The Arnold Shaw Popular Music Center welcomes Kenny Werner (Berklee College of Music, Boston) for a lecture titled "Becoming the Instrument."

About the speaker:

Kenny Werner has been a world-class pianist and composer for more than 40 years. In 1996 he published his landmark book, Effortless Mastery: Liberating The Master Musician Within. Werner has since created videos, lectured world-wide, and authored many articles on how musicians, artists, or even business people can allow their “master creator” within to lift their performance to its highest level, showing us how to be spontaneous, fearless, joyful, and disciplined in our work and in our life. His natural instinct for improvisation led Werner to the Berklee College of Music (Boston) in 1970; he now serves as Artistic Director of that school's Effortless Mastery Institute.

About the lecture:

In this transformative lecture, acclaimed pianist, composer, and educator Kenny Werner explores the profound concept of Becoming the Instrument—a philosophy that transcends technical mastery and enters the realm of effortless expression. Drawing from his groundbreaking book and decades of experience, Werner reveals how musicians can dissolve the barriers between themselves and their instruments, achieving a state of pure flow and creativity. Through practical insights, personal anecdotes, and deep wisdom, he guides artists toward a mindset where fear, self-doubt, and overthinking give way to true musical freedom. Whether you’re a performer, composer, or simply seeking a deeper connection to your craft, this lecture offers a path to unlocking your highest artistic potential.