While attending Boston’s Berklee College of Music he earned a Professional Diploma rather than a degree in music education. When pianist/educator Ellis Marsalis offered him a full-time position in 1992 at the University of New Orleans, he remembers thinking, “Oh, I’ll give myself five years.” That, of course, was almost 30 years ago and the guitarist has gone on to become a full professor of jazz studies and holds the Coca-Cola Endowed Chair of Jazz Studies at the university.
“I basically learned by playing and of course I studied with some fantastic teachers like Hank Mackie,” Masakowski says. “I personally never really put much credence in degrees. At the time, it was more important for me to play with as many great musicians as possible. I feel that professional experience has been much more valuable in my career. From the bandstand is where most of my education came.”
That includes, of course, his decades with Astral Project that he joined in 1987. “I’m the junior member,” he adds with a laugh.
“My goal as a teacher is to turn out creative and productive individuals,” Masakowski says. “I love helping students discover who they are and finding their own path in music.”
Masakowski grew up in the last house on Magazine Street and recalls being able to listen to the Paul Crawford Jazz Band through his open window— the family’s home didn’t have to air-condition. As a kid, he had the opportunity to hear brass bands and marching bands as they rolled nearby. His home was often filled with music; his mother was a semi-professional vocalist who would sing around the house and play records.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2020-Ausgabe von OffBeat Magazine.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2020-Ausgabe von OffBeat Magazine.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Celebrate While We Incinerate
Malevitus has never sounded weirder or more beautiful.
Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph [talks back]
As eclectic as the New Orleans music scene is, it’s still hard to imagine an artist having a more diverse career than Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, who, at the age of 31, sings in three bands that could hardly be more different.
Indie Rock's 10-Year Anniversary
New Orleans rock artists have always been a part of the city’s music scene.
THE ICEMEN COMETH
THE ICEMAN SPECIAL MAKES MUSICAL MAGIC WITH A CROSS-GENERATIONAL COLLABORATION AND FAMILY TIES
Christone ‘‘Kingfish'' Ingram talks back
A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram comes from the land of Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker and Skip James. Just turned 21, this young man with the blues respects his music’s past even as he shapes its future.
Mr. Z
Matthew Zarba is Upbeat Academy’s unflappable rap principal.
A Walking Spirit
Victor Harris, the Spirit of Fi-Yi-Yi, celebrates 55 years of beauty and culture.
Playing For His Life
Darius Lyndsley is on a mission to turn his art into something more.
The Supreme Green Fairy
Tank and the Bangas reign over krewe Bohème.
Felipe's Mexican Taqueria
Everyone has a handful of go-to restaurants they count on for consistently delicious dining experiences.