Marian “Mazzie” Birgenheier was influenced by music starting from a young age. Growing up with a father who was a part of Hunter College’s music faculty and a mother who always had music playing, Mazzie was always surrounded by glamorous sounds.
Influential musicians such as The Beatles, The Monkees, the Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin influenced Mazzie’s interest in music. At the age of eight, Mazzie and her siblings were gifted something that would begin her journey of becoming a successful self taught musician; Acoustic Guitars. Though Mazzie’s childhood and teenage years were not full of consistent music practices, in the 80’s Mazzie was finally able to rediscover her passion for music.
Mazzie’s strong suit was being a guitarist, lyricist and vocalist. She later became the lead vocalist and guitarist for a band named “Universal Joint.” Mazzie was joined by Steve Latanision on the guitar, lap/pedal steel, mandolin and violin, along with her brother Robert Lynch on the Bass, and Rick Klane on the drums who was later replaced by Phil Cefalo. In 1995, upon Rick’s departure from the band, Mazzie and her crew rebranded and titled themselves “Astral Park.”
Mazzie’s experience playing in both Boston and New York granted her the reputation of having “YES” lyrics and ethereal vocals. In 2006, Mazzie took the stage as the newest member of the band HRT. HRT’s message was “Mom’s rock.” Though Mazzie did not have any human children herself, she still followed the “Mom’s rock” motto through her two cats Bootsie and Staley.
Upon adding a new member to the band, Mazzie found two of her new found loves; The Bass Guitar and Senchant’s Art of Teaching co-owner, Bernard Senchant. In June of 2007, the two became known as an inseparable couple, and Mazzie’s Bass Guitar took off at the same time. T.V opportunities with the Today Show, SXSW(Austin, Texas) and various live radio performances were presented to Mazzie. Mazzie was also presented with the opportunity to be a rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for the Liz Borden Band, who Bernie was the lead guitarist for at the time.
Mazzie’s vocals and beautiful harmonies lead to her role of singing for The Next Paradigm for Emerson College recording sessions.
Despite a knee injury in 2011, Mazzie has been able to follow her musical dreams after auditioning for and becoming a part of a female rock band, The ChickZ along with being a SAT ensemble teacher.
The ChickZ have made a difference in the musical world beyond spreading their talent and joy for music. In 2013, the band hosted a benefit concert at the Hard Rock Cafe, Boston in order to support victims of the Boston Marathon.
“Call to schedule a lesson with Mazzie Today!!!”