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.
Edward Sarath: Black Music Matters & Noetic Musicology
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 grou...
15 Nov 2024
Musical Freedom with 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 sh...
20 Oct 2024
Improvisation and Healing with Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater
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 h...
2 Sept 2024
Strings of Change: John Mark Rozendaal’s Cello-Driven Activism
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 conversatio...
20 Jul 2024
Underground Audiences: Earth to Heaven with Bach and Humor with Solo Double Bassist Dobbs
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 (https://www.bachwithverse.org/dobbs-bio).
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Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
20 Jul 2024
Underground Audiences: From Earth to Heaven with Bach, Humor, and Dobbs
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 (https://www.bachwithverse.org/dobbs-bio).
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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/beyond.mastery.online)
Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
18 Feb 2024
Kenny Werner: Pianist, Composer & Author of "Effortless Mastery"
What does "mastery" mean? Eugene Friesen sits down with esteemed jazz pianist and composer - and dear friend - Kenny Werner (https://kennywerner.com/) 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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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
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Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
21 Jan 2024
The Habits of Healing and Devotion, and the Feminism in Rhythm with Glen Velez
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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Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
14 Dec 2023
Flutist Nancy Stagnitta: The Virtues in Virtuosity, Self-Kindness, and Red Boxing Gloves
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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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
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Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
16 Nov 2023
Harmony Beyond Boundaries: How Chelsey Green Has Defied Genres with Violin and Viola
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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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
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Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
28 Sept 2023
Reframing the Role of the Musician: A Conversation About Sound Work and Community Healing with Joshua Leeds
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 (http://joshualeeds.com/).
Learn more about Joshua's work at BeyondMastery.com (http://www.beyondmastery.com).
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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/beyond.mastery.online)
Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
14 Jul 2023
Meditation for Performance with Barbara Bogatin
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 (http://www.beyondmastery.com/interviews/barbara-bogatin).
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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/beyond.mastery.online)
Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
13 Jun 2023
Interview with Matt Glaser
Matt Glaser is an American jazz and bluegrass violinist and has been an influential thought leader in the history of American jazz and roots music for many years. In this episode with host Eugene Friesen, he talks about his journey in the creative industry, his insights into the history of American jazz and roots music, and how his journey aligns with the world of improvisation, collaboration, and creative expression.
Given that his thoughts and insights have been featured in Ken Burns' documentary Jazz, it is clear that Matt's contributions to the music industry went beyond the stage. He has served as the chair of the string department at the Berklee College of Music for over twenty-five years and is now the founder and artistic director of Berklee's American Roots Music Program.
To learn more about Matt, visit the show notes on the Beyond Mastery website (http://www.beyondmastery.com).
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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/beyond.mastery.online)
Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
4 Apr 2023
Interview with Paul Winter
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 (http://www.paulwinter.com).
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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/beyond.mastery.online)
Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
4 Apr 2023
Welcome to Beyond Mastery with Eugene Friesen
This podcast highlights new trends and new thinking in contemporary musicianship. In each episode, Grammy Award-winning composer and cellist Eugene Friesen conducts fascinating interviews with artists who are navigating our fast-moving culture with imagination and optimism.
You’ll encounter 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.
To find more information on our featured guests along with a growing menu of strategies, retreats, and conversations with the Beyond Mastery community of contemporary musicians, visit BeyondMastery.com.
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Read more on the Beyond Mastery (https://www.beyondmastery.com) website
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/beyond.mastery.online)
Hosted by Eugene Friesen (https://eugenefriesenmusic.com/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
224
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
18
Social presence
91
YouTube
66
Engagement
60
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