After his private tutoring was completed, he began taking guitar lessons from local musicians, such as Geoff Levin (of the pop group People!
As a high school senior, he entered formal study with avant-garde guitarist Jerry Hahn, who introduced him to the music of Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman.
While teaching at these clinics for several summers, Geissman first met (and played with) drummer Peter Erskine and pianist Dan Haerle.
In 1973, Geissman moved to Los Angeles and attended one semester at Cal State Fullerton, where he played in the band led by pianist and clarinetist Tom Ranier.
[3] Mangione's band consisted of Geissman on guitar, Charles Meeks on bass, Chris Vadala on woodwinds, and James Bradley Jr. on drums.
In 1978 Geissman released his first solo album, Good Stuff (Concord Jazz),[1] which featured fellow Northridge alumnus Gordon Goodwin on sax, Tom Ranier on piano, Bob Magnusson on bass guitar, and Steve Shaeffer on drums.
[4] He has appeared as a session musician on albums by Peter Allen, Sheila E., Miki Howard, Quincy Jones, Rodney Friend, Diane Schuur, Van Dyke Parks, and Luis Miguel.
[1] He has recorded with Keiko Matsui, 3rd Force, David Benoit, Cheryl Bentyne, and Lorraine Feather and had a guitar solo as a separate track on the album Hold an Old Friend's Hand by Tiffany.
Geissman's playing has been heard on numerous television series, including Dawson's Creek, Family Affair, Boy Meets World, Touched by an Angel and Lizzie McGuire.
[10] With Paula Abdul With Peter Allen With Louie Bellson With David Benoit With Cheryl Bentyne With Pat Boone With Vikki Carr With Josh Groban With Dan Hill With Julio Iglesias With Chuck Mangione With Clair Marlo With Liza Minnelli With Van Dyke Parks and Gaby Moreno With Diane Schuur With Ringo Starr With Kelly Sweet With Robbie Williams With Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks