If you are planning an event that involves a sit down dinner, it might be a nice idea to provide some live background music to add to the ambiance of your event and help as ...
Umberto De Bellis
Electric Guitarist
(8 Reviews)
Country: Australia
Based In: Sydney, New South Wales
Performs: Worldwide
From: $1000
Based In: Sydney, New South Wales
Performs: Worldwide
From: $1000
Guitarist with mastery across all styles & sight reading expert, with BSc Music, Hons, Jazz Guitar Performance. Extensive experience spans television, live tours, musicals, concerts, Big Bands and cruise ships. Multi-instrumentalist, Mandolin, Spanish guitar & vocals.
Description
Guitarist with a focus on original instrumental compositions, I possess a wealth of experience in musical theatre, serving as a guitarist for orchestra's, large ensembles, show bands, professional session work, and performances on cruise ships across a variety of styles, including cover and tribute bands. My career includes touring with various artists and showcases my strong sight-reading abilities. I have a proven track record in jazz improvisation and have made contributions to studio recordings. My skills also encompass acoustic Spanish guitar performances and providing ambient background
... music. Furthermore, I am adept in jazz big band environments and have experience as a composer, arranger, and Musical Director.
I possess a high level of musical interpretation and am proficient in various musical styles, allowing me to seamlessly blend genres with strong improvisational abilities. I am enthusiastic about traveling and collaborating with artists globally. I have experience with both in-ear monitors and digital as well as analog equipment. Additionally, I am fluent in English and Italian.
I earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Performance with Honours from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music University, which has provided me with a robust musical foundation. In addition to the guitar, I am also proficient in playing the mandolin, banjo guitar, Electric Bass, and I also sing. I am eager to discuss project specifics and am flexible in negotiating rates to accommodate your requirements.
Reviews (8 Reviews)
Umberto De Bellis - Electric Guitarist - Sydney, New South Wales
Event Location: Barker College's Musical Production of Matilda
Event Type: Musical Production of Matilda
29th January 2025
I, Simon Smith am Head of Music at Barker College, Hornsby NSW Australia. It is my pleasure to recommend Umberto for a position with Cirque du Soleil. I appointed Umberto as guitarist for Barker College’s musical production of Matilda in November 2024 after he came highly recommended by a trusted musical colleague. His work exceeded all expectations.
The nature of our production required immense adaptability and musical versatility. Umberto demonstrated exceptional professionalism, learning complex parts by ear, skillfully adjusting musical scores, and consistently bringing all necessary equipment to each rehearsal and performance. His cooperative and supportive approach greatly enhanced the experience for our young student musicians.
Umberto’s diligence, enthusiasm, and positive energy earned him the respect of both the staff and students involved in the production. His inspiring work ethic and commitment to excellence elevated the overall standard of the show and made a lasting i ...mpression on everyone who worked with him.
I am confident that Umberto would be a valuable asset to any musical ensemble. His adaptability, technical skill, and professional demeanor make him an ideal fit for the world-class demands of Cirque du Soleil.
Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.
Umberto De Bellis - Electric Guitarist - Sydney, New South Wales
Event Location: Dr Joseph Macri Award-winning Musical Director Sydney Australia
Event Type: Award-winning Musical Director
19th January 2025
To Whom it May Concern,
I, Dr Joseph Macri, the undersigned write this reference for my strong support of Mr Umberto De Bellis’ employment applications in the professional music industry. As a multiple award-winning Musical Director, I am pleased to write this reference for Umberto De Bellis, and it is without reservation.
Umberto De Bellis is an outstanding guitarist and gifted musician. He not only excels technically but also brings a high level of professionalism and collaboration to every performance. His versatility across many genres is impressive, and importantly, continually invests in expanding his knowledge and skills, which also includes his recent graduation with the prestigious 4-year Bachelor of Music Degree (Jazz Performance with Honours).
What is evident to me is how quickly he adapts to the needs of the ensemble, which is such an important quality for a session or live guitarist. Umberto De Bellis does not just play to showcase his skills, but to serve the music ...and the overall performance, which is a rare and valuable trait in any genre. In short, he works for the music and loves what he does to achieve the highest level of performance.
From my experience with Umberto De Bellis while performing in "The Joseph Macri Band,", which contains some of Australia’s and most prolific musician, I have noted his punctuality, commitment, and respectful attitude. His enthusiasm for music, along with his ability to concentrate and deliver optimal performance results, is clearly apparent. I regard him as a highly driven, co-operative, mature, engaged, and genuine individual who is always well- prepared. He excels in his interactions with others and consistently prioritises collaboration to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Umberto De Bellis is a wonderful sight reader. He has always demonstrated a keen attention to detail and can perform live without prior rehearsal, which enhances his employability as a professional guitarist. Importantly, he has also authored a guitar sight reading method book, which will be published very soon. Umberto De Bellis is an exceptionally versatile guitarist who is proficient in a wide range of styles including R&B, Pop, Soul, Rock, Blues, Rock n' Roll, Jazz, Fusion, Country, Disco, World Music, Classical, Latin, Cabaret, and more.
Umberto De Bellis always works for the artists at hand. He has a lovely manner and is certainly open to advice in ensuring the optimal musical outcome is achieved.
He certainly possesses the requisite musical skills that will no doubt allow him to fully contribute and enjoy the many and wide varied musical projects that he richly deserves. I provide this reference for Mr Umberto De Bellis without reservation. Should you require any further information please contact me.
Yours Sincerely
Dr Joseph Macri
B. ED (Music), B.Ec (Hons) PhD (Economics)
Umberto De Bellis - Electric Guitarist - Sydney, New South Wales
Event Location: Dr Matt McMahon Sydney Conservatorium of Music Jazz Lecturer
Event Type: Sydney University
18th June 2024
I have encountered guitarist/composer Umberto De Bellis in my capacity as a lecturer within the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Jazz Studies program and know him well as a result of his time as a student. I taught Umberto during all four years of his Bachelor of Music (honours) degree, which he completed in 2023.
I was Umberto’s teacher for several subjects – Jazz Ear Training, Jazz Ensemble, and also spent two years as his one-to-one instrumental tutor. In all of these contexts I observed his love of music, his respect for staff, his enthusiasm, his embrace of difficult challenges, and a desire to continually learn. Umberto’s determination saw him develop his instrumental playing, deepen his understanding of music theory, and accept the challenges of leading an ensemble and presenting his own music to a high standard.
Umberto took on the challenge of the extra work that an honours degree entails. He pursued an investigation into particular aspects of guitar technique and thorough ...ly researched the available literature and available resources to make a valuable and innovative contribution to the available literature on sweep-picking.
Umberto was also active as a professional musician during the course of his degree and I observed his dedication and diligence in preparation for various performances, including high-profile pressure situations such as live television and concerts with touring artists. His dedication and methodical approach to learning was apparent in all of my interactions with Umberto who was consistently self-motivated to keep growing and learning.
I have no hesitation in recommending Umberto as a fine musician who displays a broad interest in and respect for many styles – including jazz, rock/pop, classical music (which he had previously studied), and traditional styles. His understanding is thorough and he always seeks to keep learning and developing. He was always a courteous and responsible student whose enthusiasm for music was infectious, and he loved to share his knowledge and discoveries. Umberto would be an asset to any program as a performer and educator.
Experience
Umberto, the maestro guitarist, sways between the world of improvisation, composition and music education. Proudly hailing from Sydney, Australia, he embodies the spirit of his homeland.
His love of jazz, improvised and instrumental music stems from classical guitar discipline, enriched with multicultural music traditions, especially his background as Italian; Umberto was introduced to the rhythms in early life. Umberto plays Electric Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Nylon Guitar, Acoustic Steel String Guitar, Gypsy Jazz Guitar, Banjo Guitar, Mandolin, Electric Bass and sings. Umberto excels in craftin
... g an atmosphere with his acoustic guitar music, featuring styles like Spanish Guitar and Mandolin instrumental melodies, perfect for corporate events. He also frequently showcases his talents as a solo guitarist and is ready to sing when needed.
Umberto has exceptional skill in live performance with virtuosic abilities spanning a wide range of styles, all of which mix easily together. He fluidly combines the blues, jazz, rock, fusion, flamenco, gypsy jazz and classical guitar elements with a Latin flare. Umberto is a skilled composer and arranger with a deep passion for songwriting. He has a strong affinity with Blues,Rock,Pop,Jazz and R&B guitar music, Spanish guitar melodies, and intricate fusion instrumental compositions.
Umberto began playing the guitar at the age of 8. By the time he could work professionally, being a guitarist was his lifelong passion, and he studied classical guitar at the Sydney Conservatorium.
His music career began by performing professionally in his teens, performing at festivals and weddings. He began studying Jazz Guitar in the early 2000's and became a session musician in the Australian music scene.
Previous Clients
Projects and Performances
In 2011, he began touring with Australian Idol singers, local artists, and famous international groups and regularly performs live on Channel 7 and 10 and ABC Australia with various acts. Umberto is the main guitarist supported by the De Bellis Band that performs nationwide. Key performances include the annual Club Marconi Christmas Carols, The Co.As.It Norton Street Italian Festival Leichhardt, the annual Italian Gala Ball and the annual multicultural festival in Canberra. In 2011 Umberto toured the world with the Sweet Inspirations - the original Elvis Presley ba
... cking singers and worked on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. Umberto performed guitar background music for Bvlgari’s Octo collection in 2022.
Much anticipated post-pandemic, Umberto has performed with the Sydney Conservatorium Big Band at the 2022 Manly Jazz Festival. In October 2022, as the lead guitarist for Il Solo, an Italian operatic pop trio at the Sydney State Theatre. In 2023/24 Umberto regularly performing solo Guitar for the Australian National Gallery of Australia. In 2023, he traveled across the country with an indigenous Australian group and a choir, and he also appeared on national ABC Radio alongside Aboriginal artist Mitch Tambo, who sings in his native language and plays the Australian Didgeridoo. In 2023 Umberto Performed for KISS 106.5 Radio Station as part of the Melbourne Cup Event and also The Norton Street Italian Festival. In 2024 Umberto performed for the Ultimate Australian Tina Turner Tribute Tour, The Australian Elton John and Billie Joel Rocket Man vs Piano Man Show, The Whitney Houston Tribute Show, The Michael Buble Songbook Tribute Show, The George Michael Tribute Show, The Australian Neil Diamond Tribute Show, The Australian Dean Martin Tribute Show, The Olivier Newton-John Tribute Show, Remembering The Carpenters Tribute Show, The Roy Orbison Tribute Show at Liverpool Catholic Club, The Joe Macri Band, The De Bellis Band, Hit Parade - Music of the 50's & 60's, The Big Crooner Squeeze Show, The Mambo Italian Show. Umberto also played on live ABC radio with multiple artists in 2023.
Umberto has accumulated extensive experience in South American music, as well as Greek, Italian, German, Polish, Philippine, Thai, and French Gypsy Jazz. He has performed with numerous bands that focus on these diverse genres. Umberto has also performed guitar for Multiple Australian Prime Ministers including John Howard, Tony Abbott and for Anthony Albanese on multiple occasions over the years.
In October 2024, Umberto played guitar/s(Classical/Jazz/Rock/Acoustic & Flamenco) for the Roald Dahl Musical, Matilda. Umberto also performed live on East-Side Radio 89.7 in October 2024 and also was the guitarist for the SIMA’s 2024 International Women’s Jazz Festival. In December of 2024 Umberto performed for SBS Australia as a solo guitarist. Also in December of 2024 Umberto was the guitarist for the Blue Mountains Christmas Carols and also the Club Marconi Christmas Carols. In addition Umberto was the guitarist for the Big Band Theory Christmas Special in Bowral in December 2024.
Umberto also released original instrumental music in 2024 and is currently working on an original instrumental album.
Suitable for
Concerts / Tours Corporate Event Cruise Ships Hotel Event Session Work Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions Virtual Event
Physical Characteristics
Height: 183
Weight: 83kg
Chest: 42 inches
Waist: 35 inches
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black
Shoe Size: 12
Meet the Act
Apart from musics, healthy lifestyle, live stage shows, good food, and travelling are the tops of my passion too. My heritage is Italian, and I owe my thanks you my grandparents ho insisted speaking Italian to me. And I am fortunate to be able to speak Italian fluently, which made travelling in Europe is far more enjoyable as we still have family there also. My wife is part Thai, before I met her, I didn't know much about Thai food. But now, I am loving it!!.
Virtual Services Offer
Online Guitar Lessons
Online Guitar Lessons available for all styles and levels.
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