I re-joined Local 802 when I started teaching at the New School. As a union musician, I want to be treated fairly when I work. As a chromatic harmonica player, I’m touring all the time, but my musical goal in NYC is to teach more and continue working in clubs and theatres. One of my favorite musical memories was my most recent European tour last summer. Every gig was just amazing. I grew up in Switzerland and came to NYC in 1996 to study at the New School. I ended up working with Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Ravi Coltrane, Terri Lyne Carrington, Cassandra Wilson and many other world-famous artists. Music is a big part of my life and has always been. I love to grow as an artist and explore different universes and styles of music. Like so many people, the pandemic has affected me deeply. All my performances have been canceled. I’m still in the process of reorganizing and trying to understand what the next 6 to 9 months will be like. I have been teaching online; it’s a good tool to help students and teachers in these challenging times. I also have a online performances coming up. But in the long run, it will not replace real live performances or lessons where students and teachers are in the same room.  — Grégoire Maret

(This interview was updated online after the print version of Allegro went to press.)