Guitar-Fest
McKinney Artist Interviews
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John Wynn
Chris DeRose
Mark Hanson
Carlo Pezzimenti
Doug Smith
John Wynn -
Interview by Donnie Wyar of McKinney Neighbors.
Can you give me a little bit more info as far as
how and why you came up with this idea?
The idea to work with the Boys and girls Club is partly due
to the fact that as a kid growing up in Florida I spent some time at a very
similar club in my hometown. I remember having a lot of fun and some
opportunities to participate in programs somewhat similar to what I am now
doing. The “Outreach Through Music” program revolves around being able to take
music to kids in a setting like the Boys and Girls Club, perhaps to the McKinney
Community Center, and even to the Senior Center. Wherever we can sit with a
group of people that are interested in enhancing their lives through the study
of music is where I want to be!
What do you hope to get out of it?
Every time I get to be a part of someone’s musical experience
I get something in return. The joy that comes from helping others is really
wonderful. I am what you could describe as a “people person”. Interacting
with others is a way to learn, an opportunity to express myself and to support
others in their efforts to express themselves.
Why is it important to you and to the kids?
For me personally it is the response to what I feel is my
calling. I have said that I probably would not get much sleep if I was
doing something else and ignoring what I know in my heart is what I should be
doing. For the kids I think having the opportunity to learn something like music
is very exciting. Being in a setting like GuitarFest will give them a well
rounded exposure to several different styles of music and the wisdom of the
teachers and their own experiences. I am certainly not the first person to
recognize and say out loud that what our kids seem to want most from us is our
time and attention. As a kid, I sought out time with people I respected and
tried to learn something from them.
What are your plans for the group – how do you
see it going?
Our first meeting is coming up pretty soon and I will
probably just sit and listen to them and find out what interests them in musical
terms. Starting any kind of class really involves taking the time to connect
with the students. Long term I think that creating a sort of Boys and Girls Club
guitar ensemble would really be great! It might be a year or two in the making
but, you know that the thing we have the most of is “time”. We can accomplish
whatever goals we decide to set if we are willing to invest the time it will
take.
Has it been successful in the past?
The first classes were in a twelve week segment. I thought
that they went well and it seemed like the kids enjoyed them. It was more fun
for me because some of the students that have been part of the studio also got
involved. I had a few that told their stories and tried to really get on the
same level as the younger kids at the club. We were also able to bring them to a
concert sponsored by the studio.
What other info about the new plans do you want
people to know?
The McKinney Guitar Studio is part of a pretty awesome
community of artists and creative people that live here. I am so thankful to be
here. On any given day I can walk around the square and stop to visit with a
local author or two, several incredible artists that own studios downtown, and
people that are doing what they know to be their calling. I have conversations
about the “economics of being an artist” often and we always end up agreeing
that we will continue doing it whether we are financially better off or worse.
It seems like it makes very little difference to us. The most important thing we
can do is keep doing what we do and hope that our neighbors will take advantage
of the opportunity to experience what the arts offers.
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Chris DeRose
What brought you to the guitar in the first
place?
Played piano first since age 3-picked up guitar at age
12—listened to the Doors, and decided to try guitar.
What was the name of the first guitar player you
listened to?
Robby Krieger-Doors guitarist
Did you attempt to mimic that person’s style?
Yes-he had a flamenco background, so I was introduced to and
studied flamenco for several years
If you played sports or had other activities
growing up, how did you balance these with being dedicated to the guitar?
I pretty much just practiced, played, hung out with band
buddies. I did read a lot for a hobby, and had a dog I went on rambling walks
with.
As a teacher what advice do you give to your
students about this?
Focus on what you like to do—balance will happen sooner or
later (the exception is video games or any type of screen activities, which tend
to be rather addictive…..)
Where are some of the most fun places you have
been to play the guitar?
Vail, CO with the Dallas Symphony, and LA with various jazz
groups
Tell me about your practice habits?
When I was a kid, I would wake up 2 hours before school to
practice, and fall asleep with the guitar in my hands. Now I try to get
2-3 hours daily in.
What was the first song you learned, and how did
you learn it?
Some pop/rock hit—with a local music store teacher—I outgrew
that environment fairly quickly. As an adult what is your perspective on that
experience? I seemed to be self motivated to the point where it didn’t
matter that my first instructor was not the best—it led me on to better things.
Did you have the opportunity to study the guitar
in school?
No, although we had band, orchestra and jazz band ensembles I
was in. Also, 3 years of music theory in high school (Wisconsin schools
are very strong in the arts). Or was it mostly in a private lesson
setting? I studied privately, jazz guitar, piano, flamenco, jazz theory
What do you think is the most valuable advice you
could give a student who might be thinking of making music into a career?
If you want to play music, find another career. If you
have to play music, go for it—you will find your niche.
What was your first “nice” guitar? How did you
get it?
A Gibson Les Paul after 2 years of very serious practice on
an old Silvertone. My folks bought it for me.
Who is the most famous musician you ever met?
Too many to count! As far as overall fame goes,
probably Willie Nelson.
Who is your favorite guitar player?
Wes Montgomery
Whose autograph, if you could get it, have you
always wanted?
Willie signed my guitar when I played with him—I subsequently
had to retire it and buy another acoustic. I never go after autographs as a
rule.
Have you ever broken a string on stage during a
performance? What did you do?
Oh yes! Change it fast, or work around it!
One for the real serious students.. Tell me how
long it took you to learn, and what method you used to learn to tune your
guitar?
Still learning—tuning from 5th fret.
If you could play any other instrument what would
you choose? And why?
Hand drums /perc.(Djembe, Conga, Shekere, etc)—I love world
music and can play a bit.
What is hardest song you ever had to learn? How
did you do it?
Soloing over Giant Steps at tenor sax tempo—still working on
it..Also, working on Otello mandolin part now—probably hardest thing I’ve done
for a while, which is saying something! I run into a lot of challenges in
my work, but some more fun than others. Incremental metronome work and
patience conquer all.
What is it about doing this weekend of lessons
and performances that excites you the most?
Getting to meet, work with and hear other guitarists—some who
are just getting started. Seeing the future group of great musicians.
Any advice you might want to give the students
that are planning to be here for it?
Maintain open ears and heart—playing an instrument is a
journey for a lifetime.
What do you see in the future for the guitarist
as far as exploring new ways to play it ( we have just about all seen the
tapping style from artists like Michael Hedges to Andy McKee), new technological
advances with electronics, and that sort of thing?
No one knows—that’s what’s so exciting! Someone attending
this workshop could easily be the next major guitar innovator.
Who is your favorite modern composer for the
guitar? And in what style of music?
For jazz, probably Pat Metheny’s compositions. I
love Tuck Andress’ approach to the instrument, and his take on tunes.
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Mark Hanson
What brought you to the guitar in the first
place?
My older sister had a Sears Silvertone, and I was attracted
to the folk music records in my home. Then the Beatles arrived!
What was the name of the first guitar player you
listened to?
Pete Seeger and Leadbelly.
Did you attempt to mimic that person's style?
I learned some of their songs, but my real copying of
someone’s style came a little later after I heard Paul Simon’s fingerpicking and
the Beatles’ acoustic songs.
If you played sports or had other activities
growing up, how did you balance these with being dedicated to the guitar? As a
teacher what advice do you give to your students about this?
I was very dedicated to sports in junior high and high
school. I even went on to play basketball in college and a couple of years of
pro ball in Europe. That was back when the Europeans were better at handling the
ball with their feet than with their hands! But I found the time to play the
guitar, be in a folk group, and keep my studies up. As I watched my
high-school-age daughters the last few years, I must have been like them –
sleeping less than I should have! Seriously, I suggest students carve out a
practice time that is the same every day (before school in the morning is good),
and put at least a half hour into it daily. Constant, consistent repetition is
necessary, and developing a sense of discipline helps!
Where are some of the most fun places you have
been to play the guitar?
On Top of Old Smokey! (Just kidding!) I’ve played guitar all
over the country, and in many countries in Europe. Perhaps the most interesting
was playing the Beatles’ “Back in the USSR” in Russia with Russian students.
They spoke Russian and French, and we spoke English and German, so the only way
to communicate was to sing Beatle songs!
Tell me about your practice habits?
I practice as much as possible. Repeat this to yourself:
Repetition, repetition, repetition! Make sure you practice with good hand
position, and minimum of tension. If I have a big concert coming up, I determine
the repertoire, and then make sure I play everything every day for a couple of
weeks beforehand. Otherwise, I am usually working on new compositions and
arrangements, designed for my CDs or to by published in my books and DVDs.
What was the first song you learned, and how did
you learn it? As an adult what is your perspective on that experience?
Scotch and Soda when I was about 8! (I think I thought it was
about Scotch tape and 7-Up!) Copying tunes and guitar instrumentals off
recordings was great for the development of my ear, and my fingers. I would
learn a tune, then play along with the recording over and over until I sounded
exactly the same. I developed a great sense of discipline doing that, and
thankfully it was great fun too. I enjoyed almost every minute of it!
Did you have the opportunity to study the guitar
in school? Or was it mostly in a private lesson setting?
I played clarinet in school. I took piano lessons for many
years, and took guitar lessons as I got a little older. When I came to the
guitar I already knew how to be musical from my clarinet, piano, and family
singing experiences.
What do you think is the most valuable advice you
could give a student who might be thinking of making music into a career?
Practice really hard; copy great players; learn to read
music; get all the insight you can from great teachers; and learn how to run a
business, because you likely will be on your own trying to make a living. Also,
learn how to read and understand a contract, so that you no one can take
advantage of you.
What was your first “nice” guitar? How did you
get it?
Gibson J-45 sunburst. My parents and I bought it in a music
store in Minnesota where I grew up. When I was 18 I bought my Martin D-28 in
Nashville from the famous collector and store owner George Gruhn.
Who is the most famous musician you ever met? Who
is your favorite guitar player?
I spent a day with James Taylor, and half a day with David
Crosby of Crosby, Stills and Nash. I was working at a guitar magazine (Frets),
and interviewed many great guitarists: Larry Carlton, Leo Kottke. I played
onstage with Jerry Garcia once!
Whose autograph, if you could get it, have you
always wanted?
Abraham Lincoln! Oh, you mean among guitar players? George
Harrison and John Lennon.
Have you ever broken a string on stage during a
performance? What did you do?
Yes. While I changed it I told a story about walking over the
Amazon River on a rope bridge that broke! In other words, tell a joke and keep
it light!
One for the real serious students.. Tell me how
long it took you to learn, and what method you used to learn to tune your
guitar?
I’m still learning about the guitar, and I’ve played since
the 1960s! I tell my students to strive to play musically, no matter what their
technical level. Play with good tone, a steady sense of time, and a feel for the
music. That will take you much further than flashy technique and little
musicality.
As far as tuning is concerned, I learned to tune by ear,
using the 5th-fret method. Later I learned that unisons and octaves
are the only truly in-tune intervals on guitars and pianos, so I use octaves and
unisons. Now I carry a digital tuner, but my ear is still better than most of
them!
If you could play any other instrument what would
you choose? And why?
I play recorder quite well, because of my clarinet
background. I love Renaissance music, and the wooden sound of good recorders is
lovely.
What is hardest song you ever had to learn? How
did you do it?
Probably my arrangement of "Take the 'A' Train." I arranged
and practiced it in segments, then stitched it all together. There are three and
sometimes four voices going on all at the same time, so it is challenging to
play, but sounds great when I nail it!
What is it about doing this weekend of lessons
and performances that excites you the most?
The opportunity to help young folks (and older ones, too!)
who are excited about playing a musical instrument. I love to teach, especially
the guitar. It can be a great hobby, pastime, and even a rewarding career!
Any advice you might want to give the students
that are planning to be here for it?
Practice consistently beforehand so that your hands are in
shape to play several hours in a day. And write down all the questions you can
think of. Don’t be afraid to ask ANY question. Likely, we professionals have
asked the same ones ourselves!
What do you see in the future for the guitarist
as far as exploring new ways to play it ( we have just about all seen the
tapping style from artists like Michael Hedges to Andy McKee), new technological
advances with electronics, and that sort of thing?
All these advances are great. They increase the musical
palette. But I still think that melody is king. The tapping style is fantastic
in relative small doses for me, in particular if it supports a good melody. But
humans were singing melodies long before guitars were invented.
Who is your favorite modern composer for the
guitar? And in what style of music?
Me of course (!), and Doug Smith. And John Wynn, naturally!
What style? Fingerstyle. That way you have five picks on one
hand instead of holding one. Flatpicks are great for strumming and soloing
styles and for the great tone they can produce, but I prefer to think in
multiple voices, and fingerstyle is the way to go for that!
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Carlo Pezzimenti
What brought you to the guitar in the first place?
When I was about twelve I heard a classical guitarist playing at my school.
What was the name of the first guitar player
you listened to?
Anthony Sidney (who is now a composer).
Did you attempt to mimic that person’s style?
No, because I had no guitar technique at that time.
If you played sports or had other activities
growing up, how did you balance these with being
dedicated to the guitar? As a teacher what
advice do you give your students about this?
I loved soccer and was quite serious about it, but had to
pace myself and be disciplined so I could do both equally well. This is the
advice I would give a young person today.
Where are some of the most fun places you have
been to play the guitar?
Rome, Italy, Madrid, Spain, New York, and Beijing, China.
Tell me about your practice habits?
The first 45 minutes to an hour are spent on technique, another hour on etudes,
and the rest of the time on my program
What was the first song you learned, and how
did you learn it? As an adult what is your perspective on that experience?
As a classical guitarist, the first was a study by F. Sor,
which I can still remember as if it were yesterday. It was a life changing
experience.
Did you have the opportunity to study the
guitar in school? Or was it mostly in a private lesson setting?
In the
beginning it was a private lesson.
What do you think is the most valuable advice you could give a
student who might be thinking of making music into a career?
As a classical guitarist be prepared for a big challenge and a willingness to
work hard. These must be accompanied by love and passion, otherwise it won’t
mean much.
What was your first “nice” guitar? How did you
get it?
A Manuel Contreras student model. In Spain with the help
of my teacher.
Who is the most famous musician you ever met?
Who is your favorite guitar player?
Andres Segovia, who was also my favorite player.
Whose autograph if you could get it, have you
always wanted?
Albert Einstein
Have you ever broken a string on stage during
a performance? What did you do?
No. I hope it never happens
One for the serious students..Tell me how long
it took you to learn, and what method you used to learn to tune your guitar?
I usually tune using harmonics, but unison is the most
accurate way to tune.
If you could play any other instrument what would you choose? And
why?
Probably the cello or the erhu a two stringed Chinese instrument, which I did
study for a while. They are both extremely expressive instruments.
What is the hardest song you ever had to
learn? How did you do it?
Manuel Ponce. Third Sonata. Bach Chaconne-a tremendous
amount of hard work.
What is it about doing this weekend of lessons and
performances that excites you the most?
To interact with students and hopefully inspire them to
pursue this beautiful art form.
Any advice you might want to give the students
that are planning to be here for it?
To come with an open mind and a desire to learn.
What do you see in the future for the
guitarist as far as exploring new ways to play it (we have just about all seen
the tapping style from artists like Michael Hedges to Andy McKee), new
technological advances with electronics, and that sort of thing?
Since the beginning of this instrument it has always been
changing although its basic shape and form have remained the same. Some changes
for the better-some not. The playing of it has also changed and evolved. A few
changes have had a profound artistic impact, most are no more than
sensationalized mechanics that are not more interesting to me than being at a
circus.
Who is your favorite modern composer for the
guitar? And in what style of music?
Ernesto Garcia DeLeon-classical.
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Doug Smith
What brought you to the guitar in the
first place?
I started out playing piano on my own when I was very
young, but when it came time for formal lessons I was into the Beatles,
so my parents let me take guitar.
What was the name of the first guitar
player you listened to?
The first 45 rpm single I got was Miserlou by Dick
Dale.
Did you attempt to mimic that persons
style?
Yes, once I got around to finally taking up guitar.
If you played sports or had other
activities growing up, how did you balance these with being dedicated to
the guitar?
I wasn't very good at sports, although being tall, I
was OK at basketball by virtue of my height.
As a teacher what advice do you give to
your students about this?
Don't hurt your hands!
Where are some of the most fun places you
have been to play the guitar?
I got to tour Japan and Taiwan last year, and the
audiences were great. Also playing at the Winfield Bluegrass Festival
(where I won the fingerstyle competition) was a longtime dream.
Tell me about your practice habits?
Every morning I start off with scales (the "Segovia
scales"), a couple of Sor or Carcassi studies, then on to whatever I'm
working on at the time.
What was the first song you learned, and
how did you learn it?
Walk Don't Run by the Ventures, and one of my older
sister's boyfriends taught it to me.
Did you have the opportunity to study the
guitar in school? Or was it mostly in a private lesson setting?
After the initial year of lessons at the local music
store, I kept learning on my own until I majored in classical guitar at
Cal State Fullerton in Southern California.
What do you think is the most valuable
advice you could give a student who might be thinking of making music
into a career?
Know your instrument inside and out, and make as many
contacts as you can.
What was your first “nice” guitar? How
did you get it?
My James Goodall Jumbo Cutaway. I was introduced to
Goodalls by my former producer John Archer.
Who is the most famous musician you ever
met?
Michael Hedges
Who is your favorite guitar player?
Probably will always be Chet Atkins
Whose autograph, if you could get it,
have you always wanted?
Chet
Have you ever broken a string on stage
during a performance? What did you do?
Yes. Depending on the formality of the performance, I
might just take a short pause and change it, or if I can't do that, I'll
change it on stage while telling a joke or the story of Rindercella
One for the real serious students.. Tell
me how long it took you to learn, and what method you used to learn to
tune your guitar?
I use a combination of unison strings, harmonics,
octaves and fifths. I use a stage tuner sometimes.
If you could play any other instrument
what would you choose? And why?
Cello. I love the sound, and I always liked it in
Harry Chapin's band
What is hardest song you ever had to
learn? How did you do it?
A delightful song by my friend Paul Chasman called
Night of the Raccoons. It's all complicated counterpoint, and runs up to
the highest note on the first string, then runs back down. I practiced
it alot and it's still hit-or-miss when I perform it. But I love a
challenge!
What is it about doing this weekend of
lessons and performances that excites you the most?
The chance to work with some awesome students and
players!
Any advice you might want to give the
students that are planning to be here for it?
Show up with a guitar and a desire to learn.
What do you see in the
future for the guitarist as far as exploring new ways to play it ( we
have just about all seen the tapping style from artists like Michael
Hedges to Andy McKee), new technological advances with electronics, and
that sort of thing?
The exciting
thing is not only is there a new school of percussive acoustic
fingerstyle, but there's also
a new generation devoted to carrying on and adding
to the cherished styles of Chet Atkins, Django Reinhart and the like.
Who is your favorite modern composer for
the guitar? And in what style of music?
Andrew York and Bryan Johansen, both on classical
guitar.
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