Swampscott Raised Musician Talks Music and Dedication With Teens

This article was submitted by Joyce McMahon of McMahon Communications.

You might have called the event the antithesis of a VH1 Behind the Music episode.

Instead of hearing about a good person experiencing troubles from the excesses of musical fame, on Thursday, the residents of the Plummer Home for Boys and participants in its On Point program were instead treated to an honest discussion about how music saved a Swampscott boy from struggles with drug addiction.

And, how with hard work, you can be whatever you want to be.

About a dozen teens sat in rapt and excited attention as Michael Feingold, a 30-year-old professional guitarist who grew up in Swampscott, talked about what it’s like to be on the road, traveling around the world and playing with the likes of Jay-Z, Prince, Kanye West, Queen Latifa and a number of other of the music industry’s top performers.

While the kids wanted to know if he got much sleep, and who was “the coolest,” had the best car and was the “most crazy” star, Feingold said most of the musicians are, “Normal human beings like all of us.  They have mortgages, kids and problems like everyone else.”  

He also noted how most of them are very humble and carry the same doubts everyone faces in their lives and careers.

“Humility is a beautiful thing,” he said.

When asked how he got where he is today — a musician sought out by the best in the industry — Feingold responded, “Hard work. You can’t skate through life. Nobody can take the work away from you. ”

He added, that the top musicians have the same expectations any employer has, “They expect you to show up on time, be accountable, do your homework and get along with others. I make sure I’m prepared. I don’t act out. So they call me,” he said.

After getting his GED at North Shore Community College in Lynn and taking courses at Bunker Hill Community College to “get up his grades,” Feingold reached his goal of gaining admission to the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

“I didn’t give up,” Feingold said. “Music was my life.” He talked about learning at Berklee to have “musical conversations” with other musicians and their instruments. “Music is a language; you know what it is and what it means when you hear it. So once you learn it, you can ‘talk’ the language with others.” 

One participant asked about what happens if he makes a mistake. “You just keep moving. There’s no sense dwelling on it. We all make mistakes, but you have to keep moving on.”

After the Q&A session Feingold played his Fender Telecaster electric guitar following the lead of the music students who played drums, bass and acoustic guitar. They were joined by the Plummer Home music program director, Aaron Z. Katz who played keyboards. And even though they were having fun, the kids were quite serious in their efforts and looked to Feingold for direction and support. And for sure they found what they were looking for. 

At the end of the session at least one of the participants was moved. At the outset of the event he said, “You’re the fourth coolest person I know,” ranking Feingold after two sports stars and his mother. By the end of the session he changed his mind. “You know what?” he said standing up and pointing at Feingold, “You’re the first coolest person I know.”

About Plummer Home for Boys

The Plummer Home for Boys provides adolescents innovative support and services, in a safe and nurturing environment, to build the skills and relationships necessary for successful adulthood. The Plummer Home works with at risk youth and their families. Programs range from group homes, to independent living and neighborhood services some of which are coordinated with the Salem Police Department and the Essex County Juvenile Court in Salem's lowest income neighborhood. All Plummer Home programming is based on three principles: Permanency, Preparedness and Community. For more information visit www.plummerhome.org or call 978-744-1099.