Musicians vs the World artwork

Musicians vs the World

106 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratings

Join professional musician, Christine Smith, as she discusses topics that face the day-to-day lives of those responsible for making the music we all love. Together, with experts and fellow musicians, Christine dives into everything from the business to the personal and even the social/political side of being a musician. It is a refreshing and honest look into the lives of those responsible for performing and creating the music in our lives.

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Episodes

Music's Power to Change the World For the Better

March 18, 2024 17:02 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

Today we are talking with Composer, Producer, Cellist, and Teaching Artist, Margaret Maria, about music’s power to change the world for the better. She shares her passion for creating music and giving back to the community by walking us through her not-for-profit organization "OrKidstra" as well as her creative projects. • Love at first sight with the cello • Learning to be fearless at Curtis Institute • Playing professionally. What comes next? • OrKidstra – not for profit serving kids in un...

Walking Through The Forest: Creating Video Game Music - Special Guest Amanda Cawley

March 04, 2024 19:43 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

Video game orchestral composer Amanda Cawley joins us to discuss creating the music and atmosphere for the video game Siegebreaker. It's a fascinating discussion of the challenges of composing and producing numerous musical options for interactive entertainment. Topics Include: • Creating different palates for different settings in different points of the game • Workflow for Video Game music - Who does the composer answer to? • 3 levels of intensity • Linear vs looping track • Composing f...

Be Creative When Structuring Your Career with Vinicius Barbosa Pippa

February 17, 2024 21:29 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

Composer Vinicius Barbosa Pippa believes that musicians need to be creative not only in their musical works, but also how they structure their career. In this episode we discuss Vinicius’ journey from Brazil to the Berklee College of Music, to LA where he is currently running his own company “The Music Giant.” During our conversation we discuss how to say yes to diverse opportunities without losing sight of the ultimate goal, how to gain essential skills in unexpected places, and how to have ...

Using Creativity to Cope: with Songwriter, Musician, Author, & Amputee Survivor, Carlos Baker

February 04, 2024 20:10 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

Today we are talking with Carlos Baker, who is sharing his story of overcoming childhood cancer and using creativity through becoming a songwriter and author to deal with the emotional aftermath. Topics Include: • The emotional aftermath of Cancer • Carlos’ hermitage in Germany • Seeing yourself as an artist • Using creativity to cope with depression and anxiety • Working with a producer • Song melody vs syllabic melody • Working with studio musicians • Advice for future musicians Song Wri...

The Invisible Art Form of Music Editing with Yuri Gorbachow

January 20, 2024 21:53 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB

Today we are exploring the world of music editing, the invisible art form that is a success only if you don’t notice it. We are lucky to have the award-winning music editor Yuri Gorbachow here to talk with us about this topic. Yuri Gorbachow is the founder of Aesthetic Corporation, a sound and music production company with a rich history in the audio for video industry. With a career spanning over 35 years, he has been working behind the scenes, ensuring that the music in some of the most ic...

Frozen Planet II: Behind the Music with Adam Lukas and James Everingham

January 09, 2024 02:24 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MB

In this episode of Musicians vs the World, we talk with Adam Lukas and James Everingham, the incredibly creative composers behind the music to the BBC’s Frozen Planet II. We’re going to do a deep dive into the inspiration and composition techniques they used when creating their beautiful score and we’ll also chat about their experience collaborating with Norwegian singer, songwriter and record producer, Aurora in this project. TOPICS INCLUDE: · Vomiting birds and baby seals · Collaboration w...

Songs Of Earth: Creating a Symphony of Sound with Tormod Ringnes

December 24, 2023 00:17 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MB

Tormod Ringnes is a Norwegian sound designer and sound editor. He is an avid collaborator and sought-after artist for much of his contributions, expertise, and precise dictations in the sound design community. In this episode, Tormod describes his collaboration with filmmaker Margreth Olin, editor Michal Leszczylowski, and composer Rebekka Karijord on the 2023 Norwegian documentary film "Songs of Earth," which was recently selected as Norway’s entry into the International Feature category...

Sound Editing and Re-recording 101 with James Parnell

December 10, 2023 05:28 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

In our latest episode of Musicians vs the World we’ll be learning about the role and importance of the sound editor and re-recording mixer in the film and television industry. It’s a possible career path for musicians, so we’re going learn about it over the next 2 episodes. My guest today is Supervising Sound Editor and Re-recording mixer, James Parnell from Monkeyland Audio. Topics Include: • The difference between a sound editor and a re-recording mixer • The process of re-recording and m...

Removing Barriers: Creating a Career Through a Non-Traditional Path with Kyle Rodriguez

December 04, 2023 16:14 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MB

Our guest today is composer, producer, and songwriter, Kyle Rodriguez. He’s here to share his thoughts on building a career as a composer in the film industry through a non-traditional path. We also get to hear some great stories about gear, analog vs digital music production, and some tips on how to become a good composer’s assistant. Topics Include: Doing things the hardest way possible Analog or Digital? Gear Kyle loves The secret to learning how to write orchestrally Lessons learned fro...

Be Ready When NBC Calls: Alexander Hitchens on Composing for Sports

November 12, 2023 01:12 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MB

It’s football season! Ever wonder where the networks get the memorable theme music for their broadcasts? In our latest episode I’m talking with Alexander Hitchens, one of the top composers in the sports music business. He’s here to talk with us about his latest project composing music for NBC’s Big 10 football package, and how being observant and being prepared can change the course of your career in unexpected ways! Stay ready so you don't have to get ready! TOPICS INCLUDE: -How Hip Hop and...

Horror & Action Film Sound Design with Grant Meuers

October 29, 2023 05:11 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

In honor of Halloween, we’ll be talking with Grant Meuers, sound designer for “The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster,” on how not only music, but sound design can effect an audience’s experience and emotions. We talk about the importance of sound design, how to look at sound compositionally, foley, and how Grant balances his life while running his company “Snow Globe Sound.” Topics Include: • The difference between sound design and sound editing • The thought process behind the sound design i...

A Treasure Hunt for Miguel Yuste's Music

October 14, 2023 19:12 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB

Dr. Malena McLaren joins me to discuss her decades-long passion project of discovering little-known Spanish clarinet works, their characteristics, and the stories behind their composers. This information is critical for composers wanting to integrate Spanish influences into their compositions, as well as musicians wanting to perform this music with appropriate stylistic nuances. Topics Include: • Malena’s journey to Spain to find Yuste’s music • Miguel Yuste’s Life • Characteristics of Spa...

Affiliate Income For Musicians with Dr. Tonya Lawson

October 01, 2023 00:25 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

Have you ever heard of affiliate income, and how it can boost your financial situation as a musician and/or teacher? I am fortunate today to introduce you to Dr. Tonya Lawson who happens to be an expert in this very topic. We’ll be diving into details into how to use your website properly, together with social media, to generate income. Topics Include: · How passive income can create stability for free-lance/independent musicians and music teachers · What is affiliate income? Is it possible...

Wide Open: How to Claim Your Dream (with Singer/Songwriter Kelly Monrow)

September 17, 2023 00:23 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB

After an intense introspective moment during the pandemic, Kelly Monrow decided to pivot her artistic expression from acting to music. Months within launching her career, the determined musician had already amassed more than 2.5 million streams and made her performance debut at SXSW in Austin. In this episode, she candidly shares her story, her creative process, and advice for other musicians wanting to claim their own musical goals/dreams. Topics include: • Why pivot to music? • Kelly’s cre...

Beyond the Emmys: Composing and the Television Academy with Sherri Chung

September 04, 2023 20:43 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MB

Sherri Chung has been recognized internationally as a trailblazing composer for film and television. From her beginnings as a classical pianist to award-winning composer, she has been recognized internationally as a trailblazer throughout her career. In 2022, she created history by being elected as the first female governor of the Television Academy’s music branch. In this latest episode, Sherri talks about her career, her work on HBO Max/Amblin’s animated series “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mog...

Mark Evitts: Preparation + Opportunity Equals Success

August 27, 2023 01:40 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

“This is a moment to cherish…not everybody gets to do these kind of things.” Mark Evitts is an accomplished American composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose career spans multiple genres and has led him from Nashville to The Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. Following his early career work as a road musician playing with country music artists, Mark has established himself as a versatile songwriter and composer. His songwriting credits include co-writing Nas' single "Brunch on Sun...

The Magic and Chaos of Music Production with Vago Galindo

August 20, 2023 01:21 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

“Embrace the chaos. Breathe. Choose what you like about it. Repeat.” Today Christine talks with Latin Grammy and Grammy Award-winning producer, mixer, and engineer Vago Galindo. Together they discuss the production side of music, specifically about engineering, mixing, and producing, and how all of those things are critical to conveying the emotions of recorded music. Vago has worked with an impressive list of artists such as Juanes, Whiplash, Vale, and Elvis Costello, among many others. Be...

Developing Your Stage Presence with Pop Singer/Songwriter Felice

August 06, 2023 02:42 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MB

What makes a great performance? Yes, the quality of the music is a part of it, as is the skill of the musician. But the really successful musicians have all of that plus a thing called “stage presence.” They have the ability to connect with their audience on a personal level, and create truly meaningful performances. But why do some musicians have great stage presence, and others don’t? Are people just born with it, or is it a skill that can be developed? In this episode, Christine is joined ...

Audiation and Music Learning Theory with Siliana Chiliachka

July 23, 2023 03:39 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

The word "audiation" means “to think music.” For music teachers who incorporate audiation and its accompanied Music Learning Theory in their teaching, it is a way to help students deepen their musical understanding from the very beginning of training. Music Learning Theory is a comprehensive approach for musical learning, based on an extensive body of research and practical field testing by Edwin E. Gordon. In this episode, Christine discusses audiation and Music Learning Theory with pianist ...

Musical Collaboration in Hospitals with Gaelen McCormick

July 08, 2023 13:42 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MB

After losing her hearing to Ménièr’s disease, Gaelen McCormick pivoted from her position in the double bass section in the Rochester Philharmonic to become Director of Eastman Performing Arts Medicine. EPAM’s four pillars are to Heal, Inspire, Care, and Learn. Through these four pillars, EPAM combines music with healthcare by promoting music therapy, conducting research into music’s effects on cancer treatments, and offering performance opportunities for musicians in hospital waiting areas. I...

What Happens When You Cross Dinosaur Bones With a Double Bass?

June 25, 2023 06:15 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

Raptor Violin? Hadro Cello? Triserachord? Fat Rex? These are real instruments crafted out of fossils, bones, and traditional string instruments. How better to bring the sound of dinosaurs into the 21st century? In this episode we continue our look into innovative composition in our conversation with composers Kara Talve and Anže Rozman. They, working alongside Hans Zimmer at the Bleeding Fingers Music Composers Collective, had the unique challenge of creating music to underscore Apple TV+’s P...

Tom Third's Musical Collage

June 10, 2023 20:49 - 45 minutes - 42 MB

“Let’s figure out where the boundary is by crossing it, and then walking back.” Award-winning composer, Tom Third, is known for his experimental leanings, using unconventional instrumentation to create novel textures and palettes. In this episode, Tom takes some time out of his busy schedule to chat with Christine about discovering the music hidden in ordinary objects, making a collage of sound using organic and synthesized samples, and working with other creatives on projects ranging from te...

Do You Need a Publicist? With Kate Twilley, Publicity Coordinator at Impact24 Public Relations

May 28, 2023 01:08 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MB

Today we continue our series of episodes on building your music career. What do you know about publicists? When do you need one? What can they do for you? Here to teach us about this topic is Kate Twilley, Publicity Coordinator at Impact24 Public Relations. Hopefully, this episode can give you some clarity on what publicists do, and can help you in your decision on whether or not you need a publicist at this point in your career. Topics Include: What does a publicist do, and who needs ...

Why Your Website Isn't Working For You: With Taylor Rossi

May 14, 2023 02:02 - 33 minutes - 30.2 MB

In this episode we are continuing our look into taking charge of our music careers. We’re focusing on website design with Taylor Rossi. Taylor is a Boston-based flutist and the website designer for Nicole Riccardo Media which offers conversion-based web design for classical musicians. As you listen to Taylor discuss this topic, you will be amazed at how many mistakes we as musicians are making on our websites. Topics Include: -What is a conversion-based website? -What are common mistakes ...

Cultivating Your Portfolio Career with Jennet Ingle

April 29, 2023 21:19 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

In this first episode in our series of “How You Can Take Control of Your Music Career,” we are exploring the idea of the Portfolio Career, and how musicians can make choices to take control of their lives artistically and financially. Here to guide us on this first crucial step is Musician/Entrepreneur/Teacher/Writer/Coach Jennet Ingle, who is an expert in the field of “being your own CEO” in order to become "The Happiest Musician. " Topics include: - What is a Portfolio Career? - Finding th...

Finding Your Own Eclectic Voice with Sandro Morales-Santoro

April 16, 2023 00:34 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

"Work towards discovering what makes you unique...what makes you, you. That's what's going to set you apart from the rest." Award-winning Venezuelan composer Sandro Morales-Santoro joins us today to talk about his career in Los Angeles, where he composes music for film and television, as well as interactive and new media. We also discuss the importance of collaboration and experimentation in his work on National Geographic's "Restaurants at the End of the World," as well as the eclectic influ...

Music Licensing 101: With Eric Copeland

April 01, 2023 13:49 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

What is licensing? How can it be a source of income for musicians? In this episode we're talking to Composer Eric Copeland from "Make Music Income" as he gives us an introduction into the world of music licensing and how it can be a part of a musician's income stream. Specifically, we’re going to look into sync licensing and stock music licensing. Both of these options can be a source of income that maybe you haven’t thought about if you’ve mostly been performing or teaching during your car...

Beauty Does Not Know Geographic Boundaries

March 18, 2023 21:27 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MB

Music has long been known as a method of communication and bonding. It has the ability to synchronize our bodies and stimulate neuro-chemicals in the brain that help us feel connected to each other. But can this creation of unity and good happen on a large scale, maybe even an international scale? Can music actually be used to decrease tensions between nations and bring in diplomacy? This question was put to the test in 2008, when the New York Philharmonic gave an unprecedented concert in Py...

Ten Female Composers to Listen to in 2023: With Jenny Boster

March 05, 2023 07:06 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB

Female composer representation in music world has come a long way since our first chat with Jenny Boster three years ago. Jenny Boster, NCTM, is the owner of The Playful Piano, and author of the Shades of Sound Music History series. To celebrate Women's History Month, Jenny has returned to teach us about 10 more female composers we need to listen to in 2023....okay, there's a chance we talk about more than ten....but who's really counting? Topics include: *Updates in the world of female compo...

Forging Your Own Path: with Composer Adrian Dunn

February 19, 2023 01:05 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MB

Adrian Dunn is a prolific composer, conductor, and performer, who has paved a new path in 21st century concert music by honoring and preserving the legacy of Black music in America. After a long weekend of performing, Adrian sat down with Christine to discuss his career, his music, and his passion for promoting and supporting Black music and musicians, and acknowledging their important role in the history and future of American art music. Topics include: *Emancipation: Act 2 and Preserving t...

Illness, Injury, and the Musician: The Inspiring Story of Trombonist Bradley White

February 05, 2023 01:50 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MB

We’ve all heard the advice (even in this very podcast!): take care of yourself and you can prevent injuries! But what happens when a sudden medical issue arises and threatens to derail your musical career? It’s the stuff of nightmares, so we musicians try not to talk about it. But not talking about it can cause feelings of isolation and hopelessness for musicians dealing with these challenges. Fortunately, there are musicians like trombonist Bradley White, who are willing to tell their story ...

Accommodating Learning Differences in the Private Music Studio: With Dr. Shannon McDonald

January 21, 2023 20:17 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

When should a learning difference prevent a person from being successful in music lessons? Short answer? Never. Many times, small adjustments and accommodations can be made by music teachers to make lessons accessible for their neurodivergent students. Dr. Shannon McDonald is an educator, advocate, and avid researcher in the field of clarinet pedagogy. In today's episode, she shares her pedagogical guide on learning differences in the private music studio, in hopes of helping music teachers g...

Taking Charge Of Your Career In 2023: With Nicole Riccardo

January 08, 2023 04:49 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MB

Forget what the stories say, there is nothing romantic about being a starving artist! As the vast majority of professional musicians are self-employed or free-lancers, being able to make enough income to survive is always on the mind. This is especially true at the beginning of a new year, when many people take stock of their lives and make goals for the future. In today’s episode, Nicole Riccardo (musician, marketing strategist, and business coach) makes the case for looking outside the box ...

2022 in Review: Reflections and Updates!

December 23, 2022 19:26 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

As we at the Musicians vs the World Podcast say goodbye to 2022, Christine takes a moment to look back to the amazing guests and conversations we’ve hosted over the past 12 months. She also takes a few minutes to give some interesting updates to a few of our previous conversations! Guests Featured in this episode: Dr. Renee-Paule Gauthier https://www.mindoverfinger.com/about Dr. Kensley Behel https://www.kensleybehel.com/ Sam Rothstein https://www.candidclarinetistpodcast.com/ Joel Dallow ht...

In the Mix: The Music of "Dexter: New Blood" with Producer Patrick Derivaz

December 11, 2022 02:52 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MB

Patrick Derivaz is a Producer, Engineer, Composer, and Musician who has worked with artists such as Philip Glass, Erika Badu, A Tribe Called Quest, Jeff Buckley, Charles Mingus Band among many others. Most recently, he collaborated with our previous guest, Pat Irwin, on the creation of the score for the hit series, Dexter: New Blood. In part 2 of our “Behind the Score” series, Christine and Patrick discuss the artistry behind mixing, and how it enhances musical compositions and projects. Top...

Behind the Score of "Dexter: New Blood" With Composer Pat Irwin

November 27, 2022 02:26 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

It is no secret that the score to "Dexter: New Blood" was essential to the world-building and emotional arc of the popular Showtime series. How did it get that way? What makes composing for film and television such a collaborative process? Does that collaboration help or hinder a composer’s creativity? Award-winning composer and musician, Pat Irwin, has much to say about this. And we should listen to him. Pat been a part of influential musical projects his entire career. From his early days i...

Beyond Bossa Nova: Celebrating Brazilian Classical Composers with Guilherme Andreas

November 13, 2022 01:54 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MB

"Music is a language, and we all express ourselves through it. Their struggles are being told through their music. And as we listen to their music, we become...more connected and more human." Flutist Guilherme Andreas celebrates underrepresented Brazilian composers in his new album, "Beyond Bossa Nova." In today's episode, he shares not only his own story, but the fascinating stories of many overlooked Brazilian composers featured on his album. Composers discussed in today's episode: Leopol...

Reading Music: Strategies & Sequencing for Different Reading Styles

October 30, 2022 04:07 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

Are you an over-reader, or an over-skimmer? Is there something that is getting in the way of improving your sight-reading skills? Our guest today is Dr. Malena McLaren, and in today’s episode, she and Christine talk about different types of note-readers, and some very specific strategies for sequencing and scaffolding to improve music reading. This is a great episode for teachers, students, or professionals that feel they’ve hit a wall with their reading, or may want some very practical steps...

Musicians and ADHD

October 16, 2022 04:33 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

“Remember that ADHD is a superpower!” Christine is joined by Dr. Kensley Behel, Dr. Joy Hoffman, and Ms. Sarah Dotterweich in a round-table discussion about being a musician with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Drawing on their research and own personal experiences, the panelists offer a candid and honest picture of how ADHD affects them personally and professionally. From performance anxiety and executive functioning difficulties, to perfectionism and masking, our guests offer the ...

Competition in Music with Dr. Brandon Bascom

October 02, 2022 05:09 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MB

Composer Bela Bartok famously said “Competitions are for horses, not for artists.” And yet, competition can be a fierce and constant presence for those pursuing a life in music. Why do we have competition in music? Is it a necessary evil? Does it create exciting opportunities and open professional doors? Or is it something toxic we should just get rid of altogether? That's the topic of conversation with special guest, pianist and arranger, Dr. Brandon Bascom. Together, Dr. Bascom and Christin...

Teaching More Than Notes: Choral Teachers are Awesome Part 2

September 18, 2022 01:50 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

Sometimes there are just too many great stories to fit into one episode! Today is part 2 of our look into Choral Education and its impact that reaches much farther than learning music. In our last episode, we learned a bit about Bill’s background, and how he worked with school administration to create incredible opportunities for his choral students. In today’s episode, we take a minute to talk about expectations, how to set them, and how to motivate students to reach them. Through even more ...

Choral Teachers are Awesome

September 03, 2022 23:50 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

Today, as students across the US prepare to go back to school, we at Musicians vs the World want to take a couple of episodes to dive into the career of a school educator. These unsung heroes often give students their first taste of music making or ensemble work, and help to create memorable experiences that can shape the trajectory of a child’s life. In the next two episodes we’ll take a look into the life of high school choral director William C Davis, whose teaching took him up and down th...

Composing and Publishing in a Digital World: With Piano Pronto's Jennifer Eklund

August 20, 2022 21:11 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

As the world becomes more and more digital, musicians need to adapt in order to survive. This fact is perhaps most evident in the world of composing and publishing. In today's episode, our host Christine Smith chats with Jennifer Eklund, composer, arranger, and founder of Piano Pronto Publishing. Through innovation, flexibility, and determination, Jennifer Eklund has established herself as a leader in digital publishing, and her brand as a favorite among music teachers and students alike. Tod...

Don't Be a Lone Wolf: Collaboration for Musicians with Amy VanderLugt, NCTM

August 06, 2022 19:11 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

As of 2017, an estimated 194,000 musicians are in the US labor force. Approximately one-third of those musicians identify themselves as self-employed. How do these “lone wolf” musicians find the support and resources they need to survive their careers? In today’s episode, Amy VanderLugt, NCTM, President of the North Fulton Music Teachers Association, joins Christine to talk about the importance of networking and professional collaboration. Drawing on her experiences from over thirty years as ...

What Can Musicians Learn from Athletes? with Dr. Kensley Behel

July 24, 2022 03:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

What do professional musicians and professional athletes have in common? What can musicians learn from Olympic Gymnasts, or from the developments in American Football safety equipment? Dr. Kensley Behel is on a mission to raise a health aware mindset to reduce injuries in musicians. Learning from her own experiences with injury, experiences as a journalist covering professional gymnastics, and research in the field of Performing Arts Health, Dr. Behel is dedicated to improving physical and me...

50th Episode Celebration! Learn from Experience

July 10, 2022 01:00 - 41 minutes - 38 MB

To celebrate their 50th episode of Musicians vs the World, the team wanted to make this special episode focusing on their listeners! After gathering questions from aspiring musicians and fans of the show, host Christine and producer Russ sought out answers from experts and fellow musicians. From college courses and career opportunities to preparing for competitions and dealing with performance anxiety, Christine and Russ share the advice from experienced experts, and discuss some of their own...

Music For Social Change: Dr. Nkeiru Okoye Part 2

June 26, 2022 06:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

Dr. Nkeiru Okoye is committed to creating music that engages communities and affects social change. In part two of their conversation, Christine and Dr. Okoye explore what it takes to engage communities through new music, and the impact that music makes on people and society at large. It's a genuine inside look into the mind, heart, and compositional process of a modern composer.

"My Name is Nkeiru Okoye": A conversation with composer Dr. Nkeiru Okoye

June 12, 2022 01:00 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

Composer Dr. Nkeiru Okoye's music defies categorization. She is an expert at fuzing different musical styles and genres into her music, and injecting humanity into difficult subjects. Her mission is to create music that engages communities and affects social change. In part 1 of this 2-part episode, Dr. Okoye takes time out of her busy schedule to talk with Christine about her inspiring life story. From a shy little girl whose teacher tells her she'd never have a life in music, to becoming 20...

The Emotions Of Music

May 29, 2022 05:15 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MB

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." What happens to our bodies when we are deeply moved by music? Why do some people weep at a beautiful melody? Perhaps most concerning to the host of this show, why doesn't Christine, a life-long music lover and musician, shed tears over music? Is she a heartless robot? It turns out the answer to that question is as complicated and fascinating as music itself. Join Christine as she explores the research on t...

Mindfulness For Musicians with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier

May 15, 2022 01:37 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB

Many musicians have found that adjusting back to normal life after the pandemic has been difficult in surprising ways. The stress from the transition back to the hustle of musician life has effected musicians on the stage, in the practice room, and in life balance. In today’s episode, Christine speaks with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier, from “Mind Over Finger,” on how practicing mindfulness can increase quality of practice, quality of musicianship, and quality of life for all musicians. Dr. Gauthi...