I did meet her at a GFA competition she was judging (Miami, FL 2002 or 2003?) and chatted with her quite a bit in line to see an Elena Papandreou concert. I haven't seen her in concert or master class, so I can't comment on her behavior in those situations. I'm not disputing fugue's experience and am dismayed by learning about her "dark side." I have all her recordings and think her technique is beyond question - I respectfully disagree with jstroud's opion of her not being "world class" or being inferior to Jason Vieaux (and I'm as big a fan of his as you're likely to find). Granted, they should always be polite and respectful to their fans and master class students, but sometimes "paying customers" can be obnoxious or too demanding. I think we all have to remember that performers/recording artists are real humans with different moods. He has also produced a number of very good guitarist and music faculty.
I believe that Bruce Holzman (Florida State) was Lily’s mentor. I don't know how well Lily's students have done. In many ways the value of the teacher is reflected in the performance of their teacher. I know that she has a couple of doctoral students, who are scheduled to perform this year and I hope to attend these performances. In my opinion she deserves respect for her performance skills.Īs for her teaching style, I cannot comment. She is very capable of blending her very classical training with her ethnic heritage within a performance. She is a very accomplished player who I think can a very different and appealing repertoire. I have heard her play a number of time, on and off campus.
I am also a faculty member at the U of M, but not in music. She is responsible for the guitar program. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis. Lily Afshar is a faculty member in the Rudi E.