John Forrestal (Ph.D., CTS) is an accomplished guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, mix and recording engineer, and state-certified educator in the state of New Jersey. He has guest lectured about music at Bowdoin College, Amherst University, Berklee College of Music, Northern Illinois University, Salem State University, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Chulalongkorn University (TH). He has performed at, among other places, Lincoln Center, Kresge Auditorium (MIT), and Harvard University, as well as toured nationally in several acts and as a session guitarist.

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He holds a dual B.M. from the Berklee College of Music in Composition and Audio Engineering; and an M.M. in Musicology from Boston University. He received his Ph.D. from Boston University in Ethnomusicology, focusing on the musical traditions of the pii klaung [ปี่กลอง] ensemble from Thailand that accompany Thai martial arts. His dissertation is readily available via Proquest and OpenBU Databases here.

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As an audio engineer, he has worked with internationally-recognized touring artists. He is the owner and sole proprietor of The Animal Farm, a recording facility in Flemington, New Jersey, which has been home as a recording and rehearsal space for numerous bands including Suicidal Tendencies, KOYO, Drain, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Story So Far, Heavy Temple, Restless Spirit, and others. He has also produced critical works in chamber and classical music, including Baroque chamber works of Handel's protegés in the 1700s with Robert Crowe, for the German record label Toccata. He can be found regularly supporting local classical music organizations Hunterdon Musical Arts and Raritan River Music in their annual live concert series. He holds professional certifications in the audiovisual industry and brings both an artistic and technical knowledge to the recording and engineering process. (CTS, Dante 3, QSYS Level 2).

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John teaches private lessons out of his personal lesson studio on his property. He also teaches at Raritan Valley Community College.

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He is an accomplished educator who has taught in several schools throughout New Jersey. He has developed exciting and new curricula around music production for middle and high-school students that leverages real-world applications of music technology for young students. Currently, he is a high school music and video production teacher at Somerset County Educational Services Commission, a Title 18A school that provides educational services for students with behavioral and therapeutic needs. He is passionate about providing real-world musical opportunities and experiences for students that may not have equitable access to technology and professional networking.

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He operates a wedding videography business called Forrestal Creative. Alongside his wife, Lina, they provide bespoke wedding videography for the greater tri-state area.

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When not performing, engineering, or teaching, John is an avid tinkerer, repairing and building music gear; trying to keep up with the responsibilities of a rescue farm; fixing fences when his annoying rescue cows escape; and spending quality time with his wife and two children.