Meet Laura Mazon Franqui | Classical Guitarist, Recording Artist, Music storyteller, Teaching Artist, Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Mazon Franqui and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?

“Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.” -Hans Christian Andersen

I see life as a magical happening, full of encounters, surprises, ups and downs, and a gift. I think we should all live life with more love, with a deeper sense of the privilege of having a new day, and be committed to making not only our reality;but everyone’s realities, a little bit better than it was yesterday.

I believe in magic, in goodness, in spirituality, in art, in kindness, and in creating positive change in the world, and living life as “the most wonderful fairy tale”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I come from the vibrant streets of Havana City, Cuba, where I took my first breath in the ’90s, during a period etched in Cuban history as the “Special Period.” Those were the days when electricity was a luxury, putting food on the table was a daily challenge for families, and many everyday conveniences the world took for granted were far from our grasp. Yet, amidst these hardships, music and dreams thrived.

My upbringing was steeped in music, with a grandfather whose deep sensitivity and amateur musical knowledge led us to embrace everything from Bach to Schoenberg through the radio waves. In addition, my aunt graced the Cuban Opera with her talent. In our home, the classics became our lullabies, and music was the very air we breathed. My family’s passion for books, art, and the pursuit of knowledge and sensitivity meant that even in those power-less days, we kept ourselves entertained with storytelling, impromptu musical performances, and our very own “family shows.” You might even find photographs of me at the tender age of two, “playing” the piano, singing, and donning costumes my mother lovingly crafted. Those were truly joyful times.

As my fascination with music blossomed, I embarked on my musical journey at the age of six, receiving piano lessons from the illustrious pianist and composer, Maria Matilde Alea, one of Cuba’s most celebrated female composers of the last century. Discovering the magic of notation, the limitless possibilities of music, and the captivating rhythms unique to Cuba felt like stepping into a world unknown to most children my age. It was then that I first realized I was different, and that music was to be my calling.

At the age of nine, my aunt, recognizing my potential as a musician, decided to take me to audition for a specialized music school, the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Conservatory of Music.

At that point, I had never even touched a guitar, but I yearned to be a musician. After enduring rounds of rigorous auditions, I was accepted, and they assigned me the guitar as my instrument of choice.

However, the moment that truly set my heart ablaze was when I attended the Concierto de Aranjuez at the Auditorium. There, I was spellbound by the possibilities of the guitar, and from that day forward, I set my sights on mastering the classical guitar.

At Caturla, under the guidance of dedicated teachers like Alejandro Coira and Carlos Vazquez, I discovered the profound beauty of the guitar and had the incredible opportunity to join a 100-guitar youth orchestra during my very first year. This orchestra, intended to be conducted by none other than Leo Brower himself, was set to open the prestigious Havana Guitar Festival. I can still vividly recall the profound significance of that moment. I was rehearsing in the most esteemed venue for classical music at the time, the Amadeo Roldan Auditorium, and sharing the stage with guitar legends. It all felt surreal. At such a young age, I was living the life of an artist, and life itself was compelling me to become an active guitarist from that point onward.

Simultaneously, I began developing my skills as a solo performer, participating in youth competitions and even making appearances on Cuban television for educational and music programs. Since that tender age, my life has revolved around music, art, cameras, and guitars.

After completing my elementary and middle school education, I gained admission to the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory, an iconic institution in Cuba where legendary figures had both studied and taught. Here, I received master classes from some of the most prominent Latin American guitarists, including Leo Brouwer, Victor Pellegrini, Jorge Luis Zamora, and Aldo Rodriguez. My life became a whirlwind of activities as a teenager, waking up early for school, recording sessions in the afternoon, and perhaps an evening concert that would see me return home in the wee hours.

Later on, I made the decision to explore other facets of music for my bachelor’s degree, opting for Orchestral Conducting and Musicology as my major. My university years were a time of discovery and experimentation. They marked the period when my multifaceted artistic identity truly began to take shape. Our university encouraged student projects and interdisciplinary collaborations with the Visual Arts, Drama, and Film Departments, and I cherish those moments as the time when my creative growth and artistic sensibilities were nurtured.

Upon completing my degree at the University of Arts, I was presented with an opportunity to come to the United States. Despite the immense challenge it posed, I couldn’t resist the lure of new horizons and career prospects. I channeled all my energy and efforts into continuing my path as a guitarist and musician. Soon, I earned a full scholarship for a master’s degree in music at the University of Miami, and now I am pursuing a doctoral degree at USC.

In the United States, I’ve had the privilege to meet the incredible guitar virtuoso Adam Levin, who offered me not only musical advice and guidance but also mentored my career with his knowledge and insights. Thanks to him, and other inspirational figures like Scott Tennant and Maestro Pepe Romero, and through hard work, commitment, and tenacity, I have been able to advance my performing career, concerticing at prestigious venues, festivals, and concert series across the nation. I’ve taken masterclasses and lessons from guitar legends such as Pepe Romero, Scott Tennant, William Kanengeiser, Manuel Barrueco, and Ana Vidovic. I’ve also had the opportunity to offer masterclasses and workshops myself and become an Endorsed Artist for Augustine Strings and Cordoba Guitars. More recently, I’ve embarked on my journey as a recording artist and media composer. There is much to be grateful for.

Of course, the road hasn’t been smooth.

My life and musical journey began in a place worlds apart from the United States – a poverty-stricken communist nation under dictatorship. It’s safe to say that my path hasn’t exactly been a smooth one. Right from the outset, there was a tremendous amount of sacrifice, but there was also an abundance of love.

Arriving here in the US from Cuba, I basically had a bag full of dreams and not much else in my pocket. While I did find open doors for professional growth and higher education, it’s been a relentless journey of hard work, pushing myself to the limits. I had to adapt to a new social and economic system, learn a new language, continue my career trajectory, and understand the role of culture in this society, all while trying my best not to lose sight of who I am, my identity, and my core values amidst the bewildering process of embracing a new life.

As a musician, constant self-improvement, courage, and philosophical introspection are essential qualities. These are the driving forces that led me to apply for the Master in Music program at the Frost School of Music just nine months after setting foot in this country. In 2016, defying stereotypical expectations of immigrants, I was not only accepted into this institution but also awarded a Tuition Scholarship. Since then, my personal journey has been one of growth and self-discovery. It hasn’t been without its moments of nostalgia, sacrifice, tears, challenges, and setbacks, but the immense reward lies in knowing that I’m leading a meaningful life, pursuing my career to reach the loftiest of dreams and aspirations.

Moreover, being a woman in the realm of music, especially in the predominantly male-dominated guitar world, has posed its own set of challenges. But these challenges are nothing that ceaseless self-improvement, resilience, and bravery cannot overcome.

However, I always believed that, just like Eleanor Roosevelt stated: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”, and nonetheless, all these “bumps” along the road have played a significant role in shaping me into the artist and advocate I am today, as well as a conscientious global citizen. They are all integral to my narrative and my unique voice in this world.

Therefore, as my career evolves and new doors open, a profound sense of commitment emerges as the driving force behind my philosophy and artistry. These are times marked by cultural globalization, emotional disconnect, violence, lack of education, insecurity, human rights violations, abuse of power, poverty, religious conflicts, gender inequality, and child exploitation. In such a world, art must play a significant and positive role. Being an artist means having a voice, becoming a role model, and adopting a social stance almost inevitably. I aspire to use my voice for good, for positive change.

Guided by these convictions, I navigate my choices and career. Therefore, I see myself not only as a musician but also as a storyteller.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite Spots in the City:

Get inspired at the Getty Museum!!

Have a great brunch at Urth Caffe Pasadena

Travel to Europe while sipping coffee and eating a croissant at Yellow Vase Palos Verdes

Have the best beach experience at The Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica

Take a music class at the beautiful campus of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music

Experience a Concert at the Hollywood Bowl or Walt Disney Concert Hall!

Re-live the history of cinema at the Academy Museum

Escape to another world by visiting the Greystone Mansion

Take on the most beautiful views of the Pacific at Palos Verdes Estates

Get lost on the beautiful campus of Caltech of UCLA

Watch a movie at the Chinese Theater or El Capitan Theater

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to Maestro Adam Levin, my mentor, wonderful guitarist, and incredible human and advocate for the arts.

Website: https://www.lauramazon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llillaura/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mazon-franqui-b14534ba/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPJ2eeYKX9cXQdgZYbxN8fA

Image Credits
Image Credit: Alexander Alfonso