With so much praise and acclaim, it's no wonder that we're excited to have world-recognized classical guitarist, Martha Masters, conclude our 39th Annual Long Beach Bach Festival. In a guitar-world that's pre-dominantly considered a "man's world," it's obvious that Martha comes out on top.
We had the grand opportunity to steal Martha away from her crazy-busy schedule to snag a quick (and we mean quick) little interview and get to know her better. Find out how she balances teaching and performing with her home life, her favorite type of music to play, and more!
Interview:
What made you decide on classical guitar, as opposed to other types, like acoustic or electric?
It was an accident, really- that's just what style the teacher was experienced in! But in the end, I have explored many styles, and I think it was a happy accident, because though I enjoy listening to all styles of guitar, I really only enjoy playing classical.
How do you balance teaching, performing, traveling, and raising a family? Do you find that it gets harder or easier?
Well, I'm not sure I balance things very well! I certainly make plenty of mistakes along the way, but I try my best. I'm not sure there is a harder or easier trend- just more ebb and flow. There are times that are more challenging, and times that seem to work more easily. Thank goodness for the latter when I'm lucky enough for those times to come.
Are your kids guitar players?
My oldest two (ages 7 and 10) both play the guitar, and I teach them- saves money on private lessons!
How did you get into teaching at the college level?
College teaching jobs in guitar are hard to come by. I got my first job out of persistence, really- I just called every school in the area and managed to find one who just happened to be looking to replace an outbound teacher. It was persistance, combined with luck, and hopefully I earned it as well!
Would you rather teach or perform? Why?
Can't choose! They both provide me with great rewards, and are dual passions of mine.
What is your favorite type of music to play? Your favorite piece?
I love Baroque music - and I'm not just saying that because of your Bach theme! If I had to choose a favorite composer, it is without a doubt Bach; and favorite piece is pretty hard to say, but I might say his Prelude, Fugue and Allegro.
What is your guitar collection like – all classical guitars?
Yes, all classical. I have two main concert instruments- one that I prefer to tour with, and one I prefer for recordings.
Martha will be playing a variety of arrangements by J.S. Bach and other composers at Sababa Restaurant and Lounge on Sunday, April 14th at 6:30p.m.
More about Martha:
The Illinois Times wrote that guitarist Martha Masters “is on a swift and certain trajectory to star territory.” Her playing has been described as “seductive” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram), “intelligent and natural” (Guitar Review), and “refined and elegant” (American Record Guide). She has received critical acclaim as a solo recitalist, as a chamber musician with Duo Erato, and as a soloist with orchestras. Recent concert seasons have included performances on concert series and at festivals in China, England, Denmark, Spain, Poland, Germany, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the United States.
Martha’s first CD, Serenade, is now in its second printing, and her Naxos recital disc sold over 10,000 copies worldwide in the first year of its release. Her recording of Italian music was released in 2006 on the GSP label, and a recording of early 20th Century Spanish music was released on GSP in 2009. Her book, Reaching the Next Level, a method for experienced guitar students, was published in 2010 by Mel Bay, and has received critical acclaim.
In October of 2000, Martha won first prize in the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Solo Competition. In November of 2000, she also won the Andrés Segovia International Guitar Competition in Linares, Spain, and was a finalist in the Alexandre Tansman International Competition of Musical Personalities in Lodz, Poland. Prior to 2000, Martha was a prizewinner or finalist in numerous other international competitions, including the 1999 International Guitar Competition “Paco Santiago Marín” in Granada, Spain, the 1998 Tokyo International Guitar Competition, and the 1997 GFA International Solo Competition.
In addition to leading the guitar program at California State University, Fullerton and the LMU Guitar Festival at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Martha teaches annually at the National Guitar Workshop Classical Summit in Connecticut and on WorkshopLive.com. She is the President of the Guitar Foundation of America, dedicated to supporting the instrument, its players and its music in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Martha received both the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Peabody Conservatory, where she studied with Manuel Barrueco, and completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California as a student of Scott Tennant. 
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