Jacopo Lazzaretti (b. 1994) is a Glasgow-based guitarist, recording artist, and performance coach. Rooted in classical tradition yet shaped by a deeply personal sound world, Jacopo approaches the guitar as a medium for personal expression, using its colour and intimacy to create performances that feel personal and communicative.
Originally from Rome, Jacopo performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. His primary collaboration is with his wife, flautist Kerry Lazzaretti, in JKL DUO, where programmes weave classical, folk, and world influences into a distinctive shared sound. Their debut album The International Poet, inspired by the poetry of Robert Burns, was praised for its originality and emotional depth, described as “a rare delight… and the world is all the richer for JKL DUO’s cheek in attempting such a project” (Michael Ibsen).
As an artist with Live Music Now Scotland, Jacopo has performed at venues including the Usher Hall and the National Galleries of Scotland, as well as in schools, care homes, and community spaces across the country, where audiences have remarked, “it was astonishing to witness what can be achieved on a single guitar!” (West Linton Village Centre, 2022).
His 2026 solo album Secret Love, featured on CamGlen Radio, is a personal statement of artistic freedom recorded on the Córdoba Stage Guitar. Blending classical training with the sound world of the electric guitar, the album unfolds across Celtic traditions, dreamlike miniatures, and three beautiful arrangements by Toru Takemitsu, inviting listeners into an intimate journey of sound and self-expression.
Alongside performing, Jacopo teaches at the JKL DUO Studio and works with musicians on performance confidence through the lens of unconditional self-worth. His approach connects mindful practice, creativity, and artistic identity, themes he also explores through his YouTube and Substack channels.
Jacopo has won first prize at prestigious competitions, including at the 8th International Alirio Diaz Competition (Rome, 2019), the North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society Award (2017), and the Istanbul International Guitar Festival (2015), along with multiple second and third prizes in Europe.
He studied at the Conservatoire of Santa Cecilia in Rome with Arturo Tallini earning a First Class Bachelor’s Degree with Honours, and later completed his Master’s Degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with Matthew McAllister and Allan Neave. Influences include masterclasses with Giulio Tampalini and Pavel Steidl.
Inspired by both historical repertoire and contemporary possibilities, Jacopo continues to shape his musical path balancing refinement with exploration. He performs on a Leonardo de Gregorio guitar (2015) and a Córdoba Stage Guitar with effects.
Testimonials
“…it was astonishing to witness what can be achieved on a single guitar!” West Linton Village Centre (April 2022)
“I have had just over a year of guitar lessons with Jacopo who is a fine, knowledgable musician and plays the guitar beautifully. I feel that his sympathetic tuition has advanced my technique, developed my musicality, raised my confidence and above all has enhanced my enjoyment of playing”. Robert, UK