Beyond Mastery
Eugene Friesen
Interviews highlighting new trends and new thinking in contemporary musicianship. Eugene Friesen interviews musicians and thought leaders who point the way toward a new kind of relevancy for creative artists, innovative forms of collaboration, fresh insights into the creative process, and original approaches to audience engagement and development.
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Top 10 Beyond Mastery Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Beyond Mastery episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Beyond Mastery for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Beyond Mastery episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
10/20/24 • 28 min
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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09/02/24 • 35 min
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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07/20/24 • 48 min
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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02/18/24 • 54 min
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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01/21/24 • 52 min
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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Flutist Nancy Stagnitta: The Virtues in Virtuosity, Self-Kindness, and Red Boxing Gloves
Beyond Mastery
12/14/23 • 54 min
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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11/16/23 • 51 min
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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Reframing the Role of the Musician: A Conversation About Sound Work and Community Healing with Joshua Leeds
Beyond Mastery
09/28/23 • 27 min
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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Meditation for Performance with Barbara Bogatin
Beyond Mastery
07/14/23 • 57 min
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 principal cellist with Milwaukee and New Jersey Symphony Orchestras.
She has performed and recorded on Baroque cello and viola da gamba with Aston Magna, the Amati Trio, Connecticut Early Music Festival and New York’s Classical Band. An avid chamber musician, she has played with Chamber Music Northwest, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Tiburon Chamber Players, SF Symphony Davies Hall Chamber Music Series, Classical Tahoe Music Festival, and on cruise ships throughout the Baltic Sea and the Middle East.
To learn more about Barbara, explore the show notes on the Beyond Mastery website.
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Interview with Paul Winter
Beyond Mastery
04/04/23 • 68 min
Paul Winter is a genre-defining and genre-defying multiple Grammy Award-winning recording artist.
Paul saw early success as a jazz saxophonist and bandleader with albums on Columbia Records, playing at the Kennedy White House, and State Department tours of South America. This tenure blossomed into a life of purpose in music championing endangered species, our planet, and creating ensembles of startling diversity.
In this interview with Eugene Friesen, he reveals his allure to the voices of wild creatures, orchestral instruments, his love for indigenous music, and his belief in the unique creative abilities of all players: "You have to find freedom on your own."
To learn more about Paul Winter, visit PaulWinter.com.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Beyond Mastery have?
Beyond Mastery currently has 13 episodes available.
What topics does Beyond Mastery cover?
The podcast is about Music, Podcasts, Classical Music, Arts, Music Interviews and Performing Arts.
What is the most popular episode on Beyond Mastery?
The episode title 'Musical Freedom with Eugene Friesen' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Beyond Mastery?
The average episode length on Beyond Mastery is 42 minutes.
How often are episodes of Beyond Mastery released?
Episodes of Beyond Mastery are typically released every 44 days, 6 hours.
When was the first episode of Beyond Mastery?
The first episode of Beyond Mastery was released on Apr 4, 2023.
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