New York-based musician Larry Saltzman, a guitarist with an impressive resume, including performances with Simon & Garfunkel, Bette Midler, and David Johansen, is finding himself with a personal stake in this year’s Oscars — thanks to his role in helping Timothée Chalamet prepare for his portrayal of Bob Dylan.
Saltzman was the musician who taught Chalamet to play guitar for his role in A Complete Unknown, a film where Chalamet earned a Best Actor nomination, and the movie itself is up for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. This accomplishment marks a significant moment for Saltzman, who has carved out a niche in teaching actors how to play instruments for their film roles.
Alongside his extensive career, which has also seen him perform in Broadway productions like Hairspray and Ain’t Too Proud to Beg, Saltzman has recently worked with other actors like Adam Driver and Sadie Sink. His journey into teaching actors began about a decade ago when, on a fellow musician’s recommendation, he received a call from a movie studio. Initially hesitant and reluctant, Saltzman says he nearly talked himself out of taking the job. That is until the fifth phone call, when he finally learned that the client was none other than Meryl Streep.
Streep needed to learn the electric guitar for her role in the 2015 film Ricki and the Flash, where she played an aging rocker. Working with Streep proved to be a rewarding experience for Saltzman. “She’s smart. She knows how to learn things,” he said, describing their sessions as steady progress over several months.
Teaching actors how to play instruments has become an important part of Saltzman’s career, now representing about 40% of his business. He credits Streep’s approval for opening the door to more opportunities, with many other actors following her example.
For serious actors and filmmakers, authenticity is key. Saltzman emphasizes that for actors like Chalamet, faking it just won’t cut it. Chalamet needed to learn to both sing and play guitar for the role, which became a crucial aspect of his portrayal. Saltzman recalls that Chalamet’s commitment was evident, as they worked on over 25 songs for the film.
In a recent interview, Chalamet reflected on their collaboration, describing Saltzman as more than just a teacher — “he became more of a co-sanity artist through COVID,” Chalamet recalled, noting their regular Zoom sessions during the pandemic. Their work together even extended beyond the script, with Chalamet uncovering early and obscure Dylan songs that weren’t part of the original film.
What makes Saltzman’s approach stand out is his passion for Dylan’s music, particularly the pre-electric era of Bob Dylan. Chalamet’s dedication paid off when he performed obscure Dylan cuts as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Saltzman shared his pride, noting that Chalamet “went the extra mile” in his preparation.
While Saltzman enjoys teaching actors due to the clear goal they have — learning specific songs for their roles — he also values the freedom he has in not adhering to a traditional teaching style. Actor Johnny Cannizzaro, who is portraying E Street Band member Little Steven Van Zandt in the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere, praised Saltzman’s calm demeanor. Cannizzaro appreciated how Saltzman made him feel at ease during lessons, even when learning something as complex as Van Zandt’s guitar technique.
Saltzman’s time is not only dedicated to teaching but also to studio work, performing in New York clubs, and Broadway productions, with his next project being Smash. It’s always an eye-opening experience for him when he sees his students on screen. In the case of A Complete Unknown, he was particularly struck by Chalamet’s performance as Dylan, admiring his ability to fully embody the iconic musician.
This year’s Oscars take on a personal significance for Saltzman, as he reflects on his contribution to Chalamet’s role. “In my own humble way, I’m a small gear in that machinery,” Saltzman said. “What is rewarding is knowing that in some small way I’m contributing to making a better film.”
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