Sharon Isbin	The Week of January 30th, 2005

Celebrated Classical Guitarist

1. What's in your wallet right now?

$230, credit/bank/insurance cards, driver’s license, Xerox of passport, pen, 1500 grade silicone-coated sandpaper for fingernails.

2. What do you wish your parents taught you about money?

Exactly how to invest it.

3. What is your worst habit around finances?

Postponing making investment decisions and getting proper investment advice.

4. What makes you happy?

Spending time with friends & family when not preoccupied by work, hiking in the mountains, trekking in the rain forest, snorkeling in coral reefs, jogging, x-country skiing, being on vacation in a beautiful place, feeling a sense of accomplishment during/after a particularly good concert.

5. Personal philosophy around money?

I like that money can make life more pleasurable and comfortable, and that it offers the freedom to choose what you want to do and to share that with others. I don’t think about money much, but I plan appropriately so it’s there.

6. Where does money come from?

The bank? In my case, concerts, teaching, recordings, endorsements, real estate,and investments.

7. What would you do with a million dollars?

Buy a condo in Aspen, or a small country house near New York on beautiful land?

8. What is your most prized possession?

My guitar.

9. Who is your role model?

As people, my parents. Professionally? I’m past the point of having one any more because I’m happy where I am – but there used to be many, from Rosalyn Tureck to Oscar Ghiglia.

10. What is your greatest achievement?

Creating the guitar department at Juilliard, performing/recording with the New York Philharmonic, and winning a Grammy — the odds were so stacked against any of this happening to a guitarist in the last 30 years.

11. How did you get started on the guitar?

I started in Italy at age 9 by default when my older brother requested guitar lessons. Not knowing that his fantasy was to be the next Elvis Presley, my parents brought him to an outstanding classical guitarist who was concertizing in italy and teaching in Varese where we lived. My brother bowed out and because my parents were determined someone in the family should have this opportunity, I volunteered to take his place.

12. What contributions to society do you want to make?

Giving people nurturance, peace and inspiration through music; increasing the respect and level of classical guitar; leaving behind a legacy of wonderful compositions written for me that others can play and enjoy; being a strong role model for girls; being a positive gay role model.

13. If you could buy one thing right now what would it be?

I really haven’t a clue…though I do need to replace my old point & shoot camera that’s falling apart. Ok, that’s it – a digital camera and photo printer.

14. How do you indulge yourself?

With delicious chocolates. Until recently, I’d had none for 30 years believing I was still allergic… Or sharing outstanding wine.

15. Favorite activity that doesn't cost a dime?

Hiking in the Rocky Mountains when I’m at the Aspen Music Festival.

Acclaimed for her extraordinary lyricism, technique and versatility, GRAMMY Award winner Sharon Isbin has been hailed as “the pre-eminent guitarist of our time.” She is also the winner of Guitar Player magazine’s “Best Classical Guitarist” award, the Madrid Queen Sofia and Toronto Competitions, and was the first guitarist ever to win the Munich Competition. She has given sold-out performances throughout the world in the greatest halls including New York’s Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, Boston’s Symphony Hall, and Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center.

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