music
MAKING MUSIC WITH DR. GREG COPE Words by Rebecca McKenna
Greg Cope in high school.
T
he world music scene in the early 1960s was
end. This guitar launched his musical journey,
an impactful period when rock ‘n roll and
along with a desire to explore the possibilities of
folk music were really launching: The Beatles,
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creating music with non-traditional material.
The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys. Music
As his talent progressed, he started to search
was thrilling, especially for teenager Greg Cope.
for an upright string bass, “The Kingston Trio,
Dr. Greg Cope grew up in Grand Junction and
Peter, Paul and Mary, and all these other groups
was entering high school during this musical era.
had a standup string bass, and I wanted one,
He bought his first instrument, a beat-up guitar,
too,” he recalls. “They were priced way out of my
from a friend for just $1. Dr. Cope refinished it,
budget,” he shares, laughing. “Boldly, I thought I
taught himself cords and practiced for days on
could make one myself!”
