George Dafnos

Born and raised in Athens, he developed a strong interest in music from an early age. At the age of 12, he began studying piano and music theory, while by the age of 15 he was already actively involved with electric guitar, performing in rock bands.

EDUCATION

After completing his studies in advanced harmony, he continued his musical education at the G. Fakinos Art Conservatory, where he studied electric guitar with P. Kotsaridis, as well as contemporary harmony, ear training, and music technology. At the same time, he participated in workshops covering a wide range of musical styles and genres.

In 2003, he attended the Conservatorium of Amsterdam, taking private lessons in electric jazz guitar with Martien Oster. He has also studied privately with Jonathan Kreisberg and Jesse van Ruller, and has participated in seminars and masterclasses led by renowned musicians such as John Scofield, Scott Henderson, and Pat Martino.

Alongside his musical studies, he earned a degree in Audio Engineering from the Lykourgos Stavrakos Institute.

COLLABORATIONS

He is actively involved in the contemporary Greek music scene through personal projects and numerous collaborations. He has performed with his own electric quartet alongside V. Stefanopoulos, D. Klonis, and H. Kechris, as well as with an organ trio featuring V. Baliousis and P. Smarnakis.

He was a creative member of the bands Meweathers and Liquid Streets, and has collaborated with artists and groups such as Penny Baltatzi, Idra Kayne, Superbacana, Butterfly Effect, Eva Kotanidi and the Apples, Michalis Kapilidis, Shelley Burns, Giorgos Katsanos, BNC, Vicky B. and the Plastic People, Novatek, and Why Not, as well as with numerous jazz, blues, rock, funk, soul, neo-soul, and latin music projects.

He participated in the Beatles Tribute production with the Contemporary Orchestra of ERT and the Camerata, under the direction of Nikos Platyrachos (2016–2017). He also performed in the musical productions Grease under the direction of A. Wastor (2003–2004) and Jesus Christ Superstar under the direction of G. Fakinos (1999–2000).

DISCOGRAPHY

In 2014, he released his debut personal album Simplify, featuring Dimitris Klonis and Ntinos Manos.

In 2019, he participated in Menios Gounaris’ solo album Flood.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

He has taught electric guitar at the Athenian Conservatory of Nea Smyrni (2008–2012), the National Conservatory – Ymittos Branch (2010–2012), and the Municipal Conservatory of Ymittos (2009–2011).

Since 2011, he has been teaching electric guitar at Lab Music Education, while currently giving guitar lessons at music schools in Athens and Piraeus.