Episode 37: Greg Byers

Rockstar Violinist Podcast

Greg Byers is a jazz cellist, a top-notch performer, a fantastic composer, an amazing singer, and a highly sought teacher. He begin cello at a very young age through the Suzuki method. By age sixteen, he was a talented cellist, but was frustrated with the lack of personal expression he found in youth orchestras. This led Greg to explore the possibilities of the cello in a jazz context. As a music major at University of Miami he was initially denied admission to the Studio Music & Jazz program because he was a cellist. He persevered and eventually became the first person to double major in Instrumental Performance/Studio Music & Jazz on cello and bass. As a performer, Greg enjoys balancing technical prowess and improvisation freedom. As a composer, he strives for melodies that reach the layman, and harmonies that challenge the stereotypes of Western popular music. As an educator, Greg is passionate about helping students avoid the pitfalls of traditional music instruction, with the student truncated from any sort of creativity or expression. Rather, Greg works to bring out the creative potential residing in every student by integrating improvisation, theory, and ear training into his pedagogy. Greg plays an NS Design CR electric cello. Learn more about Greg and his music at www.cellogreg.com. Rockstar Violinist is the Electric Violin Shop podcast, hosted by Matt Bell and featuring interviews with the most creative and noteworthy electric strings performing and recording artists. Electric Violin Shop is the world leader in amplified strings. Shop at www.electricviolinshop.com or contact us at [e-mail] for advice.