Biography
Andrej Urminský is a guitarist, composer, arranger, producer and educator born in Piešťany, Slovakia. He is a graduate of University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, Austria, where he studied jazz guitar, arranging and improvisation under leadership of Guido Jeszenszky, Ed Partyka, Michael Abene, Renato Chicco, Heinrich Von Kalnein, Ed Neumeister and more. During studies, he took part in workshops with jazz greats such as Peter Bernstein, Larry Goldings, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Bill Stewart, Billy Hart, Jeff Ballard, David Dorůžka and others.
In January 2014 he recorded his profile EP "Four+1" with his Andrej Urminský International Quintet (Quartet) and with the same group he went on successful tour, during which he opened for Richard Bona, Rick Margitza and Harry Sokal. As Andrej Urminský Trio he won the first prize in Slovak jazz competition Jazz Start UP 2014. He is always up for a good jam session as well.
With his proficiency in wide range of musical genres, he has established himself as reliable touring & session player, arranger and producer. Up till now, he has played, produced or collaborated with local artists such as Robo Opatovský, Mária Čírová, Fragile, Nicole "Lillie" McCloud, American Divas, Iago Musical (Nová scéna theatre), Martina Šindlerová, Sima and many more.
He is active guitar teacher and educator. He led classes at workshops “Letná jazzová dielňa” and “Za hranice s hudbou“. Besides teaching acoustic and electric guitar, he works as a musical director of student ensemble at music school, which he writes arrangements of chosen repertoire for. Also, for advanced students or students with specific demands he provides feedback sessions, lessons and consultations regarding production, harmony, composition, songwritting and arranging.