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Margaret Slovak

Margaret Slovak is a jazz guitarist, composer and painter.

About Me

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Margaret Slovak is a guitarist and composer. Margaret moved to Austin, Texas in 2012 from the New York City area. Margaret performs her original music, which is a unique blend of jazz, classical and world music styles; she also plays jazz standards, bossa novas and contemporary jazz. She received her BFA in music from the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington in 1986, and studied with guitarists Ralph Towner, John Abercrombie and Dale Bruning. Margaret has performed in New York City and throughout the United States, Canada and Europe and has played and/or recorded with such artists as Fred Hersch, Michael Formanek, Michael Sarin, Harvie S, Art Lande and Bob Moses. In addition, Margaret is a visual artist, creating paintings and drawings that reflect her music; Margaret’s artwork also adorns the covers of her recordings. She has released three CDs featuring her original compositions: Undying Hope, New Wings, and For the Moment; her new trio CD, Ballad for Brad, is her 4th release. Margaret’s music has also been included on several compilation CDs, and she was featured on OPB’s Oregon Art Beat television program. Her music has received national and international airplay; excerpts have also been utilized on NPR’s Morning Edition radio program. In addition to her public performances, Margaret plays for patients in hospitals, cancer treatment centers and hospice and for residents in senior and memory care communities. Margaret is also included in Scott Yanow’s 2013 book The Great Jazz Guitarists: The Ultimate Guide.

My Jazz Story

I was first exposed to jazz at age 14 when my older brother played me Pat Metheny's "Bright Size Life" trio LP; I was mesmerized by the playing of Pat, Jaco Pastorius, and Bob Moses. The spirit and freedom of the music was beautiful and touched my soul!

My House Concert Story

I met my husband when I performed a solo guitar show at a house concert in Austin, Texas in 2009. I love playing and attending house concerts; the intimacy of this setting allows the musicians to perform in a place where the music can be listened to in the deepest way, and the musical connection between the musicians and the audience members is uninterrupted by other activities.