Avi Rothbard was born in kibbutz Gan Schmuel in the country side of Israel, near the Triangle, an area of several Arab and Jewish villages. In 1977, Mr. Rothbard picked up his first musical instrument, the mandolin. But it was not before five years later that he finally picked up the guitar as his main instrument. During his high school years. Mr. Rothbard's records collection included many fusion and Jazz guitarists such as George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, John Scofield and Frank Zappa. It was only later that he discovered the music of Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan and many other Horne players which later on would help him find his own guitar style.
In 1995, Mr. Avi Rothbard relocated in Boston Mass., earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. Berklee was a great place to challenge his musical skills;until his graduation in 1998, his performing experience included working with various outstanding musicians such as Jeremy Pelt, Andy McGhee and Phil Wilson. During his years at Berklee, Mr. Rothbard have received The Jimmy Hendrix Award, Boston Jazz Society Award, Guitar Dpt. Achievement Award and The William Leavitt Award. Mr. Rothbard has been teaching at the Annual Berklee Guitar Sessions and has been a member of the guitar camp faculty since the year of 2000. Mr. Rothbard is a very dedicated teacher and educator, who is responsible for the success of many aspiring guitarists around the world.
Avi Rothbard has been relocated in New York in 1999, and has led his bands in clubs such as Saint Nicks, Dizzy's Coca Cola club, Rose Hall, Lenox Lounge, Showman's, Fat Cat,, Smalls, Sweet Rhythm, Minton's Playhouse and Smoke. Mr. Rothbard have worked with Richie Cole, Julius Tolentino, Jeremy Pelt, Richie, Ben Dixon, Mike Karn, Chris Bayars, Ali Jackson, Ted Rosenthal, Carolyn Leonhart, Wayne Escoffery, Warren Vach'e, Mike Clark, Vaughn Freeman and Uri Caine.
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