23: Creating Your Own Path in Music With Sumina Studer

Creating Your Own Path in Music with Sumina StuderThis episode of B4 The Stage features guest Sumina Studer, who shares what it really looks like to create your own path in music. We go behind the scenes of how she broke the mold in the classical world, choosing not to pursue a traditional violin performance career, instead building a multifaceted identity as a content creator, presenter, speaker, and entrepreneur. Today, she runs her own social media management business, Animus, helping musicians and creatives grow their digital presence.What talk about:- How Sumina shifted from a performance-first path to a diversified creative career- What pushed her to reimagine what a “successful” music career could look like- Building Animus and supporting artists through social media strategyIf you’re exploring your identity as a musician or navigating a career pivot, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.Connect with Sumina:Website: suminastuder.comAnimus: animussocial.comYouTube + Socials: @suminastuderFollow B4 The Stage:Substack: b4thestage.substack.comInstagram: @b4thestageGrace’s Instagram (Host): @gracesviolinhttps://www.gracesviolin.com/podcastFind the podcast on YouTube and more! https://www.gracesviolin.com/podcasthttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...Enjoy the episode?Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, career building, and the modern music industry.

Alright, where have I been? I paused the show for a couple of years here! But I’m back and ready to be creating once again. :) Tune into this show to go behind the scenes of my own life and what I’ve been up to while I’ve been gone! Also, I’m starting an email list. Be sure to join my Substack! Find your host, Grace, on social media:⁠Website⁠⁠Youtube ⁠follow on IG:⁠@B4thestage⁠ + ⁠@gracesviolin⁠

Sophia Kannathasan studied at the University of Leeds. Sophia was also a member of the Chineke! Junior Orchestra. At the time of recording, during her journey to becoming a professional musician, she had been working outside London in Essex, working at a concert hall for an entire year while juggling her solo violin development. In this episode, we talked about: The "Am I good enough for music school?" How diversity plays a role in her relationship to music Practice routines Injuries Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin If you have any questions or topics you would like covered on the show, please contact me at [email protected]

Internationally acclaimed violinist Timothy Chooi, (pronounced “Chewy”), continues to mesmerize global audiences with his electrifying performances and profound musical interpretations. Renowned for his passionate renditions and extensive repertoire, Chooi has cultivated a vast following, with millions of viewers captivated by his artistry both on stage and across digital platforms.Timothy Chooi talks about his relationship with social media, working with managers, and finding new ways to promote your musical career. In this episode, we talked about: How to travel with an instrument working with a manager vs. by yourself. Personal finance tips for musicians, and promoting yourself online | RESOURCES |timothychooi.comfollow on IG:@B4thestage +@gracesviolin

Gina Luciani is a flutist and recording artist. Gina has a broad range of interests from branding, website building, and building good relationships. This episode of B4thestage explores the importance of creating opportunities for oneself. Gina's passion for film music goes back to her childhood and still lives in her today. In addition to being on 6 Oscar nominated films, Gina has performed with artists such as Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Carrie Underwood, Chance the Rapper, as well as recorded for various shows found on Netflix, including Arcane, and Cobra Kai.In this episode, we talked about:Gina's start with recording and path toward entering the industryImportant things to check when starting to record yourselfHow her mindsets lead her to succeedNetworking as a musician| RESOURCES |WebsiteInstagramYoutube TiktokFind your host, Grace Lamb, on social media:WebsiteYoutube follow on IG:@B4thestage + @gracesviolinPodcast edited byGalle Studios

Nathan Chan currently is a content creator, and assistant principal cellist in the Seattle Symphony. Listen along as we hear about Nathan's aural explorations as a cellist in different genres and formats (recording, performing, etc), his thoughts on cello technique, as creating music beyond the stage through content creating.In this episode, we talked about:His journey towards entering the professional music worldThe learning pacing he adopted for absorbing orchestral repertoireUsing recording as a tool to develop heightened listening skillsRelationships with social media and creationFind your host, Grace Lamb, on social media:WebsiteYoutube follow on IG:@B4thestage + @gracesviolinPodcast edited byGalle Studios

Kimberlee Dray is a performing musician who experienced hearing loss due to Ménière's disease. After studying music in college and switching to an English major, picking her violin back up became therapeutic and helpful for her condition. Listen to Kimberlee encourage being a doer, making a tribe for yourself, and serving others.In this episode, we talked about:1. Meniere's Disease2. Self-marketing and management3. Intentionality in choosing repertoire4. Serving the donorsFind your host, Grace Lamb, on social media:WebsiteYoutube follow on IG:@B4thestage + @gracesviolinPodcast edited byGalle Studios

John Zion has served as the Managing Director of MKI Artists since taking ownership of the firm in 2015. He oversees strategic planning and operations, and directs the careers of a prestigious roster of international artists. He serves on the board of Chamber Music America and has presented on arts-related issues at the Manhattan School of Music, the University at Buffalo, APAP|NYC, Chamber Music America’s National Conference, and the Avaloch Farm Music Institute. In 2012, he was named one of the “Rising Stars in the Performing Arts” by Musical America. John studied at Lawrence University and the Hartt School of Music; before coming to MKI Artists, he performed regularly as a violinist with orchestras throughout New England, taught public-school music, and toured Vietnam with his string quartet. In his free time, John enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling. |MENTIONED|WebsiteOur Concerts Instagram Editing softwareFind your host, Grace Lamb, on social media:WebsiteYoutube follow on IG:@B4thestage + @gracesviolinPodcast edited byGalle Studios

Anne Sophie Beranger is a violinist and teacher based in London, UK. She spends most of her time as a music teacher in the primary phase (from nursery to age 11), as well as private teaching. She’s been also broadening her Instagram page in creating a series dedicated to sharing musical facts. This episode explores how her musical upbringing lead her to a career of teaching.In this episode, we talked about:1️⃣ How Sophie got started with teaching2️⃣ What drives Sophie to teach music to young kids3️⃣ Curating a series on instagram4️⃣ Getting rid of her fears to then share her passions online| MENTIONED |Anne's WebsiteInstagramFind your host, Grace Lamb, on social media:WebsiteYoutube follow on IG:@B4thestage + @gracesviolinPodcast edited byGalle Studios

Drew Forde is a violist also best known as ThatViolaKid. He runs an improv comedy podcast that talks about music (faking notes podcast). In asking Drew for tips on podcasts, listen along to their conversation about creating connections with people, speaking to your audience, putting the social back into social media and more.In this episode, we talked about:1️⃣  Finding your "why"2️⃣  Conveyance of stories to your audience3️⃣  Tips on how to start and develop your podcast4️⃣  The next stops in the classical music world5️⃣  Kindness and giving to others OR listening and getting to know your community (This was for Drew's story about DMV)| MENTIONED |Faking Notes podcast found on all podcast streaming servicesInstagramFacebooktwitterDrew's website:http://thatviolakid.com/| RESOURCES |Japanese concept IkigaiAtomic Habits by James ClearHow to win friends and influence people by Dale CarnegieFind your host, Grace Lamb, on social media:WebsiteYoutube follow on IG:@B4thestage + @gracesviolinPodcast edited byGalle Studios