Joseph Mancilla

Joseph Mancilla was born in California. He began playing guitar at age 13 and was primarily a self-taught guitarist. He later studied piano, flute and bass. Joseph completed his associate arts degree at Los Angeles Valley College where he received recognition as the winner of three composition workshops, was awarded a faculty scholarship and was elected president of Sigma Alpha Phi, the music honors society.

Joseph has played with many local bands and ensembles. His experience includes Rock, Country, Folk, Jazz, and Classical. He also worked professionally as an arranger, copyist, and studio musician. In 1987 he moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico. He played professionally with Steve Smith as an acoustic duo and later collaborated with Steve to compose music for the play "Curse of the Starving Class".

While growing up Joseph was highly influenced by the recordings of Andres Segovia and has always been a guitarist at heart.

"I own two Pimentel Guitars. One built by Lorenzo. Gran Concierto, Indonesian Rosewood sides and back, German spruce top, a long concert scale, 658 mm. A wonderful instrument. I used it exclusively on my CD "Spanish Guitar through the Ages". The second guitar was built by Robert. A Classical electric cutaway with Indonesian Rosewood side and back, German spruce top, standard scale 650mm, with Fishman electronics built in. I use Roberts' guitar as my primary teaching instrument. I maintain a private teaching studio in Las Cruces."

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