The Neuroscience of Effortless Mastery, with pianist, composer, and author Kenny Werner

This is an interview with the incomparable Kenny Werner. He is an improvising pianist and author whose impact on the philosophy and practice of improvisation has been extraordinary. In the realm of music, Kenny Werner's improvisations weave melodies and harmonies that are rooted in but not limited to the jazz tradition. His groundbreaking work as the architect of "Effortless Mastery," a transformative methodology for nurturing musical talent, has facilitated the growth of countless aspiring artists worldwide. What sets Kenny Werner apart is not only his technical fluency as a performing artist, but his understanding of the deeper connections between music, self-discovery, and indeed life itself. Immersed in the teachings of Indian philosophy and their echoes in Western thought, Kenny brings a unique perspective that extends well beyond just music practice. This discussion delves into the very heart of Effortless Mastery as Kenny opens the door to a world of possibilities through guided exercises, allowing you to experience the essence of his approach firsthand. Throughout the discussion, Kenny plays the piano to demonstrate, and you might even witness the creation of a new composition! Whether you're a seasoned musician, an aspiring artist, or simply someone with an ear for beauty, this interview with Kenny Werner promises to be an unforgettable exploration of the philosophy, music, and wisdom that shape his remarkable journey.

The musical interlude towards the beginning of the program features music composed and performed by Bradley Vines on alto and baritone saxophones. The first quote is by Sister Wendy taken from her program The Story of Painting (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBv0HezlOBw). The second quote is from an interview with Swami Sarvapriyananda on the Waking Up app with Sam Harris (https://dynamic.wakingup.com/course/COFFD9B?code=SCE8C67C8&share_id=D9D1B484&source=content%20share).

There are three segments of Kenny Werner's recorded music included. The first is taken from the song Little Blue Man on the album Beat Degeneration (https://music.apple.com/us/album/little-blue-man/80818980?i=80818904, with Johannes Weidenmueller, Ari Hoenig, and Kenny Werner). The second is from the title track of his album Animal Crackers (https://music.apple.com/us/album/animal-crackers-feat-kenny-werner-johannes-weidenmueller/1305816021?i=1305816267). The third is from the title track of his album The Space (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-space/1441314552?i=1441314553).