Advice to young artists from famed cellist Jeffrey Zeigler

In the world of musical artistry, only a few get to see their dreams become their careers — and Jeffrey Zeigler is one of those few. The Bozeman Symphony (BS) debuted the second show in its Classical Series this weekend, with performances on Oct. 12 and 13. The show was titled “The Rhythms of Beethoven, Rossini and Akiho” and featured Zeigler as a guest performer. He was described by the BS program notes as “one of the most innovative and versatile cellists of our time.”

A performer with a robust and varied career, Zeigler shared advice for young musicians about what can lead to successful careers of their own. “Be very aware of your own happiness. We can all aim for something bigger, better [with] more concerts in Carnegie Hall, etcetera. But that won’t necessarily make you happy and it won’t necessarily pay the bills.”

He urged young musicians to not allow preconceived notions of how a career should look to influence what they view as success. “I think if you are able to work with people that inspire you, you are successful,” he said.

As stated on his website, Zeigler spent eight years as a member of the acclaimed Kronos Quartet — an award-winning international string quartet with rotating members which has existed since 1973. He has collaborated with artists such as Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson and Yo-Yo Ma. According to Zeigler, a key part of his process when creating music stems from thinking about how the music can be shared with others. “None of this exists in a chemistry lab,’” he said.

Beyond creating and performing, Zeigler has also taught in some capacity since graduate school. “One of my teachers, Paul Katz said: being a chamber musician and being a teacher go hand in hand,” he said.

Zeigler spent time as an assistant professor of chamber music and innovation at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami before recently returning to the Mannes School of Music in New York City.

“Both require a lot of thought and focus and collaboration,” Zeigler said when asked how teaching music is different from creating it. “One size never fits all, so I always enjoy trying to learn about what the individual or individuals are trying to become.”

Zeigler explained that teaching music de-centers performers and places the emphasis on the next generation of performers. “You realize you are not the final leg in the relay race, you are constantly learning and passing down, learning and passing down,” he said.

According to his website, Zeigler has released 40 solo and chamber albums with various recording agencies.

When asked how to stay focused as a creator in a distracting world, Zeigler advised that it is good to be aware of what other artists are doing, but not to become obsessive.

Recently, Zeigler completed a new solo album titled “Houses of the Zodiac” which, according to his website, is his first full comprehensive collaboration with his wife, composer Paola Prestini.

According to Zeigler, the project began during the COVID-19 lockdown when the future of performances seemed uncertain. He explained that they originally planned to keep it simple, but the album quickly ballooned into “a multimedia experience that combines spoken word, movement, music and imagery into a unified exploration of love, loss, trauma and healing,” his website said.

“Before we know it, it becomes this really big, theatrical work. So much for simple,” he said.

Zeigler explained that he likes to remain challenged by exposing himself to new and dynamic styles, music and skills. “I don't create to be in my comfort zone,” he said. He continued by urging musicians to focus on sounding as good as they can and create something they are proud of before anything else.

To listen to Zeigler’s music, look on a music streaming service of your choice or visit his website at https://www.jzcello.com/.