---
title: "Not So Classical: Genre Pockets, Cello and The Unconscious with Greg Byers"

description: "The orchestra is the traditional path, but how are musicians that play orchestral instruments really making their living? Greg walks through the interweaving tapestry that add up to a career, and how unlikey passions like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can improve your playing. Listen to Greg's work and hire him at: CelloGreg.com This podcast episode was brought to you by Vinyl Moon. Check them out and get your first vinyl for free!"

status: complete

date: 2024-03-19

kind: guest

guestSlugs:
  - greg-byers

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Not-So-Classical-Genre-Pockets--Cello-and-The-Unconscious-with-Greg-Byers-e2h904k"

lmwUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYVQQ76MjBs"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-so-classical-genre-pockets-cello-and-the/id1567355195?i=1000649755210&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Gpeqvr1KVE0JZJzjur7M3"
youtubeUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaFRn6bt7uo"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Classical and orchestral music"
  - "Genre"
  - "Non-traditional musical careers"
  - "Influence of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on music"
  - "Development of personal style"
  - "The economics of performing arts"
  - "Early music education"

hostNote: |
  In this episode of Love Music More, host Luke Walton sits down with the incredibly versatile musician **Greg Byers**. With a background that spans performance, composition, and education, Greg sheds light on the unconventional paths cellists can take in today's music landscape. Their discussion navigates through genre boundaries, the nuances of performance, and even dives into how unexpected hobbies, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, can enhance musicality. Greg's journey is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in the pursuit of a fulfilling career in music.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Introducing Greg and his cats"
    startSec: 116
    note: "Greg shares a charming anecdote about his cats, who he adopted during the pandemic, setting a light-hearted tone for the conversation."
  - label: "The beginnings of musical passion"
    startSec: 268
    note: "Greg discusses how he began playing music at a young age, influenced by a Suzuki demonstration."
  - label: "Finding balance in musical genres"
    startSec: 581
    note: "Greg reflects on the dichotomy between classical training and contemporary music, expressing his desire to merge both."
  - label: "Understanding the supply-demand dynamic in orchestras"
    startSec: 741
    note: "An insightful breakdown of the realities of orchestral positions and the economic challenges they face."
  - label: "Making a living in music outside orchestras"
    startSec: 1084
    note: "Greg emphasizes the importance of having a clear goal to sustain a career in music."
  - label: "The significance of saying 'yes' to opportunities"
    startSec: 1313
    note: "He shares how saying 'yes' helped him take unexpected paths that enriched his musical journey."
  - label: "Improvisation in music and Jiu Jitsu"
    startSec: 3412
    note: "An intriguing comparison between improvisation in music and the spontaneous nature of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu."
  - label: "The impact of Joni Mitchell on artistic growth"
    startSec: 2864
    note: "Discussing how Joni Mitchell's career evolution inspires artists to explore new genres and forms."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "My mom wanted me to play violin. And the instructor said if he ever wants a career in music, you should consider having him play cello because there are far less cellists."
    startSec: 343
    reviewed: true
  - text: "There are a finite amount of professional orchestras in the United States. I know there are a lot of community orchestras as well, and those are fantastic on so many levels."
    startSec: 756
    reviewed: true
  - text: "A major driver for me is gratitude and being grateful for all that music has given me and continues to give me to this day."
    startSec: 3806
    reviewed: true
  - text: "There's nothing better than playing a show and just having the crowd be totally immersed in what you're doing."
    startSec: 3883
    reviewed: true
  - text: "You know, the body thrives under pressure. The body does not thrive—yeah, if you're injured, stay at home, take care of yourself. But the body actually does better under adversity."
    startSec: 3493
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What kind of music does Greg Byers play?"
    answer: "Greg Byers plays a blend of classical and contemporary music, often incorporating influences from jazz and pop."
  - question: "How can I hire Greg Byers as a musician?"
    answer: "You can hire Greg Byers by visiting his website at CelloGreg.com where you can find more information about his services."
  - question: "What is the influence of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on Greg Byers' music?"
    answer: "Greg finds that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu improves his physical conditioning and mental focus, which enhances his performance as a musician."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---