Q. What is a ‘Digital Musician’?
A. A digital musician uses modern technology to make music. For example, M.T.’s keyboard may look like a traditional piano, but it’s an “arranger keyboard” — a digital instrument that may be played in four ways: 1) live in “solo” mode — like a traditional acoustic instrument, 2) live in “arranger” mode – allowing control of up to 8 instruments, 3) with Standard Midi Files (SMF) — allowing control of 32 instruments, and 4) with MP3 files – allowing music delivery Karaoke or DJ style.
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Q. I’ve seen you in person. Is that your real hair?
A. Yes, my barber saved it from haircuts I received in the 70’s.
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Q. What does ‘M T’ stand for?
A. Truth, justice, and the American way.
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Q. Are you the oldest in your family?
A. No. My mother and father are both much older.
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Q. Where did you learn to play?
A. For a few weeks I took lessons with Mr. Julius T. Yard, in New York City. One day he told me I’ve gone as far as I could go and that he couldn’t teach me anything else. So you could say I’m a Julie Yard graduate.
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Q. What’s your favorite group?
A. I’m a huge fan of the ‘Stones. Fred and Wilma always crack me up.
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Q. What about recordings — any CD’s?
A. In the 80s I signed a CD deal with Columbia. I got the first 10 for just .99 cents and each year only had to buy 4 more at the regular price (plus shipping and handling).
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Q. For years you hosted “Real to Reel” on channel 17 in Philadelphia. Are you still doing TV?
Actually, now’s a good time to ask. If you’d enjoy a new, hour-long PBS special, filmed live at Radio City Music Hall, featuring me and Tony Bucci presenting Broadway’s Greatest Love Songs, please contact PBS and tell them.
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Q. Any tips on how to connect with an audience?
A. Well, I believe it’s not just about the music. It’s about what a performer can do through the music. That’s why, at every performance in this “on-the-go” and “in-your-face” world of ours, I believe my job is to help people slow down and to appreciate the often unnoticed things. And I think it’s happening. For example, many people say my hour-long show feels a lot longer. And recently, as I finished a show, I overheard an audience member say, “Silence never sounded so good.” Of course, I just smiled and knew I had done my job.
M. T. GLASS 