The Instructors

John Vergara

Classical guitar, Oud, Puerto Rican cuatro

John Vergara apprenticed under master luthier Joseph Regh before founding Lord of the Strings in 2009, a renowned instrument-making and repair shop in Beacon, NY. There, he crafted and restored Spanish guitars, violins, ouds, cuatros, kanuns, and more. In 2023, he launched Heritage Soundcraft Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the art of luthiery through workshops, courses, and demonstrations. John is passionate about teaching the craft to aspiring luthiers and continues his work today from his workshop in Lexington, North Carolina.  

Tony Velez

Electric guitar, Cuban/Puerto Rican Tres, electric Bass, mandolin

Tony's musical journey, starting in 1969 in the South Bronx, led him to master the guitar and Cuban tres. His diverse career spans rock, blues, salsa, and Cuban music, collaborating with luminaries like Celia Cruz. As the bandleader of Conjunto Cuboricua Latin Dance Band, he's an important cultural fixture in the Hudson Valley region. Since 1989, Tony has excelled in lutherie, crafting Cuban and Puerto Rican tres guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars. and much more. He's now driven to share his musical and luthier expertise through teaching, cultural programs, inspiring and enhancing awareness.