Tyler Weakland interviews Mark Laseter, accompanist at the American Boychoir School and Westminster Choir College alum. Mark discusses his musical journey from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Princeton, New Jersey, the contrast between working with professional musicians versus amateur musicians, and his hopes for affecting the communities around him through music.
- 0:14: Introduction and musical upbringing
- 1:23: Decision to study music
- 2:05: Involvement in musical community of Princeton during college
- 3:35: Current position as accompanist at American Boychoir School
- 4:27: Self-taught piano skills
- 5:44: Music as a healing force
- 6:32: How his artistic philosophy affects his career
- 7:09: How the American Boychoir School is part of the community
- 9:34: Differences between Westminster Choir College community and the music world
- 12:17: The importance of relationships when working in the community
- 14:12: Involvement with Princeton Pro Musica
- 16:26: Working with non-academic, non-professional ensembles
- 17:55: Princeton musical community
- 19:48: Accompanying the Princeton Girlchoir during college, comparing this experience with work with American Boychoir
- 24:36: Role of music in Tennessee versus Princeton
- 28:40: Importance of music in high school
- 31:39: Balancing singing and working as accompanist
- 32:39: Desire for traditional collegiate environment
- 34:22: Casual music-making versus professional/pre-professional music-making
- 39:00: Regrets in musical life
- 42:48: Learning music organically, accepting money for music-making
- 47:40: Hopes for the impact of his music
You can read Tyler’s reflections on this interview here.
