Alexa Nagle - I'm Living Proof That One Can Learn to Play Without Formal Training (Musician)

 

Once I picked up that guitar, I never wanted to put it down.  I started learning songs and scales and I kept challenging myself and before long

 

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

Well, I'm from New York.  I'm 18 years old.  I'm supposed to be in my first year of college, but I decided to take the first semester off to work on music.  I'm homeschooled and although it's been liberating not having to attend an institution of learning, I did miss out on some of the social festivities that most teenagers take for granted.  

I'm a bit of an introvert, maybe, as a result of that.  And also as a result of that, I spent a lot of time learning to be a cake designer, a jewelry maker, a sketch artist and eventually a self-educated musician.

 

2.When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?

I started learning the flute when I was about 7 years old, then I graduated to the piano when I was a mere tween and I picked up my first guitar when I was 16.  Once I picked up that guitar, I never wanted to put it down.  I started learning songs and scales and I kept challenging myself and before long, I was playing Iron Maiden solos. 

I started posting videos on my Instagram of myself learning these songs and as I got better, I started to build an audience and people were witnessing my evolution as a guitarist in real time.  I'm still amazed at how many people have come along for that ride.  As an introvert, it felt good that I could communicate so intimately with people through music.  I became hooked on that feeling and I decided this is what I want to do with my life.  

 

3. Who is your favourite artist and why?

 Throughout my journey I've had many different favorite artists, it's quite difficult to choose just one. When I first started playing guitar Slash and Marty Friedman were big inspirations for me. I was amazed by their style, technique, and originality,  and always wanted to pull out my own guitar and start playing whenever I would hear one of their killer solos.

 As time went on and I started to explore other musical genres, I found that Gary Moore was definitely an inspiration for me and influenced my playing a lot. The emotion that was driven through Gary's playing is just incredible. I wanted to be able to emulate that emotion and connect with my audience in such a way as to inspire them as well.  

 

4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a Musician?

Well there's so many avenues you can explore as a musician.  You have the traditional markets:  live shows, anything from playing on cruise ships, to weddings, birthdays and bar mitvahs.  You can make a simple living out of it if that's what you want. 

 Or you can think bigger and join a band and sign with a record label.  Thanks to modern technology, we're fortunate enough to have total sovereignty over our product thanks to social media.  Having a direct line to your audience is great and it comes with total artistic license.  And the greatest opportunity of all, is this intimate line of communication you have with your audience.   I love sharing my ideas with humanity.

 

5. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?

I'm living proof that one can learn to play without formal training.  I figured out how to read tabs and learned some songs and the rest is history.  I believe that anyone can do anything they want if they're passionate enough to learn and put it to practice.  Some people may catch on quicker than others, but if you are committed to practice and have a burning desire within, you will eventually eat the fruit of your labor.  

 

6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?

Be true to the gift.  Authenticity is rarity in our world.  Art is the most intimate line of communication with humanity and there is a responsibility that comes with that.  Exploiting that line in any way is an unforgivable transgression.  

Alexa Nagle - Musician

Interview by - N.MURALI KRISHNA