Bio

Mirko Zanotti is an Italian classical guitarist and professor with an international career in both performance and teaching. He discovered the classical guitar at the age of 9, beginning a journey that led him to study at the O. Respighi Conservatory in Latina and the L. Refice Conservatory in Frosinone, where he graduated with top honors in both guitar and chamber music.

 

As a performer, Mirko has collaborated with numerous musicians and ensembles, showcasing his versatility across different formations. He has been a member of the E-cetra guitar ensemble, the centenarian Orquesta de Pulso y Púa Paulino Otamendi, and TrioDimensional. He also performs as part of Duo Z alongside his brother, M° G. Zanotti, receiving recognition in prestigious competitions such as Lazio Sound, and as Duo Voyager with flutist Margherita Brodsky, exploring a diverse repertoire blending classical and contemporary influences.

 

Alongside his concert activity, Mirko has built a solid reputation as a dedicated professor. He was awarded a scholarship through the Working with Music project, which allowed him to teach guitar and chamber music at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. Since then, he has continued teaching in music academies and conservatories. He is currently a professor at the Scherzo Music Academy in Estella and also works as an online guitar coach, guiding students from around the world.

 

Beyond performance and teaching, Mirko is the founder, artistic director, and organizer of the Festival Internacional de Guitarra Clásica “Monasterio de Irache”. This festival, set in the historically rich Monastery of Irache, was born from his vision to create a space where tradition and innovation in classical guitar converge. Through meticulous programming, he curates a lineup of internationally acclaimed artists, fosters emerging talent, and promotes cultural exchange. His role extends beyond artistic direction; he actively manages the festival’s logistics, sponsorships, and outreach, ensuring a high-quality experience for both musicians and audiences.

 

Mirko’s career is driven by a profound passion for music, both on stage and in the classroom. His mission is to share the beauty of the classical guitar and inspire others to explore its expressive potential.

My onlyne students

Some students reviews

Georgina from Mexico: 

I'm student of the Rome's Conservatory of music and I have been looking for a patience and excelent teacher, who can help me to prepare a difficult exam that I have to do at July of this year. Mr. Zanotti is in any moment very accurated on his explanations and also speaks to me in Spanish, my native language. I reccomend the lessons of Mr. Zanotti absolutely!!!

Matthias from Germany:

My review is based on two 60 minute online lessons but also on communication outside of the lessons. Mirko comes across as a genuinely nice guy. When messaged, he responds quickly. Last night I had a small question regarding a piece from our lesson, that I wished would be answered prior to our next meeting and he answered in a very timely fashion and to full satisfaction. If you're someone who wants to build a solid foundation, then I think that you don't need to look any further. Like a concrete slab floor that needs hardening prior to further construction, he doesn't rush through material but makes sure that you're ready before the next stage. As I was not a total beginner, Mirko would start at the lowest or near the lowest entry point after I showed him a range of the things that I was familiar with. So a good starting point for me was a simple I-M rest stroke alternation exercise on the first string and he gradually increased the difficulty. He also introduced me to a short piece that I haven't heard before and right now I can play 40% of it and the plan is to play it fully by the next lesson which is a very realistic goal. When it comes to conveying techniques it would be too early to make a comment because as I already had acquired a reasonably good technique, we didn't focus much on it (yet). I will conclude by saying that if you're someone who doesn't like structure and only wants a taste of everything that a guitar has to offer but not really fully digest anything that is presented in front of you, then skip this teacher. I ,for one, am happy that I found Mirko.

Gourav from India:

He's very cheerful and patient teacher. He also helped me to correct my technique and he helps me to learn my favourite songs!

Tula from U.S.A:

Mirko was excelent working with my daughter. He came prepared and dived right into the theory and guitar lesson. He was clear and patient, and He got to know my daughter's level right and what kinds of excercises would be particularly helpful to help her. My daughter called the lesson "fascinating" and was excited to have met Mirko. Thank you!!

Marios from Greece:

Mirko is the best teacher in Lessonface! He is a very good person and very professional at his work. He is an excellent musician who can help you reach a higher level in music, and more specifically in classical guitar.

During the lesson, He was able to quickly identify areas where I needed improvement and He was able to provide clear and concise instructions on how to improve my skylls. I was particularly impressed also with his ability to beak down complex musical concepts into manageable parts, making it easy for me to understand and apply. Overall, I would highly recommend Mirko to anyone looking to improve their musical skills.

Matt from Germany:

Mirko is a very patient and helpful teacher.
Individual weaknesses are quickly identified and it is explained how to work on them and what advantages this offers in the future. Since it is also addressed what already works better, you know exactly how you can use the practice time more purposefully, if you want to make progress. The level of difficulty is adjusted step by step. Mirko also addresses the difficulties that arise and builds in additional small detail exercises as assistance, in order to get the actual tasks better afterwards. I clearly notice that Mirko has an honest interest in helping you to move forward.
It is also unproblematic to ask several times and you always get a nice and helpful answer. The teaching atmosphere always remains friendly, even if it takes a little bit longer to understand something.