Barry Green | The Inner Game
Barry Green·Episode 5·51 min
📻 From the archives — This podcast began as conversations with musicians. Episodes 1–7 predate the show's current focus on software design and motion.
Barry Green is a writer, performer, and teacher. He served as principal bassist for the Cincinnati Symphony for 28 years and has coached hundreds of performers—not just on the practical side of playing, but on the inner game of performance. Barry is an endlessly curious and inspiring musician who’s been on a lifelong quest to explore musical mastery. He’s the perfect guest for this conversation.
What You'll Hear AboutBarry’s three books: Mastery of Music, Bringing Music to Life, and The Inner Game of MusicHow he became involved with the Inner Game and how he adapted those principles to musicThe foundational principles of the Inner GameHow Barry has applied Inner Game principles to other professions beyond musicThe idea of relaxed concentration and how it creates optimal performanceHow to practice using Inner Game techniquesDealing with distraction and sharpening focusThe importance of detail and deep attentionThe value of trust in your playing and creative workA close look at how Barry coaches musiciansCore Inner Game concepts: awareness, commitment, and trustThe aim of becoming the music—getting out of your head and into the flowHow Barry’s deep study of the body, voice, and rhythm led to Bringing Music to LifeReflections on his mentor, Francois RabbathThe role of vulnerability in performance“The moment of go” — defining moments that shape your pathA look at Barry’s project trilogy: Anna’s Promise, Anna’s Way, and Anna’s Gift“Every time you throw something away, it frees you up to see something else.”
Big thanks to Jason Heath for the introduction to Barry.
LinksInner Game Official SiteBarry’s WebsiteAnna’s Promise on GIA MusicFrancois Rabbath BioDavid DarlingMusic for People – StaffLibby LarsenAnna’s Promise — Highlight Videos🎬 2:40 Trailer – US Army Orchestra Premiere (Aug 18, 2016): Watch here
🎬 8.5 Minute Story Highlight Video: Watch here
🎬 Full 55-Minute Performance – SPCA Combo + Strings (Aug 12, 2016): Watch here
🎬 Anna's Gift Trailer – University of North Texas, Eugene Corporon conducting: Watch here