Welcome to another edition of “5 Questions with…” This week’s guest is bassist Nathan Lerohl. He has worked with Cirque du Soleil & was recommended by past blog guest Roger Hewitt.
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Keep reading to learn more about his musical background, advice for other musicians, & more!
While reading, why not give a listen to the Fischarper Blog Guests playlist below?
What is your musical background?
My formal background in Double Bass includes study at the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the H.A.M.U. Akademy in Prague Czech Republic.
My music interest pre-college years was in the local music scene in Chicago. Fortunately this experience brought me to the moment when I realized that music was my “all in” passion. This led me to successfully apply for a scholarship and proceed with my studies.
My original area of study was fine arts with an eventual change to Jazz Studies. A brief encounter with a member of the bass section of the Chicago Symphony and future teacher led to yet another change in direction to classical studies. Further studies and an interest in Bass Pedagogy led me to Prague in the Czech Republic. A truly great turning point in my life. From there I auditioned for Cirque Du Soleil and toured with them for almost 12 years as a bassist and eventually a Music Director.
Why did you decide to pick up the bass?
Like many bassists I picked up the instrument after playing guitar for a number of years. My older brother also played bass, so I was lucky to watch his band practice when I was younger. As the story goes, there were lots of guitarists but not as many bassists. At that time the important thing for me was to play! So if the band needed a bass, sure I’ll switch!!
What are some opportunities &/or experiences you’ve had because of music?
I honestly could write a novel on all of the experiences music has brought to my life. For one, it has been a constant source of direction. Like other passions, music is a constant. It will always be with you, it will always drive you. It has led me to live an amazing life of travel and cultural experiences that few other professions can give. It has given me opportunity to make the world very small by opening so many doors. I’ve played in world famous venues, resided in different countries, and was able to start my family all from music. There is no feeling like looking at the Eiffel Tower knowing you’re going to play to a packed house that night in Paris, or riding my bike through London with my bass on my back to premier in The Royal Albert Hall. I could go on and on. My life has been full, and will continue to be because of it.
Do you have any advice for other musicians who want to make music a career?
My advice for anyone aspiring to do music is to DO IT! Easier said than done of course! But what I mean is that it’s your choice. Being a musician encompasses many things besides having a measure of talent. It requires a dedication to bring joy to others, not just yourself. It requires a professional attitude and character that would excel in other jobs as well. Respect for others, preparedness, etc. It’s not just about your ability, that is only the first step. It’s also not about being famous, or successful financially, although that is possible, and often a result of focusing on the right elements. However, do not get distracted by these things and let them be a measure of your success. This leads to the devaluation of our arts through our ego. We must as a community know our worth and necessity. If you truly put the work and passion in, people will see it and people will support it.
The other thing I would say is this: Nothing will drive and motivate your passion more than your own creations or goals. Have your own projects. Use your professional time to enhance your creative time. Think, dream, and execute.
Who else should be a guest for the “5 Questions with…” series?
For my suggestions of future contributors would be Caroline (wind instruments) Lemay of Montreal, Canada and Paul Butler (Drums and Percussions) of Adelaide, Australia. Both have been touring professionals for Cirque and other productions, and both have been bandleaders.
And there you have “5 Questions with…Nathan Lerohl! You can also check out his YouTube & Facebook pages.
Who else would you like to see interviewed in this series?
Barbara
Nathan Lerohl is an American Bassist/Double Bassist currently residing in Bocas Del Toro, Panama. One the many artists affected by the current pandemic, he is currently focused on completing a fully sustainable, eco-friendly house on the island of Isla Colon. He has participated in many project and professional ensembles most notably a former Music Director for Cirque Du Soleil. Upon completion of his home he plans to fully engage himself in the development of his career once again in his new home. His hobbies include light woodworking and helping to develop and expose new experimental forms of the instrument. Currently he plays a Unique Brazilian instrument designed by Fernando Fonterrada of São Paulo Brazil, a Baxio Gota. “The bass is like a canvas! It’s an in-between instrument that has many forms and many voices. Nothing is set, it’s open to the player.”
Want to be interviewed or have a suggestion for a “5 Questions with…” interviewee? Let me know via the contact form!
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Barbara Fischer runs Fischarper, LLC and loves her job as a harpist and private music educator. She enjoys blogging about various aspects of the music field on fischarper.com/blog. For more music resources, check out the Fischarper store. Find out where you can find Barbara on the interwebs here. And you can sign up to receive Fischarper updates by joining the email list.