Comments from the Schools
Selected comments from universities, conservatories, and music institutions following David Friesen’s performances, lectures, and residencies.
“A good teacher is not necessarily a good player and a good player is not necessarily a good teacher, but when you find a person who is a good player and also a good teacher you have discovered a great facilitator of knowledge. Such is the case with David Friesen. His clinic for my students at Syracuse University was outstanding. I know my students will use the information David provided them and will remember his clinic for the rest of their lives. David provided an experience from which meaningful learning can take place.”
— Joe Riposo
Director of Jazz Studies Program
Syracuse University
“David Friesen brought his tremendous musicality and personal warmth to UC Jazz to create a wonderful three-hour jazz clinic. They found David very easy to relate to and felt that his musical demonstrations and critiques were very helpful. He is an excellent listener, giving always positive, valuable, and constructive advice to all the budding musicians. Nobody felt left out, and everyone came out of the clinic with some different perspectives. David shared some of his past playing experiences with the students, as well as valuable technical tips. His deep sense of jazz tradition and his unique individuality make him a profound musician. I would recommend David Friesen as a clinician to any jazz program.”
— Bevan Manson
Director of Jazz Ensembles
UC Berkeley
“An outstanding performance/clinic at the University of Miami School of Music. It was inspirational and informative for students and faculty alike. We have had many of the biggest names in jazz on our campus over the years giving clinics, concerts, and master classes, and all seemed to agree yours was among the best.”
— Whit Sidner
Chair, Dept. of Studio Music and Jazz
University of Miami School of Music
“I have known David since 1979 and his sincere interest in the students’ progress in their music and in their development as creative people has always been a joy for me to observe. There is no other clinician that I have had who is willing to spend as much time with the students and who also presents a dynamic that challenges them to go 100% in pursuit of excellence. The lectures, lessons, and workshop have gotten rave reviews by the students.”
— Fred Hamilton
Associate Professor
Jazz Studies Division
University of North Texas
“As we have seen here, David Friesen is one of the most eminent exponents of his instrument with a level of virtuosity unquestioned. He has given us the opportunity to spend several hours with his incredible knowledge, both human and musical. Only one word: Beautiful.”
— Suso Atanes
Director
Estudio / Escuela de Música
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Comments from the Students
Selected comments from students reflecting on David Friesen’s teaching, mentorship, and musical impact.
“Not only did we get to know each other’s playing styles but also the individuals themselves. By performance time our combo group had developed a genuine care and concern for one another, all through the guidance and professionalism of David Friesen. Never had I experienced this bonding in such a short time. The net result was a symbiotic relationship between the style/substance of the individual players and its transmutation to the group. David Friesen is a master teacher.”
— Ric Pilgrim, Pianist Music Teacher
Wapato High School | Wapato, WA
“On October 11th, jazz improvisation (Music 48) at De Anza College, Cupertino, CA, I was fortunate to participate in a master class led by David Friesen, the great bassist. This rare opportunity to interact with a genius artist of international stature was nothing short of miraculous, and rivaled anything I had encountered at the University of California. Professors John Russell, Jeff Buenz, and Robert Farrington, who arranged Mr. Friesen’s visit, should be commended for their successful effort.”
— James D. Armstrong, Jr.
B.A. Pianist
“David Friesen, I just wanted to tell you that learning and playing trumpet in your combo at Bud Shank Workshop in Port Townsend, WA for one week, was one hundred times more educational than all the years I spent getting my music education degree. I have applied a lot of the things you shared about playing and life to my gig with the Air Force band and I feel it has made a huge improvement in my life. Many, many thanks!”
— Keith Hansen, Trumpet
Air Force Band | Robins AFB, Georgia
“David, man, you set me straight on a few things and cleared up my understanding on practicing and phrasing. You have inspired more awareness and focus in me towards music and my relationship with music. I feel freer, happier, and my playing is more honest and alive. Thank you for your attention and support.”
— Brett
Fairbanks, Alaska
“David Friesen, thank you most sincerely for the most incredible musical experience of my life. I was indeed fortunate to be allocated to your combo and must repeat myself by saying that it was a privilege and an honor to be ‘a member of your band.’”
— Lionel Kramer, Drummer
Australia
Student Video Reviews
Short video reflections recorded by students following workshops, master classes, and performances with David Friesen.
Playlist
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A Conversation with Jamey Aebersold
During the COVID period, David Friesen recorded a series of video conversations with musicians from around the world as part of his Friday Jazz Chat with David Friesen series. These informal discussions explored music, creativity, and life through the shared experiences of artists working in different musical traditions.
Presented here is one conversation from that series featuring Jamey Aebersold — a legendary jazz educator whose lifelong work has had a profound impact on jazz education worldwide. This particular interview is highlighted for its strong educational focus and its relevance to David Friesen’s work as a performer, composer, and educator.