Interview of Matt Glaser as told to Seth Garcia
You’re quite the professed scholar of American music. What, to you, necessitates the consideration of the history of an art form such as music?
I think that the music is alive, despite the fact that the people who made it may not be alive. So in that sense it’s not history, but a secret channel to a living world otherwise inaccessible to us.
You’ve been an educator at Berklee for 45 years. What draws you to teaching? Has it changed at all over this time?
I love sharing music with young people. They have the whole of human culture on their phones but they need a guide.
You’ve collaborated prolifically with a great many musicians across multiple genres. What do you value about that kind of musical versatility?
The basic building blocks of music are the same. Intervals and rhythms.
How long have you lived in Somerville? And what do you value about the creative community here?
I have lived here for a little over 20 years in this house but in Camberville for much longer. My wife Sara and I love the food scene, and the incredible number of smart, creative, accomplished people around here!
Any upcoming projects you’d like to plug?
I just helped arrange for Bob Dylan to accept an honorary doctorate from Berklee so I am going to rest a bit before going on to the next thing!
More Artists of the Month from 2025
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About the Artist of the Month
This program is inspired by the Nave Gallery’s “Featured Artist” program, which ran from 2005 to 2009.
SAC’s Artist of the Month program is a way for us to celebrate the enormous wealth of talent in our city, by shining a spotlight on a different creative Somervillian each month.
This program has been put together by a whole raft of people: Coordinators Jenn Harrington (2013-2014) and Kellie Veiga (2013), Gilmore Tammy (2017) and Somerville Arts Council board members Matt Kaliner, Tim Devin, Valeria Amato, and Michael J. Epstein, Bill House (2019-2020), Charan Devereaux (2019-2025), Tori Weston (2019-2025) and Andrea Read (2022-2025). Current coordinators, are Kerrie Kemperman (2019-), Seth Garcia (2025-), and Ben Cuba (2026-).
Know of a great Somerville based artist who should be recognized, please nominate the artist for consideration. We seek artists who contribute to the community through their strong work and community collaborations. Artist should either reside in the City or contribute to the City’s vibrant art scene.