The everyday life of a classical guitarist
By Daniel Anderson
Mak Grgić is never one to sit still for too long. The award-winning guitarist and doctoral candidate in USC Thornton’s Classical Guitar program is always on the go, whether he’s teaching undergraduate students, performing at the White House, or running a concert series on the USC campus. And regardless of where he is, Grgić is never too shy to break out his guitar for an impromptu practice session.
As we conclude another academic year, we take a peek into the everyday life of a Thornton musician who is well on his way to a successful international career. In addition to curating the popular weekly Music@RushHour series for the past three years, Grgić has also begun an exciting musical collaboration with flamenco guitarist and Studio/Jazz Guitar faculty member Adam del Monte. Duo Deloro, as the two are known, has just concluded its first national tour.
Mak Grgić has worked to leverage his experiences and connections at USC Thornton into a successful international performance career. (Photo/Harun Mehmedinović)
What’s next for the soon-to-be graduate? Grgić has already embarked on an international solo tour, with performances in Germany, Portugal, and Spain. Closer to home, Los Angeles audiences may hear him in Pasadena (May 9), in Venice Beach with cellist Robert deMaine (May 15), at Villa Aurora for the Jacaranda music series (May 31), and with Adam del Monte in a Duo Deloro performance at the Greystone Mansion (June 5).
What advice does Grgić offer to his fellow Thornton musicians? “To be just constantly on the go, constantly trying new things,” he said. “You have to find ways of working outside of your comfort zone… All in all, it’s an exciting, little adventure, and each year brings something new.”
