In this week’s special holiday episode of the ArtistWorks Music Series podcast, our co-founder Patricia Butler sits down to chat with seven of our ArtistWorks instructors: mandolin master Mike Marshall, shred guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert, world-renowned fingerstyle guitarist Martin Taylor, Grammy Award-winning harmonica player Howard Levy, bluegrass banjo icon Tony Trischka, saxophone giant Eric Marienthal, and IBMA Award-winning mandolinist Sierra Hull. Together, these master musicians explore and perform some of the most meaningful music that inspires their holiday season, and share their favorite holiday memories as well. The show is available wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can listen here at ArtistWorks.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play an instrument or sing from a true master musician? Try some free online music lessons now!

Every year as the holidays approach, many of us have that one experience or ritual, or maybe a  special food or beverage, that signifies the start of the season. For some, including many of our ArtistWorks instructors, hearing or playing specific holiday songs accomplishes just that.

“I was lucky enough to record an album with my bandmates in Trio Globo and the great Jewish cantor Alberto Mizrahi,” explains Howard Levy. “The album consists of half Hannukah music and half Passover music. I often feel the need to listen to the album around those holidays. They kind of signify those times for me.”

For other members of our ArtistWorks family, the holidays not only represent a festive, joyous time of year, they also signify the beginning of their musical careers and harken back to memories of learning their instruments and developing their passion for music.

“Back in 1963, for Christmas, my parents bought me my very first banjo,” explains Tony Trischka. “On Christmas day, I woke up, and under the tree there it was—a Christy long neck 5-string. That was an exciting Christmas for me, to say the least.”

To learn more about the music and memories that inspire our artists’ holiday seasons, listen to the full podcast here:

If you’re interested in learning to play an instrument or sing, there has never been a better time to sign up for online music lessons here at ArtistWorks. Now through December 27, 2021, you can SAVE 50% on any 12-month plan, and receive access to our Ear Training Course as an added bonus, absolutely free. Click here to explore our full assortment of courses, and use code MERRY50 at checkout to save.

ABOUT THE ARTISTWORKS MUSIC SERIES:

On the ArtistWorks Music Series, co-founder Patricia Butler speaks with master musicians across all genres who teach at ArtistWorks. Join them as they dive deep into topics like becoming a musician, playing at all skill levels, and the journey of learning music.

Looking to dive into more music podcasts? You’ve come to the right place. Investigate previous episodes where plenty of topics are explored with fantastic, hand-selected, and knowledgeable guests.

Tune in for new episodes released every other Wednesday on all platforms, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show!

Want to get started on overcoming the roadblock on your musical journey with our online music lessons? Try out some free sample music lessons with any of our master musicians and learn from the best!

READ MORE:

ArtistWorks Annual Holiday Sales Event 2021 

2021 Holiday Music Special: An ArtistWorks Livestream Event

Paul Gilbert Releases New Holiday Album, ‘TWAS