John Rafferty: Sharing Music and Helping the Community
I’ve always had a desire to contribute to the community. It's important to me to inspire a dream, to uplift a spirit, and to better the lives of the people around me. Whether it comes in the form of sharing my music or raising funds for a worthwhile cause, I’m striving to make a positive difference in the world around me.
It is my goal to spread compassion and lead by example to encourage more people to live a generous life.
This is why I started the Robin M. Rogo Rafferty Charity Fund in memory of my late wife, Robin. This charitable fund supports the mission of North Shore Community College Foundation, an organization that helps individuals and families living in poverty.
Meet The Musician John Rafferty
How did John Rafferty Become a Spanish Guitar Musician:
I have always loved the sweet and alluring sound of the Spanish classical guitar. On a trip to Spain over 30 years ago, my late wife Robin and I were browsing in a guitar store in Madrid. There was a beautiful guitar that I felt calling me. After some deliberation, I decided to purchase the guitar, which is the same one I still use today.
Buying this guitar ignited a spark in me that I didn’t know was there. Now that I had the guitar, I wanted to learn how to play it. I quickly found that buying the guitar was the easy part.
My goal was not only to learn how to play but also to learn about the instrument and develop a proper technique. I wanted to create a unique repertoire of music. This included specific music I had grown to love and which had been written by masters throughout the ages. Most importantly, I wanted to share this music with others.
I was fortunate to find a master guitar instructor who was local to our community in Andover, which is approximately 30 minutes north of Boston.
The process of learning to play the guitar took a lot of time and energy. My wife was so encouraging and supportive as I attended four-hour instructional sessions every Saturday. I did this for 20 years while working a full-time job during the week. This consistent training, coupled with regular practice during each week and on weekends, enabled me to learn the instrument.
What began as a hobby developed into a passion.
The Evolution of John's Music:
Over time I decided to learn pieces that combined interesting music with music I found inspiring.
My musical repertoire spans various epochs of music – from the classical era, through the Baroque and Romantic periods to early Modern and Modern eras.
The Materialization of John's Music:
You can enjoy my music through this site, Music and Charity. I'll continually add new music, which you can learn more about in my news flashes. Also, make sure to sign up to be alerted about new releases and more.
All of my music is meant to be created organically and is intended as "ambient" music, to please and soothe both your ears and your heart.
I hope you enjoy listening to this music as much as I enjoy creating it.
Finally, I thank you for your kind and generous support
Sincerely,
John Rafferty
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On January 28, 2016, I lost my beloved wife, Robin, after her courageous four-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Though her passing was heartbreaking, her strength, kindness, and unwavering encouragement continue to inspire me every day. Through the Robin M. Rogo Rafferty Charity Fund and Music and Charity, I honor her memory by sharing my passion for music and supporting others—a mission that Robin and I embraced together for many years.
The Robin M. Rogo Rafferty Charity Fund is established to support North Shore Community College Foundation. For anyone interested in contributing on behalf of my wife’s memory, you can use her name as an identifier to donate.
Proceeds from music and charity will go to North Shore Community College Foundation and thus create recurring revenue for the charity. Know that your contribution matters and that your generosity will be of great help to the community.