Kiko Nove

Kiko 9 (Francisco Neto) was born on April 23, 1967, in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the 80’s he begun playing guitar under the influence of bands such as Van Halen and the Brazilian band A cor do Som, revealing his admiration for virtuous guitar players. Completely dedicated to music studies he attended to Modern Guitar, Brazilian Chorinho and Flamenco Guitar classes and began his career by playing in a number of school cover bands in his youth.

In 1991 he graduated in California at the prestigious Musician Institute – Guitar Institute of Technology (G.I.T.) where he had the opportunity of learn with guitarists such as Paul Gilbert and Gary Hoe. Following graduation and still living in Los Angeles, he joined the Progressive Rock band Lands End in 1992 that was already performing in Hollywood clubs. The band recorded four albums in studio and a live album in Mexico.

With the end of the band, Kiko9 returned to Brazil in 1998. He began teaching guitar, inspired by G.I.T. teachers and in a short time he became in a successful teacher, especially in technique and improvisation areas.

In 2007 he was invited to record a Rock in Rio Madrid advertising that was broadcasted in Europe. Besides his guitar classes, he composes and has a band project in process.

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