra of the New York City Classical Guitar Society.

In addition to his classical work, Jason also performs many popular styles as the guitarist for the Moment’s Notice Steel Band, and Mappa Mundi, a Brooklyn based chamber rock band.

Jason is also a former US Marine Corps Sergeant who studied Iraqi music and the ‘ud in Iraq during the war in 2003. During that time he became great friends with many local Iraqis including several musicians and artists with whom he is now collaborating, currently composing a new piece for the Cygnus Ensemble by setting the poetry of the Iraqi Drees Reisan Abul-Ameer to music.

Despite suffering a traumatic brain injury in Iraq, Jason has since been featured on the WNYC radio program SoundCheck, is the subject of the book Sound Targets by Jon Pieslak, and has performed and conducted at many major venues including Carnegie Hall. Jason was the featured performer and composer on the acclaimed “Concerts and Conversations” series at Elebash Hall, where renowned critic Alex Ross responded:

“I’m fascinated by [Jason’s] story and  music, and very moved, I think, by the layers of meaning …its really quite amazing.”

Jason’s compositions have been performed across the US, by the Second Instrumental Unit, The Alias Chamber Ensemble, and The Cygnus Ensemble among others. He has recently received invitations to perform in Mexico and Russia; is published by EarthSongs Music; and is currently writing a book about his experiences in Iraq.

Listen, hear, see, and read more at his personal webpage.

“The audience was as engaged as an audience can be, which we largely attribute to [Jason's] thoughtful preparation, moving performance, and insightful conversation.”

Playing the 'ud in Iraq