Beyond Mastery Eugene Friesen

What does "mastery" mean? Eugene Friesen sits down with esteemed jazz pianist and composer - and dear friend - Kenny Werner to share their journeys towards effortless playing and self-discoveryTogether, they discuss how being present in the moment and connecting with something eternal through music resonates with others through authentic expression. They navigate the intricate nuances of transcending self-identification as musicians, embracing body and mind awareness, and finding joy in...

Four-time Grammy Award-winner, Glen Velez, is legendary figure in the modern frame drum movement, revered worldwide by musicians and audiences alike. His pioneering influence reshaped contemporary music, introducing a new genre of drumming inspired by years of percussion and frame drumming studies across diverse cultures.In this episode, Glen shares his captivating journey with host Eugene Friesen, unfolding his virtuosic combinations of hand movements, finger techniques, and original c...

Renowned for her virtuosity and versatility, flutist Nancy Stagnitta’s musical evolution was born in classical music and expanded through jazz. In this episode, she sits down with Eugene Friesen to share how improvisation impacted the evolution of her classical artistry and how now, as an instructor at Interlochen Arts Academy and principal flutist with esteemed orchestras, Nancy imparts the art of improvisation, encouraging students to transcend the confines of sheet music.Having graced stag...

How do we find a way toward a new kind of relevancy for creative artists through innovative forms of collaboration? And how do we honor our histories to engage audiences in our creative process?In this episode, host Eugene Friesen speaks with Chelsey Green, a Billboard-charting artist and teacher renowned for her passionate and innovative performances. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Chelsey shares her unique journey—from classical roots to the dynamic fusion of jazz and hip hop with her ensembl...

How can we expand musicians' imaginations about how they can serve communities beyond traditional performance? In this episode of Beyond Mastery, host Eugene Friesen engages in a profound dialogue about the power of music with music producer, educator, and sonic activist Joshua Leeds. In a time of "koyaanisqatsi," which means life out of balance, Joshua Leeds proposes that musicians should see themselves as "sound workers" who bring healing and advocates for public, community-base...

San Francisco Symphony cellist Barbara Bogatin is also a longtime practitioner of Insight Meditation. In this episode with host Eugene Friesen, Barbara brings these two parts of her life together with practical and transformative tips on practicing, auditioning, and performing.Before joining the San Francisco Symphony, Barbara's varied career included playing with New York Chamber Soloists, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the Monte Carlo Show, the Casals Festival, and as pr...