Andrew DiRuzza

Andrew DiRuzza started playing guitar at the age of nine and is a dedicated performer, composer, arranger and educator. Since his first performance at 14 years old, Andrew has performed on four continents with musicians from all around the world. Andrew has shared the stage with many renowned musicians, including Yusef Lateef, John Stowell,
Adam Schroeder and more. He performed at the Iowa City Jazz Festival in 2013 and 2014. Andrew enjoys sharing music with the community and has performed with his colleagues at numerous bars, restaurants, retirement centers, etc. In addition to performing in small groups, Andrew has also performed in many large ensembles, including Orchestra Iowa, San Jose State University Jazz Orchestra, University of Iowa Jazz Repertory Ensemble and UMass Chapel Jazz Ensemble. As a composer, Andrew has written music for various instrumentations, including large jazz ensemble, jazz quintet, solo piano and guitar duo. His original album “Shapes and Analogies” has been played on radio stations across the country.

Andrew has been a committed guitar teacher since 1996. His students range from six years old to senior citizens. It is Andrew’s firm belief that it is possible to find joy through music at any age. In addition to teaching privately, he has taught at Augustana College, Blackhawk College, Kirkwood Community College and Greenfield Community College. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2004. In 2014, he earned his Master of Arts degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Iowa.