Reader of the Week: Sara Landeau
This guitarist and instructor doesn’t need to watch School of Rock — she’s living it
By Aynsley Karps
Published: September 8th, 2008 | 12:00pm
All musicians have a first love. You know, that beat-up instrument they learned to play on that they’ll always remember fondly. For then–19-year-old Sara Landeau, it was an electric guitar — a used Fender Telecaster, to be exact — and she was hooked. Landeau originally taught herself to play, but has been taking private lessons on and off since 1994. She studied at The New School in New York City and even took classes at Juilliard. And now, 15 years after buying that Fender, Landeau plays in two bands (lead guitar in trio The Slips and drums in Uncle Leon & the Alibi’s). She also teaches music lessons at the POLECAT Music Studio in Brooklyn, which she opened in 2002, and is an instructor and band coach at the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls in NYC. The “musical theory dork” discusses her rocking role models, collaborating on side projects, and the idea of music as therapy.
Can you point out any future rock icons in your current camp session?
There are future rock icons all over the camp! There are super creative girls using bands to bring their poems to life, and guitar pedals, sound effects, or booming drums to demonstrate some other emotions... real moving stuff. There are girls around 10 shredding, playing rockabilly styles like young Webb Crawford, or keeping perfect time on the drums.
Who’s your favorite female rocker?
There are just too many, and they've all contributed something different, so it would be too hard to choose! Poison Ivy of the Cramps is a true badass and rocking lead player who's been an inspiration to me since I was a teenager. In elementary school, it was all about the Go-Go's and Charlotte Caffey. I think she can write an incredible pop song... and those riffs... simple ultimate pop. And I've always liked Carol Kaye and Dolly Parton for their workhorse mentalities. And Mary Ford, Les Paul's ex-wife and jazz's most underrated guitarist.
If you had to choose, which do you like more: playing or teaching?
I've been more into teaching the past few years, but it changes all the time. Some weeks I love playing shows and other times I don't want to be near the stage, unless I'm in the back playing drums or hiding in the corner with the guitar. I love collaborating musically — whether its songwriting and recording, playing gigs, or teaching. I'm currently loving the "side-man" position. It’s like dating — random and not exclusive to one band. Lately I don't have the desire to do a solo show and have people stare at me — but then again, I'm not focused on being a singer right now.
What do you hope students take away from your lessons and coaching (other than learning to play)?
Mostly, I want my students to feel they can do anything. Learning guitar is exciting because it’s something they'll have their whole life that nobody can take away from them. I also hope they start bands, keep learning, build confidence, find an outlet, and apply the skills to life in general. Many of the students have said lessons are like therapy! I agree, and it’s mutually therapeutic. Ha! How "un-rock-n-roll."
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Check out Landeau’s MySpace page at Myspace.com/saralandeau, or her own Web site Saralandeau.com.
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Issue #35
Comments
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amazer (about 1 year)
Sara is my amazing drum teacher, our incredible band coach and the most kick-ass drummer and guitarist. We all love her to pieces!
linasara (about 1 year)
Sara is an inspirational teacher and an amazingly supportive and caring person. She is strong role model for both young girls and women. She has the ability to relate to girls as they discover their abilities in music and to help adult women realize their potential as they embark on the same journey at quite a different point in life. Proof that creating music can be a part of your life at any age! I am honored to have learned from such a creative and passionate musical talent as Sara!