NEW YORK – Although New York musician Larry Saltzman isn’t a devoted film enthusiast, this year’s Oscars hold particular significance for him. He personally coached actor Timothée Chalamet on playing guitar for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in the film “A Complete Unknown.” As a result, Chalamet has earned a nomination for best actor, and the film itself is in contention for best picture at the upcoming Academy Awards.
Saltzman, a seasoned guitarist with a career that includes performances alongside Simon & Garfunkel, Bette Midler, and David Johansen, as well as roles in Broadway productions like “Hairspray” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” has carved out a niche in coaching actors in musicianship for their roles. His recent students also include Adam Driver and Sadie Sink from “Stranger Things.”
His journey into this unique role began about a decade ago when he received a call from a movie studio. Initially skeptical and nearly dissuading the studio from hiring him due to lengthy negotiations, it wasn’t until later he discovered his client was none other than Meryl Streep. Streep needed to master the electric guitar for her lead role in the 2015 film “Ricki and the Flash,” where she played an aging rocker struggling with career and personal challenges.
Teaching actors like Streep proved advantageous; once word spread about her positive experience, more actors sought his guidance. Saltzman’s business, now largely devoted to teaching, sees about 40% of its volume in this niche market.
Saltzman highlights that for committed actors and directors, authenticity is crucial — it’s akin to acting; the audience will discern any pretense, affecting the character’s credibility. When working with Chalamet, this was particularly true, as the role demanded adeptness in singing and playing guitar to portray the artist’s essence.
Saltzman spent over 50 sessions with Chalamet, initially face-to-face, eventually switching to virtual lessons amid the pandemic. Chalamet tackled approximately 25 songs, an endeavor both demanding and rewarding.
In interviews, Chalamet likened Saltzman’s role to a “co-sanity artist,” as they navigated challenging times through their sessions. Beyond the script, Chalamet explored early, lesser-known Dylan tracks, aided by Saltzman’s expertise and enthusiasm for Dylan’s music.
Saltzman prefers teaching actors due to the focused, goal-oriented nature of their lessons — mastering specific songs for a character contrasts with open-ended guitar lessons for personal interest. Johnny Cannizzaro, set to portray E Street Band’s “Little Steven” Van Zandt in an upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, praised Saltzman’s patient and encouraging teaching style that facilitated his transition from keyboards to guitar.
Beyond teaching, Saltzman juggles studio sessions, club performances in New York, and Broadway roles. His next project is the musical “Smash.”
Watching his students’ cinematic performances is a fulfilling experience, especially witnessing Chalamet’s talent shine in “A Complete Unknown.” For Saltzman, this involvement is a point of pride, acknowledging his contribution to the filmmaking process.
“In my own humble way, I’m a small gear in that machinery,” Saltzman reflected. “What is rewarding is knowing that in some small way I’m contributing to making a better film.”
Chalamet’s Guitar Coach: Mastering Dylan’s Style
