The Art of Jazz: Passion, Teaching, and Innovation. Interview with Maestro Massimo Nunzi
His musical journey, his relationship with students and parents, and his vision of jazz in Italy and abroad
Born in Rome, Massimo Nunzi is one of the most important figures on the contemporary Italian jazz scene. A musician, composer, and arranger, he works at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone in the capital, where he leads musical projects and teaches young talents.
His artistic journey has led him to collaborate with major names in the music industry, create innovative works in Italy and abroad, and train generations of passionate and skilled musicians. As he himself states: “Jazz is not just a musical style, it’s a way of breathing, of communicating, of living”.
In recent years, Nunzi has led highly significant projects, such as the Jazz Campus Orchestra in Castelporziano, which was recently awarded by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. At the same time, he continues to develop original works and to share his unique approach to music with young people, emphasizing improvisation, collaboration, and mutual respect.
In this interview, Nunzi retraces his beginnings, his encounters with great masters, his relationships with students and parents, and his vision of jazz in the Italian music scene.
When did you start playing and what was your musical education like?
I started relatively late: I bought a piano at 23. Not for lack of resources, but because my family wasn’t used to cultivating an instrument at home. When you enter the conservatory, you immediately notice that many kids already have years of practice and instruments at their disposal.
The trumpet, then, was considered an orchestral instrument, and they rarely gave you space unless you were an extraordinary talent. So I had to make do on my own, carving out my own path with what I had available: a bit of jazz, a bit of rock, fragments of literature from the likes of Calvino or Flaiano... combining these elements to create a musical language all my own.
How important were teachers in your growth?
Fundamental. Like anyone, I had teachers who either opened your mind or closed it. I was fortunate to meet extraordinary people: Pietro Garinei and Italo Gomez, for example, recognized me immediately.
Garinei entrusted me with seven dates at the Sistina Theatre without even seeing me play in person. Gomez sensed that my work was innovative and creative and allowed me to create original works. Those encounters change your life, give you confidence, and open doors you’d never find on your own.
How do you relate to your students today?
I believe deeply in empathy and respect. It’s not just about technique, but about making the kids feel that I believe in them. If someone doesn’t do their homework, I don’t punish them: I tell them, “Don’t worry, you’ll study next time”.
They feel at ease with me because I take them into wonderful settings: they play together, have fun, and learn the joy of music. They enjoy feeling part of a team: everyone contributes, everyone applauds, and there’s no competition. This spirit of collaboration is very important for their musical and personal growth.
And what role do parents play?
Parents are crucial. I see families who sacrifice everything for their children, and this love is immediately apparent. In my case, my mother, even though she didn’t fully understand what I was doing, had faith in me and allowed me to develop my talent.
I believe that’s where much of my self-esteem comes from. In general, a young musician’s journey is always easier if someone believes in them: without this support, without extraordinary willpower, it becomes almost impossible to continue.
What’s the state of jazz in Italy today?
Unfortunately, jazz isn’t the center of attention in Italy: audiences seem drawn to other genres. However, I believe in the new generations I’m training: they’re not snobbish, they share with joy, and learn improvisation.
Today, jazz is no longer just a musical style, but a concept, a way of breathing and communicating. Jazz is now everywhere, in all genres, thanks to crossover. That’s why I have great faith in young people, who will be able to continue this tradition of creativity and openness.
Which projects have had the greatest impact on you?
There are several. With Garinei at the Sistina Theatre in Rome and with Italo Gomez in Como, I had experiences that allowed me to explore new languages. In Paris, I created some of the most important works of my life: “Sentimental Funerali” about the Holocaust, “Calvinology” dedicated to Italo Calvino, and “The Jungle Book”.
Each project was a creative risk, a way to explore uncharted territory. Some works may only be understood later, but the important thing is to always follow your own artistic vision.
Can you tell us about some important collaborations?
Yes, I’ve collaborated with Radio France, Art Farmer, Tony Scott, Adriano Mazzoletti, and many others who believed in me. Without them, many works would never have been created. Friends like Paolo Giaccio have also contributed to important projects. There have been many people who have taken risks with me, allowing me to turn my ideas into reality.
Casa Moderna - By Massimo Nunzi - Jazz Sextet
How do you teach respect and discipline through music?
I teach life through music. Respect for my classmates, for the sound engineers, for the entire environment: I explain that the sound engineers get up three hours early to prepare us and that we must be kind and respectful. This isn’t just a technical discipline, but an education for life. Music becomes a means to teach values that last forever.
What does creativity and innovation mean to you?
It means exploring uncharted territory and building something original with what you have available. Like a musical Robinson Crusoe: shells, reels, and pieces of wood become elements to build a world of their own.
I’ve taken fragments of culture and music and transformed them into an original language. This is sometimes difficult to understand, especially in Italy, but I’ve never sought recognition: people have come who have seen the value of my work.
What message would you like to convey to students and audiences?
Nothing can stop you if you believe in yourself. Music is joy, collaboration, and freedom. Improvisation isn’t just a technique, but a way of life. Having people who believe in you is essential, but passion, perseverance, and respect are what really make the difference.
Interview by Fabio Pariante: X • Instagram • Website
MORE
Massimo Nunzi: Instagram • SoundCloud • Website