We recently had the chance to connect with Joseph Ehrenpreis and have shared our conversation below.
Joseph, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
In recent months, I’ve been less afraid to say ‘composer’ when people ask me what I do in music. I recently wrote original music for the United Nations Chamber Music Society’s “UNITY” project and now I’m writing an original ballet score due to premier the second week of November for O-Jak Bridge Festival in Seattle, Washington. The theme is ‘Wonderland’ and I’m writing music that I will play live with my electric guitar and a pedalboard full of electronic synthesizers. I will be collaborating with the MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective, as well as the projectionist Aubree Barber @analogprojections. MiYoung Margolis @miyoungmargolis will be choreographing the piece. ‘Wonderland’ is set to debut on November 8th, 2025 at Broadway Performance Hall. Seattle, WA 98134
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Joseph Ehrenpreis, and I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. My work bridges classical performance, composition, and contemporary interdisciplinary practice. I hold two Master’s degrees from the Yale School of Music.
I specialize in playing the 8-string Brahms Guitar, an instrument that extends the range of the guitar up and down by a string. The guitar I play was handmade out of California Redwood by Miroslav Tadic.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
There are a long list of friends, family, and mentors that I owe credit to for the genuine connections we have bridged together. Most recently, my primary mentor at the Yale School of Music, Benjamin Verdery, allowed me to say, “I am. I do. And with music I heal.”
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
As a soloist and composer, I am often granted this opportunity by large crowds of people. To them, I am so grateful. They pay with money, but also with time and presence….deep listening. We have so much access and stimulation at our fingertips at all times, so for them to show up and be still, fragile, and also at ease with me, means more than I could say with words to them.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
“Assume good intentions and intend good things.”
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
Running from my apartment, downhill towards Santa Monica Beach. During my first week living in LA, my friend Casey took me on a run as the sun was setting, and we put our feet in the water together. This has become a personal ritual of mine, a way to touch base with myself, Los Angeles, and the vastness of the ocean.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JosephEhrenpreis.space
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/brahmsguitar
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-ehrenpreis-20857686?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ZwWaK9SUpA8bzyMcYo5m0?si=Tm6gvf9zQKGa4vUvtQIhUQ
