Beyond Mastery

In this episode of the Beyond Mastery podcast, host Eugene Friesen sits down with renowned author, educator, and composer Edward Sarath to explore the transformative power of black music and its vital role in reshaping music education. They discuss improvisation as a foundation for both musical and human consciousness, the need for a new, more inclusive musicology, and how practices like meditation and improvisation can unlock new dimensions of creativity. Sarath shares insights from his groundbreaking work in jazz, consciousness studies, and his vision for a curriculum rooted in creativity, diversity, and musical wholeness.

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Hosted by Eugene Friesen

Join us in this profound exploration as we dive into the heart of musical freedom. Eugene reflects on the transformative power of music and how artists can reach beyond mastery to a place where only love for the music exists. Forget the audience, forget the critics, and forget the technique—discover how embracing this freedom can lead to performances that feel like flying, rich with safety, possibility, and a deep sense of belonging. Inspired by the words of Mozart and Rostropovich, Eugene shares his personal journey and insights into how musicians can truly embody their art, turning each note into a dialogue with the soul of the composer and, indeed, with something even greater.

Interested in learning more? Join Eugene on November 23, 2024 for a free webinar on Musical Freedom. Register at beyondmastery.com.

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Hosted by Eugene Friesen

Classically-trained virtuoso Jordan Rudess reveals how he unlocked the power of improvisation and self-expression, transforming his music into a profound healing force. Jordan shares his journey from Juilliard prodigy to pioneering creative artist and key member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater.

Host Eugene Friesen sits down with Rudess to talk about his fusion of classical discipline with the boundless realms of improvisational magic. Discover how this synthesis not only elevated his own artistry but continues to influence musicians around the globe, making music a dynamic medium for personal and communal transformation.

Learn more about Jordan on his website or Instagram.

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John Mark Rozendaal is a renowned musician and fervent climate justice activist. Celebrated for his mastery of Baroque and Renaissance music, John Mark has shifted his focus towards a critical and urgent mission—saving our dying planet. John Mark’s unique protest, playing Bach in front of Citibank to spotlight their substantial investments in fossil fuels, not only led to his arrest but also spotlighted the powerful role that music and musicians can play in societal change.

In this conversation with Eugene Friesen, John Mark shares his transition from performing in esteemed early music ensembles and teaching at prestigious institutions to taking bold actions with Extinction Rebellion and Climate Defiance. Eugene and John Mark discuss the motivations behind this dramatic career shift, the challenges of overcoming feelings of helplessness against climate threats, and how we can bind together to make impactful statements on global issues.

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A master storyteller and devotee of Bach's cello suites, Richard Hartshorne aka Dobbs has dedicated his life to bringing music to the most unlikely places around the world. In this episode with Eugene Friesen, Dobbs reveals how his musical journeys have not only changed the lives of his audiences but have also reshaped his own understanding of impact and service through art.

Since 2004, Dobbs has performed exclusively in locations where music is a rare gift: from prisons in the US and Uganda to refugee camps and UN schools in Palestine, from drug rehab centers in Afghanistan to centers for abused women and homes for blind children in Iraq. His performances offer a profound sense of connection and remembrance to those in the most extreme circumstances, affirming the transformative power of music.

Discover more about Dobbs and his global musical mission at BachwithVerse.org.

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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-discovery

Together, 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 the present moment through music. 

Learn about shedding performance anxiety and redefining the practice of music,  plus techniques for practicing piano effortlessly, honing improvisation skills, and overcoming overwhelm in the face of musical challenges.

But beyond technique, Kenny and Eugene delve into the spiritual dimensions of music, discussing its role in harmonizing spaces and fostering peace in a chaotic world. Full of insight, stories, and humor, Kenny reveals an approach to music that is refreshingly light and yet deep in the extreme.

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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 compositional style. Learn about his innovative approach, incorporating stepping, drum language, and Central Asian overtone singing.

Eugene and Glen delve into rhythmic revelations, exploring the transformative power of vocalizations, the spiritual dimensions of music as devotion, and the harmonic magic uncovered by slowing down rhythms. The episode also spotlights the nuanced interplay of frame drums, guided by Glen's pioneering techniques.

Join Eugene Friesen and the iconic Glen Velez on this illuminating journey through rhythm, harmony, and the soulful dimensions of musical expression. Tune in and let the beats guide you Beyond Mastery.

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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 stages in China, Italy, and Africa, Nancy’s global experiences infuse a kaleidoscope of styles into her music, creating a tapestry that transcends borders. Immerse yourself in the fusion of classical elegance and jazz spontaneity, where we continue to illuminate the pathways to relevance, collaboration, and the ever-expanding landscape of creative artistry.

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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 ensemble, The Green Project. 

On the road to her successes, Chelsey shares the challenges she faces as a Black woman navigating the traditionally stratified worlds of music. Her ability to authentically blend seemingly disparate styles creates a sound that is uniquely hers—passionate, vivacious, and truly electrifying—echoes the power of resilience and the transformative ability of music to break down societal barriers.

Head to the Beyond Mastery website to learn more about Chelsey and follow her on Instagram @drchelseygreen.

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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-based music making to foster social cohesion and guard against despair.

Joshua specializes in music and sound for health and wellness, and his books include The Power of Sound and Through a Dog’s Ear, and Soundwork on a Hot Rock (2024). You can learn more about Joshua on his website.

Learn more about Joshua's work at BeyondMastery.com.

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Hosted by Eugene Friesen