The Unlikely Guitar Guru: Larry Saltzman’s Journey to Hollywood
Larry Saltzman, a seasoned New York musician, has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry—not as a rockstar or a celebrated performer, but as a behind-the-scenes maestro who transforms actors into musicians for the silver screen. His work, though often unseen by the general audience, has been pivotal in bringing authenticity to some of Hollywood’s most memorable roles. This year, Saltzman finds himself with a special rooting interest in the Academy Awards, thanks to his role in teaching actor Timothée Chalamet how to play guitar for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in the film “A Complete Unknown.” Chalamet’s performance earned him an Oscar nomination, and the film is also up for Best Picture. For Saltzman, this is a moment of pride, not just because of the recognition but because it highlights the often-overlooked craft of teaching actors to play music convincingly on screen.
From Musician to Mentor: The Accidental Teacher
Saltzman’s journey into the world of teaching actors began about a decade ago, when a fellow musician recommended him to a movie studio. At first, he was hesitant and even a bit cranky during the lengthy discussions about the project. “I almost did everything to talk them out of hiring me,” he admitted. But everything changed with the fifth phone call, when the studio revealed the client: the incomparable Meryl Streep. Streep needed to learn electric guitar for her starring role in the 2015 film “Ricki and the Flash,” where she played an aging rocker struggling to revive her career. Working with Streep proved to be a turning point for Saltzman. If she liked him, word would spread—and it did. Today, teaching actors represents about 40% of his business, and his list of students includes names like Adam Driver and Sadie Sink of “Stranger Things.”
The Art of Authenticity: Why Faking It Doesn’t Work
For serious actors and directors, authenticity is key. When it comes to playing a musical instrument on screen, faking it just doesn’t cut it. The audience can tell the difference, and the character becomes less believable. This was especially crucial for Timothée Chalamet, who needed to sing and play guitar simultaneously for his role in “A Complete Unknown.” The film centers around Dylan’s artistry, making Chalamet’s musical performance integral to the story. Saltzman worked with Chalamet for more than 50 sessions, starting in person and continuing via Zoom during the pandemic. Chalamet had to master some 25 songs for the script, a daunting task that required dedication and perseverance. As Chalamet recalled, Saltzman became more than just a teacher—he became a “co-sanity artist” during the challenges of COVID-19. Their frequent Zoom sessions not only helped Chalamet learn the music but also kept both of them sane during a difficult time.
Tailored Teaching: A Rare Gift in the Music Industry
What sets Saltzman apart from other guitar teachers is his ability to tailor his approach to the specific needs of his students. Unlike typical guitar lessons, where the goal might be open-ended, teaching actors often comes with a clear objective: learning specific songs to inhabit a particular character. This focus makes the process more structured and rewarding for Saltzman. He finds that actors are often more motivated to learn because they have a clear goal in mind. Additionally, Saltzman’s approach is anything but rigid. He avoids the traditional, formulaic teaching methods and instead adapts to the actor’s needs and learning style. This flexibility has earned him a reputation as a patient and effective teacher.
A True Partnership: Building Trust and Understanding
Saltzman’s teaching style is not just about imparting musical knowledge; it’s also about building trust and understanding with his students. As he noted, “When the actors come to you, they’re kind of vulnerable. They want to do a great job.” This dynamic was evident in his work with Johnny Cannizzaro, an actor playing E Street Band member “Little Steven” Van Zandt in the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, “Deliver Me From Nowhere.” Cannizzaro, who has a background in keyboards but not guitar, appreciated Saltzman’s calming “bedside manner” and the welcoming environment of his apartment, filled with guitars. Saltzman also went the extra mile by studying footage of Van Zandt to teach Cannizzaro not just how to play guitar, but how to embody the specific playing style of the character. This attention to detail and commitment to authenticity are hallmarks of Saltzman’s approach.
The ripple Effect: Saltzman’s Impact on Film and Music
Beyond his teaching, Saltzman’s career is a testament to his versatility and passion for music. He has performed with legendary artists like Simon & Garfunkel and Bette Midler, and his work in Broadway productions like “Hairspray” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” underscores his enduring talent. He also enjoys studio work and regularly performs in New York clubs, accompanying various artists. Yet, it’s his work with actors that has brought him the most unexpected joy. Seeing his students bring characters to life on screen is a deeply rewarding experience, especially when their performances earn critical acclaim. As he prepares to watch the Oscars, Saltzman takes pride in knowing that, in his own words, he’s “a small gear in that machinery” of filmmaking. For him, contributing to the creation of compelling stories and characters is the ultimate reward—a reminder that even behind the scenes, his work leaves a lasting impact.
