Omar Blanco studied at age 8 with local guitar instructor Victor Sainz in Elizabeth, N.J. The turning point in his studies occurred around 1976 when he began classical guitar studies with local Cuban Classical Guitarist Evelio Colina. In the 1980's he studied for 6 years with the legendary Flamenco Guitar Master Mario Escudero in New York City. He as also heavily influenced in high school by stage band leader and pianist Dean Paulson.