WorkshopLive interview with
Alfredo Grado
Started: Age 16 in 1988
Education: BA Professional Music, Berklee College of Music
Instruments: 4 and 5 string electric and fretless bass, double bass, guitar, piano, drums, and harmonica.
Styles: Rock, Funk, Jazz
When did you start to play? I started playing the bass at age 16. By then I had already been playing the cello, drums and some guitar.
When did you start to notice that your playing was different from everyone else's? Early on I guess, whether it was intentional or not. It seemed like for the longest time I didn't know what I was doing, all I knew is that certain things started to sound different.
When did you find your voice as a player? I guess I can say it wasn't until I had better knowledge of the instrument. I started to gain confidence in my playing which allowed me to take chances and not think so much, just play. This helped a lot when it came to composition.
How do you keep your playing fresh? I'll Listening to other genres of music or other instrumentalist other than the bass and always searching for something new.
What do you do when you get stuck? I usually go to the piano or guitar for a while, or simply read a book. Sometimes just spending some time away from the instrument helps.
What do you still find hard to do? Carrying equipment! Just kidding. I suppose finding quality time to practice when there are gigs to be played.
How often are you surprised by your playing, or what you're listening to, or music in general? When I take a step back and realize how fortunate I am to still have that passion and excitement that I had when I first started playing.
Are there one or two core ideas that are central to your teaching that you make sure every student learns? Absolutely! Foundation and motivational skills.
Do you find yourself returning to listen to the artists who inspired you when you first started to play? Everyday.
Does your playing change when you switch instruments? Sometimes.
What music would you suggest for your students? Everyone's different. So I'd start by bridging the gap between something they already listen to and something I felt would help them along even more.
What are you listening to these days? Do you search out music that's new and unfamiliar to you? It really depends on my mood. Lately I've been all over the place. My MP3 player is loaded with practically everything I own so listening to Donny Hathaway, the MC5, Coltrane, Lightnin' Hopkins and Bach all in one afternoon is not uncommon for me. I recently played a Traditional Tango gig with some amazing musicians who really knew the music. This was something new to me so I needed to take the time and really study the waltzes, milongas and tangos..And I'm glad I did.
Do you have a musical wish list - other instruments to learn, people to play with, artists or styles to explore? I'd like to learn to play the piano better and perhaps go back and revisit the cello and I'll always have goals I've set for myself in regards to my bass playing. I'd really like to get a better feel for Afro/Cuban music. It's all about the experience. As far as people to play with, I wish I could go back and play with the friends who got me started in the first place. That would be fun!
Have you ever had a really great teacher? What made him/her so good? I've been lucky to study with some amazing teachers. I don't know if it's fair to choose one over the other since they were each special in their own way. They were the ones who taught me more than just music; they made me realize that anything was possible as long as I was persistent, patient and determined.
How do you learn best? When I have to time to really listen, think and feel about what I'm doing..Or not doing.
visit Alfredo at www.alfredogrado.com
