Meet Mary Flower | Musician, guitar instructor, touring and recording artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Flower and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’m not sure I had a choice. Music has always been very important to me. I started playing piano by ear when I was 5, headed up a folk group and began teaching guitar in HS and began playing professionally when in college. I quit college to play a winter at a CO ski resort. Soon after i was on the road touring with others. It was a natural progression. Teaching guitar, privately, in online classes or at guitar intensives around the country is also part of my career. I continue to learn as I teach. It’s a wonderful way to keep digging into the music and explaining to others. It gives me great pleasure to help in someone’s mastering of the guitar.
Like I say, I really had no choice! I now have my own annual guitar intensive here in Portland, OR called “Blues in the Gorge”. It’s probably the most fulfilling accomplishment of my years of playing.
No regrets, but I should have finished school!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I want to be remembered as an excellent player. I am one of maybe 10 women who play this kind of unusual guitar style. I think that has been a good thing in terms of where I am today. It is a men’s world in the acoustic blues world. The lessons I’ve learned? Be positive and kind in your dealings with others, whether teaching or listening to someone starting out.
I have 13 recordings to my name and several instructional DVDs. I feel I’ve made a mark and am proud of the fact that I’ve worked alone to get to this place. Never easy, but I keep creating.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents and siblings were always supportive. I was really involved when the folk movement ramped up in the 60’s. I was so inspired by the early recordings that I could get my hands on. Later on, I was a guest artist in WV at the Augusta Heritage “Blues Week” where I met and played with many of my heros. I guess I’d credit this experience for pushing me further along and encouraging me.

Website: www.maryflower.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/ragtimegal

Youtube: TheGibsongal

Image Credits
Absolute Images, photography