Today we’d like to introduce you to Marsi Carr.
Hi Marsi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello folks. From the time I could sit at a piano I was learning how to do this thing we call music. My father played woodwinds in the L.A. Philharmonic, my brother was a session player in L.A., my sister is an accomplished pianist, and my mother played the piano beautifully. For me, music has always been a wonderful form of expression, learning, peace and great fun! I learned to play classical piano, then found I liked jazz and pop as well. Singing also became part of my life. I sang with my family, friends and at UCLA with the Chorale. After college I joined a pop band and traveled the U.S. learning more about music along the way. Later, I met my husband, a wonderful musician. We formed a band and made our living playing music for many years all across the U.S. and here in San Diego. We bought a home in Valley Center and raised two wonderful children, who just happen to be great musicians! I wrote a Children’s CD of original songs, Just Like You I Was Little Too and have a guitar method book on Amazon. I began teaching music to offer what I know to the community. Learning music takes patience and persistence and is so worth the effort! I still play gigs with my husband and love every minute of it. Thank you to everyone who has supported my musical journey of creating, learning and growing!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been interesting, a bit windy, a few curves and an occasional pause with time to ponder the next steps. The challenges are remembering to keep at it, be kind to oneself and others, and do the small steps first. Musicians I have known along the way have been great. Only a small handful have been challenging. Teaching has been a wonderful way to give back, and I’ve met incredible people over the years. My family always offers encouragement, ideas, musical input, technological know-how, muscle and love. I look forward to many more years of learning, growing, sharing and enjoyment. With the new age of AI, it’s more important than ever to learn how to be a musician on your own terms and also work with other artists.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I offer private music lessons in piano, guitar and voice, teaching the nuts and bolts of music: scales, chords, reading, theory, performance and composition. It’s important that my students feel strong about the stages they are in as they learn so they have a good foundation to grow from. I have a comfortable and supportive environment for them to learn the tools they need to play, create and enjoy. When I am not in teaching mode, I also perform with my band “Skylark” in the San Diego area. We have a wonderful time playing our music and often donate our time to give back to the community.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My plan is to keep teaching, performing, creating and learning! Moving on down the musical road of life.
Pricing:
- For private music lessons, my rates are $30 per half hour.
- For our Band “Skylark” we work within folks’ budgets.
Contact Info:
- Email: marsicarr@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.artanimateslife.org/skylark
Image Credits
Tobias Waldenmeier, Charles Carr and Marsi Carr
