Level I Diploma in Jazz Guitar popular address (2017) and Level II Diploma in Pop Rock Guitar (2021).
Frank Cara is the guitarist for Mietta and other Italian artists, as well as a lecturer in the Pop Guitar Department at Saint Louis.
Interview with Frank Cara
Hi Frank!
1. How did the choice to study at Saint Louis come about?
In 2009 I decided to enroll at Saint Louis because I happened to see a video of William Stravato on YouTube and was immediately very impressed with his playing and guitar style. I wanted to study with him, I wanted to play like him! Immediately I did a search to figure out how to track him down and immediately came across the website of Saint Louis College of Music, where he still currently teaches. I then began to read up on the school and quickly realized that it was the right place to further my studies and to continue my education. With such a broad and detailed educational offering and such a high-caliber faculty, it was not difficult to make my decision.
2. Which artists have you had the pleasure of meeting through master classes organized by Saint Louis?
During my student years I had the opportunity to participate in so many Masterclasses, concert lectures and clinics organized by Saint Louis. I have had the opportunity to see, hear and closely analyze so many world-class musicians as well as my idols. Doug Aldrich, Robben Ford, Tommy Emmanuel, Carl Verheyen, Guthrie Govan, Stef Burns, Mattias Eklundh, Lionel Loueke, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Paul Gilbert, Dean Brown, Stanley Jordan are just some of the names I have had the pleasure of meeting.
3. Do you have any anecdotes related to the master classes?
Yes, I have an anecdote to tell concerning the Masterclass organized by Saint Louis for Paul Gilbert at the “Casa del Jazz” in Rome in 2017. I was chosen by the school to have a jam session with one of the most prominent rock guitarists on the planet, and I remember the great excitement I felt at being on stage with one of my idols and being able to exchange two notes (it was a lot more than two ahah).
4. After graduation, you were offered to continue as a faculty member at Saint Louis. What do you teach now? What do you like about teaching?
I now teach Guitar at Saint Louis and am part of the Pop department. It is like a second home for me, but most of all, it is an honor to be able to call my old teachers colleagues and friends, people who have followed me throughout my training and are still close to me in my continued professional growth. One of the things I love so much about teaching is definitely the aspect related to sharing, which remains for me
one of the most beautiful and important things in Music.
5. In addition to teaching, you also have live activities. Tell us more about…
Teaching of course is only one part of my work. Since 2016 I have been touring with the singer Mietta to whom I have a beautiful friendship, as well as a working relationship. During my studies I had the opportunity to work in many other very different contexts. I played from 2014 to 2017 in the Pop Orchestra of the “Evoli Festival,” an annual event dedicated to new voices that also hosts many important artists from the Italian music scene. In fact, I have had the pleasure of accompanying artists such as: Tullio De Piscopo, Tony Esposito, Alan Sorrenti, Marco Armani, Gatto Panceri, Gigi Finizio, etc. I also worked for two years with singer Piera Lombardi, an artist belonging to the world of popular music, and had the pleasure of being part of the Pop Orchestra of the Saint Louis College of Music directed by Maestro Vincenzo Presta with whom we performed at the Teatro Eliseo in Rome for an evening dedicated to Mia Martini with singer Antonella De Grossi. I also participated in many Italian festivals dedicated to unreleased music with several of my original projects and finally I took part as a solo artist in several festivals dedicated to the electric guitar (Wilson Center Guitar Festival, Guitarsciò etc.).
6. How important is it to have an entrepreneurial approach from the study period to capitalize on the experience to the fullest?
I think it is most important to have an “entrepreneurial” approach early on, for the purpose of capitalizing and channeling it into what is then one’s professional goal and fulfillment. It is important, at some point, to set goals for yourself, project yourself into the future, and have an idea of how you see yourself “when you grow up.” In addition to the many Masterclasses, among the most important experiences at the school I definitely remember the
professional labs, where you have the opportunity to put into practice what you study and engage with the teacher himself who is an active part of the lab. During the two-year specialization, through the “Live Performance” course, the opportunity to play with established artists and professionals from the national and international scene is really a great thing. Being in close contact with them really leaves you with so much in terms of experience.
7. What would you recommend to those who are now entering the world of work?
I would highly recommend what is now called personal branding. We are at a time in history when it is crucial to give a clear image of ourselves and a well-defined idea of who we are through good communication on social media. By now, it is through these channels that people get in touch with you, and this applies to all areas of work in the music industry. Working primarily on oneself before working with others I think is a vital thing. Then there is no shortage of other important things to take care of such as: forming relationships with other people/companies in the industry, doing public relations, physically experiencing the work environment, keeping interest in oneself at all times, and demonstrating one’s enthusiasm in doing what we enjoy.
8. How are you promoting yourself as a music professional?
They are currently in the production stage. I am preparing a lot of material that I will put online during 2025, and I am devoting myself to my first record work. Obviously this requires time, energy and good organization, being very busy between teaching at Saint Louis and live shows.
9. Who is your favorite musician and why?
My musician of the heart is Jaco Pastorius. A genius gifted with uncommon imagination, spontaneity and musical talent. His every note literally makes me cringe, and I also love him as a composer.
10. What is your favorite song you could on Noah’s Ark?
“A Remark You Made” by Weather Report.