Purpose
For me, music is the ultimate expression of truth. When I listen to the great masters of music, like Bob Marley, Miles Davis or Prince I am overcome by the weight of their lyrics, phrases, and sound. Music is the most meaningful to me when it is created not for the sake of financial gain, but for the sake of creation itself. In other words, if the money was not there, I would still be making the music I love. All of the best selling musicians could care less about how much money they make. They take care of the music first. Taking care of the music encompasses all things technique, skill, listening, and intention. If all of those latter categories are done in the name of personal truth then, in my opinion I have found success in music. It has been my goal and my greatest struggle to achieve a state in which my playing is coming from a deeply honest place. A place that is devoid of ego, doubt and fear. A higher place in which the music flows through me. It takes energy and patience for me to even get a glimpse of what that feels like. I know that the longer I try, the better I will get at it. My world is music, and my love is God. God and music do not exist separately for me. They are together. Music is at its best when it is moving through my body. Music is one of the biggest vessels in which I experience the presence of something higher. Whether I am just listening or performing onstage, I feel the best when I tap into the spiritual side of music.
ABOUT ME!
Marco Stassi is a 21 year old award winning guitar player from the Bay Area, California. He spent his early years cutting his teeth as a frontman and lead guitarist in his original band, District. Now, he is a seasoned performer as a sideman, session guitarist, and pit musician. Known for his enthusiastic live performances and his great attitude, Marco worked his way into The Berklee College of Music where he is set to graduate in 2026 with a degree in guitar performance and a minor in instrument repair. Marco’s style of guitar playing draws from his deep understanding of blues music that he accompanies with the explosiveness of his rock idols. This makes for an exciting, confident sound that is his staple.
Stassi has performed in a variety of ensembles including his own original rock trio, District. The band has garnered accolades, winning the local battle of the bands and has been featured as an opener for the band OTTTO on their 2022 PCH Rage Tour. Marco has been a part of jazz ensembles as well, and in 2022 he received the national Louis Armstrong Jazz award which was presented by his high school band director. At his high school graduation he received a distinguished merit award for his musical contributions to the De La Salle high school community.
Outside of school he has pursued studio ventures, recording all the guitar parts on District’s releases. Here his love for session work was found and his stylistic variety has led him to find success as a studio musician, playing for numerous student productions and releases. At Berklee he is fulfilling his role as “the guitar player” and has learned what it is like to be the hired gun. Marco plays consistent bar gigs, student showcases and ensemble performances.
His affinity for the slide guitar garnered him an award from Berklee’s Guitar Department. In 2024 he received the T-Bone Walker Award for his contributions as a slide guitar player in and outside of the classroom.
Outside of studio and live work, Marco is a part time educator and has experience teaching guitar lessons to beginning and intermediate students. Additionally he is one of the first employees for Cooper Innovations, a company that specializes in guitar picks.
Marco’s deepest hope is to establish himself as a touring musician. Whether he is playing music in an original band, or as a hired gun, the dream is to be on the road.