WorkshopLive interview with Larry Marciano
Started: age 10 in 1982
Instruments: Guitar
Styles: Acoustic
When did you start to play? I started to play guitar just before my tenth birthday.
When did you start to notice that your playing was different from everyone else's? I would very much like to believe that my playing is different from everyone else's, or that I have a unique "voice" on the instrument, but, since I'm the one doing the playing, that's not something that I am able to observe very clearly. To me, that's something for the listener to discern. I just try to stay focused on constantly learning, improving, and developing my creativity.
When did you find your voice as a player? There was never a "defining moment" in my life, where I felt like I all of a sudden "found my voice" as a player. I believe it's a lifelong process where you gravitate towards playing what you like to hear, and what you want to hear, and gradually you develope your own voice. I don't believe it should be a very conscious thing. I think the artists and musicians who have developed a truly unique voice, have done so through means of self expression, through a need to express a certain something that comes from within, and not so much by a conscious effort of trying to be different, or original.
How do you keep your playing fresh? I have found that putting myself in many stylistically varied playing situations has helped me to keep my playing fresh. Playing as many different styles as possible, with as many different musicians as possible, and preferably with players who are as good, if not better than you are.
What do you do when you get stuck? When I get stuck, I go back to basics. I go back to the books. I start with something very simple, like developing a simple chord progression within one key, and creating something around that. Also, learning other guitar players' licks, and other peoples songs. There's plenty of music in the world to keep the wheels turning. If that doesn't work, and you're just burnt out, maybe you need a bit of a break. In that case, I like to go skiing.
What do you still find hard to do? Is it supposed to be easy?
How often are you surprised by your playing, or what youre listening to, or music in general? The moments I am suprised by my own playing are few and far between. I have found, however, that there are plenty of talented and skilled players out there in the world to be suprised by. Sometimes you have to look a little harder, but chances are good that there will always be someone out there that can do something better than you can. I recently discovered this Australian guy Tommy Emmanuel who blows my mind! As for music in general, I am constantly and forever intrigued.
Are there one or two core ideas that are central to your teaching that you make sure every student learns? I'd say the one core element I try to pass along to every one of my students by example, is that the more focused, and detailed you are about what you're learning at any given time, and the harder you're willing to work on it, the more you're going to get out of it in the long run. No rushing through things, or carrying on with a "Aw it's good enough" attitude.
Do you find yourself returning to listen to the artists who inspired you when you first started to play? Yes I have found myself returning to listen to the artists who inspired me when I first started to play.
Does your playing change when you switch instruments? I believe each instrument, guitar, etc, has it's own sound, and sweet spot, and I believe a good player can modify his or her touch to bring out the best in any given instrument. However, despite the differences between instuments, I believe a player who has their own "voice" can project that voice on any given instrument.
What music would you suggest for your students? I would suggest that students listen to all and every style of music possible. I would even suggest that students take apart and try to understand the elements of music they would not normally listen to.
The broader your listening spectrum and understanding of different styles the better.
What are you listening to these days? Do you search out music that's new and unfamiliar to you? These days I'm listening to a lot of Ryan Adams latest albums. I do search out music that's new and unfamiliar to me, but mostly through asking other people who they like, who they listen to, and if they've discovered any cool new music. Because I'm so busy playing all the time, I don't get to research as much as I should.
Do you have a musical wish list - other instruments to learn, people to play with, artists or styles to explore? I wish I made the time to teach myself how to play left handed. I think it'd be great for my brain, and I'd probabally have more appreciation for what I can do right handed. I would like to become much more proficient on drums and keyboards. As for musical styles, it's forever growing. I've recently started playing a lot more country, so I'm big into developing that aspect of my guitar playing right now. Jazz, however, is the ultimate to me because of the complex harmony found within it, and the challange of improvising within that complex structure.
Have you ever had a really great teacher? What made him/her so good? I've had many great teachers, but the best were able to point out what I shouldn't do, and what I could do to make what I was doing better.
How do you learn best? I learn best by someone showing me exactly what to play, and how to play it. I haven't always been that lucky.
visit Larry at www.larrymarciano.com
