To many people, William Ackerman is where new age music began. Born in 1949, he attended Stanford University. He dropped out to become a carpenter and although he enjoyed music, never had considered a career in the field. At the request of friends, he put together an album in 1976 called, “The Search For The Turtle’s Navel,” which led to air time at several radio stations in major metropolitan areas.

Ackerman’s methods with the acoustic guitar led him to create music unlike any heard before. He would tune the guitar differently than the standard style, and from that developed a unique and enchanting sound. He began producing records at the rate of several each year and producing, through his own studio, other artists who would become major influences in the neoclassical or new age market. Windham Hill Records produces for Jim Brickman, Vangelis, and George Winston, as well as many other influential artists.

“Imaginary Roads,” an album Ackerman did in 1988 remains one of his most popular works. My personal favorites are on that album. “Floyd’s Ghost,” is probably my favorite piece of music by Ackerman, but I must admit, I would be hard pressed to choose just one.

Whether or not William Ackerman is the “father” of neoclassical music may be debatable. But the fact that his style and influence have helped steer the direction of the genre, is without argument. Stop by his Web site and listen to some samples. I can’t think that a neoclassical collection would be complete without William Ackerman’s CDs.