Christina Smith, flute

Christina Smith, principal flute of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, shares incredible stories of her career in music. We discuss studying with Julius Baker, her vintage flutes, life in the Atlanta Symphony and how teaching recharges and energizes her.  Christina's passion for music and love of playing is inspiring and engaging!

In this episode, Grace Browning, principal harp of the Rochester Philharmonic, shares stories about her life as a harpist.  We discuss audition preparation, the history of harp pedagogy, the innovations of the modern harp, and how social media is making the harp cool.

In this episode, we are chatting with Weston Sprott, trombone with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Dean of the Preparatory Division of the Juilliard School. We chat about the unique journey that Weston took into the world of music, memorable performances, and the dreams he has for his role as Dean.

In this episode we are chatting with assistant professor of oboe at the Butler School of Music, Dr. Andrew Parker. He tells us stories of his journey as a young musician, choosing between piano and oboe, the experiences that helped him develop his confidence as a person and player, and learning to excel alongside performance anxiety. 

In this episode, conductor Daniel Hege, discusses the defining moments in his career.  From a last minute opportunity to conduct the Baltimore Symphony on tour, to studying with Daniel Lewis, his journey has been filled with twists and turns that highlight his joyous demeanor, courageous attitude, and preparation.  Enjoy these stories from the Music Director of the Wichita Symphony.

San Francisco Symphony Orchestra bassoonist, Rob Weir, chats with Inside the Notes about his career.  Touring Mahler symphonies with Michael Tilson Thomas, performing with the Saito Kinen Orchestra, and studying with Bernard Garfield are a few of the many important moments that shaped his life as a musician.  Here we discuss those experiences and hear the stories that shaped his life.

Jennifer Montone, principal horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra, chats with us about life in a principal chair. She discusses mental preparation, recovering from injuries, balancing the many facets of her life, and the concerts which made a lasting impact on her. You will find her energy and passion both uplifting and inspiring!

Conductor Christoph-Mathias Mueller talks passionately about reviving the works of Alexander Veprik, working closely with Claudio Abbado and Vladimir Ashkenazy, and his many experiences conducting throughout Europe.

Craig Mumm, associate principal viola of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, shares his favorite moments from his life in the opera pit.  From inspiring singers, to working with Carlos Kleiber, we hear some of the opera's most beautiful moments.  

In this episode, career coach Angela Beeching, discusses the importance of finding your true purpose in music.  As we grow our careers we must find a way to define exactly what our goals are, in order to reach them.  Hear stories about how her own experiences in music and higher education lead her to the path of helping others.