Alexandra Gardner, Composer

We're closing out season 1 with a conversation with composer and coach Alexandra Gardner. Alex and I talk about what drew her to composition, and we do a deep dive into what it's like to put together a career as a composer. You'll also hear about what inspired her to start coaching young composers in both the artistic and business sides of composition.  Full Show Notes

Today I'm having an interesting conversation with my friend and colleague Dan Nesbitt. Dan is currently the Head of Enterprise Services at HubSpot, but he was originally trained as a trumpet player. At some point, Dan realized that the life of a full-time musician simply wasn't in line with what he wanted out of life. We unpack what was behind his decision to make a shift, what it was like interacting with employers armed with a background in music, and what skills he developed as a musician that helped his transition. Full Show Notes

My guest this week is Lorin Cohen. Lorin is a prolific jazz bass player and composer who has played quite literally all over the world and his list of collaborations reads like a whos who in jazz, including artists such as Monty Alexander and Joe Locke.  Lorin is also an entrepreneur who has created online programs for aspiring bass players. Today we dive into what he feels are the traditional paths taken by most jazz musicians (or any type of musician, for that matter), and how he managed to break free of those constraints in order to forge his own path. Full Show Notes

This week I'm talking with Andrew Hitz. Andrew is a world-class performer and musician entrepreneur. In fact, his entrepreneurial endeavors are so multi-faceted that it was difficult to come up with a concise episode title! Andrew and I discuss all-things entrepreneurial, from identifying your unfair advantage to the importance of finding your own definition of success. Plus, you will find out what book Andrew thinks all musician entrepreneurs should read. Full Show Notes

This week I'm talking with Sara Sitzer and Mark Fry, Co-Artistic Directors of Chamber Music on the Fox.  Chamber Music on the Fox is a chamber music program that serves Elgin and other communities west of Chicago.  In this episode Sara, Mark, and I discuss what it takes to run a successful non-profit, including what skills they needed to develop coming from a performance background. Full Show Notes

Today I'm having a fascinating conversation with Jennet Ingle, oboist, entrepreneur, teacher, coach, and author. Jennet has put together what she calls a portfolio career. She has managed to create a career that she loves from multiple sources, from orchestral and solo performances to her reedmaking business all the way to her popular online reedmaking courses and even an upcoming book! Jennet's story is an inspiring example of how we as artists are more than capable of forging our own path that can be rewarding both artistically and financially.  Full Show Notes  

Welcome to Episode 6! Today I'm having a great conversation with Rob Knopper, percussionist with the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and creator of some amazing online programs for musicians.  Rob was creating online opportunities well before the Covid-19 pandemic. We dive deep into what inspired him to look for outlets outside of his performing...his answer may surprise you! Full show notes

My guest today is Jason Heath. Jason is the strings product manager at Eastman Music Company, a bass player, blogger,  and the host of the highly successful podcast Contrabass Conversations, which at the time of this release has produced an astonishing 812 episodes.  Jason and I talk about a ton of great topics, including his musical journey, how he got into content creation, and how important it is to realize that there are different seasons in life, and that where you started out going doesn't necessarily have to be where you end up.   Full Show Notes

In today's episode I'm having a conversation with Jennifer Marotta, Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. Jennifer is a trumpet player and former United States Marine with an extensive performing and teaching background.  Jennifer and I discuss how she got started with teaching trumpet at the university level, what it was like to perform with the President's Own Marine Band, and whether or not music degree programs do enough to prepare students for life after graduation.  Full Show Notes

In this episode I'm having a conversation with Kat and Jeff Grant, the husband and wife team behind Total Shift Yoga and Soundbath. I'll start by stating the obvious...it has been a rough year for everyone. The stress and uncertainty of the pandemic has taken a toll on us professionally, physically, and mentally. It's at times like these when we tend to neglect our own wellness and self-care, yet this is exactly when we need to be doubling down on taking care of ourselves. That's where Total Shift Yoga and Soundbath can help! Kat, Jeff, and I talk about their journeys as musicians and entrepreneurs and how Kat got into yoga. And, if you're thinking right now, "What exactly is a soundbath, anyway?" Jeff has an answer for you! Full Show Notes