From the Minds of Jazz Musicians Interview Series
For decades, I have been on a journey to share the insights and wisdom of jazz musicians through my interview series. As the creator and host of prestigious showcases like the Artists' House Jazz Masterclass Series, the Barnes and Noble Jazz Interview Series, the NYU Jazz Interview Series on YouTube, and the NYU JazzCast Podcast, I have built a catalog of conversations that offer an in depth look into the minds of these talented artists we all know and admire.
As I continue to seek out and produce new interviews to capture the personal stories and invaluable insights of the jazz legends, I kindly request your consideration to support this vital documentation effort through a charitable donation. Your contribution will allow me to continuously update my conversations while meticulously archive these important oral histories on this website to ensure they are preserved and shared for generations to come.
I would be deeply grateful for your (tax-deductible- please contact me) donation to this archiving initiative. Together, we can safeguard the living legacies of our cherished jazz icons and ensure their stories live on to inspire musicians and music lovers alike.
David Schroeder
Capturing the creative and inspired.
As a longtime chronicler of the jazz scene, I've had the privilege of sitting down with renowned musical pioneers. Through intimate dialogues, I've gained profound insight into the mindset and creative processes of the true "avant-garde" – those who fearlessly chart their own course.
The musicians I've interviewed have tapped into their inner consciousness, continually seeking new ways to define themselves and their art. At the heart of my work lies a driving passion to reveal the keys to living a creative, inspired life. Each jazz luminary has generously shared their unique journey and strategies for achieving their goals.
Whether you are an aspiring artist or seeking more creativity, these candid interviews provide inspiration and guidance. By offering a window into the minds of these visionaries, I hope to empower others to embrace their own creative impulses and push the boundaries of what's possible.
I invite you to explore my jazz video archives, where you'll discover insights that may help you to tap into your own inner muse. Together, let’s celebrate the enduring power of the creative spirit.
The author and his books
Meet the host
David Schroeder and his Mongolian Ever Buree. (Photo by Yann Toma)
Captivating Conversations with Jazz's Creative Visionaries
Step into the captivating world of David Schroeder, a renowned jazz historian, author, and educator who has spent decades unearthing the back stories behind some of the genre's most innovative minds.
With an insatiable curiosity and a gift for cultivating trust, Schroeder has coaxed out the personal narratives, creative processes, and transformative experiences of a who's who of jazz legends. From his bestselling books, "From the Minds of Jazz Musicians" volume I & II to his video interviews and podcasts, Schroeder's work has captivated audiences worldwide, amassing over a million devoted followers.
Schroeder's impact extends far beyond the interview chair. As a multi-talented musician and composer himself, he has performed and recorded alongside icons like Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga. As the former Chair of New York University's prestigious Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions and as Director of the Jazz Studies Program, he continues to nurture generations of jazz artists, fostering them within and interactive musical environment that leverages New York City's unparalleled cultural resources.
His passion for jazz is matched only by his commitment to using the power of music to address pressing global issues. Through collaborative projects like his One World Suite with Symphony, he has taken the stage at climate events including the United Nations International Day of Peace, empowering audiences by proclaiming…
“Through music, everyone has a voice.”
Whether you're an aspiring artist seeking inspiration, a jazz aficionado hungry for insider insights, or simply someone looking to infuse more creativity into your life, David Schroeder's captivating work offers a window into the heart and soul of the jazz experience. Prepare to be engaged by the rhythm, the stories, and the transformative power of this project.
From the Minds of Jazz Musicians: Conversations with the Creative and Inspired celebrates jazz artists who have toiled, struggled, and succeeded in finding their own creative space. Schroeder’s two volumes, culled from his interview transcription include 65 selected artist conversations conducted over a 10 year period. Interviews feature a diversity of musicians whose subject matter range from biographical sketches to artists’ revealing their intimate life stories and wisdom that comes with both successes and failures in music.
With the goal of discovering the person behind the persona, Schroeder elicits conversations that speak volumes on the creative process, mining the perspectives of seminal artists who experienced history in the making. These interviews present the artists’ candid and direct opinions on music, sharing their unique paths to creating creative and inspired lives.
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