Marty Laster
Marty was an accomplished violinist, composer, teacher, and author whose career spanned Broadway, bluegrass, swing, and classical music. As a professional musician, he performed in the orchestras of numerous Broadway productions before becoming a sought-after fiddler in several bluegrass and swing bands, including Wicker's Creek, which featured a young Béla Fleck before his rise to international acclaim.
A gifted educator as well as performer, Marty shared his love of music through private instruction and by writing instructional books for Mel Bay Publications. His books introduced students to blues violin techniques, improvisation, and alternative fiddle styles, reflecting his passion for making music accessible to players of all ages.
In the prime of his career, Marty composed and arranged the album Sound Mosaics, an original collection blending swing, bluegrass, Cajun, klezmer, and classical influences into a sound that was distinctly his own. Listeners admired the album for its originality and remarkable stylistic range, qualities that reflected Marty's adventurous musical spirit.
In the late 1990s, Parkinson's disease brought his performing career to an unexpected close. Refusing to let the disease define him, Marty continued teaching privately, composing new music, and exploring sculpture as another creative outlet. Shortly before being diagnosed with cancer, deep brain stimulation therapy greatly reduced his tremor, allowing him to once again play the violin he loved. It was a treasured gift during the final chapter of his life.
Marty's legacy lives on through his compositions, recordings, books, students, and the countless musicians inspired by his generosity, creativity, and joyful approach to making music.
