An interview with
Chelsey Green
How do we find a way toward a new kind of relevancy for creative artists through innovative forms of collaboration? And how do we honor our histories to engage audiences in our creative process?
In this episode, host Eugene Friesen speaks with Chelsey Green, a Billboard-charting artist and teacher renowned for her passionate and innovative performances. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Chelsey shares her unique journey—from classical roots to the dynamic fusion of jazz and hip hop with her ensemble, The Green Project.
On the road to her successes, Chelsey shares the challenges she faces as a Black woman navigating the traditionally stratified worlds of music. Her ability to authentically blend seemingly disparate styles creates a sound that is uniquely hers—passionate, vivacious, and truly electrifying—echoes the power of resilience and the transformative ability of music to break down societal barriers.
Head to the Beyond Mastery website to learn more about Chelsey and follow her on Instagram @drchelseygreen.
A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Chelsey Green was born into a family of jazz and funk musicians and started her performance career as a violinist at age 5. Dr. Green went on to receive a scholarship for classical viola studies at The University of Texas at Austin where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Continuing her studies, she received a Master’s degree from The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland College Park. In August 2017, Dr. Green was appointed Associate Professor in the String Department at the prestigious Berklee College of Music and served as Acting Chair for the Spring 2021 term.
Chelsey Green and The Green Project have released 5 studio projects independently and performed live shows, jazz festivals, masterclasses and educational workshops across America and in several countries throughout the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Japan and the Caribbean.
Classically soloing in New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall at age 16, Chelsey’s varied performance resume includes performances at the GRAMMY Awards, CBS Late Show, NPR Tiny Desk, Capital Jazz Festival, Seabreeze Jazz Festival, the opening of The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Essence Music Festival, Port-Au-Prince International Jazz Festival, Kuwait National Opera House and many more!