Careers in Crescendo: Lessons for Musicians: Recent Episodes
Institute for Music Leadership
, and teaching at community colleges prior to his doctoral degree at Eastman. Reggie also speaks about A Cappella Camp, a program he founded and continues to run, and discusses the challenges of entrepreneurial endeavors as well as the potential for creating impactful experiences for the students his team serves.
In this episode, Jeff chats with members of the Zohn Collective: an artist-driven ensemble dedicated to the performance of contemporary art music. Flutist Molly Barth and cellist Colin Stokes '10E discuss their unique journeys touring and creating community opportunities, and pianist and composer Dr. Daniel Pesca returns to the podcast to discuss the formation of the Zohn Collective and the ensemble's approach. The group shares thoughts on creating mission-centered ensembles, planning opportunities in advance, and changes in career journeys.
was the recipient of a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research grant. Earl is joined by Mukuhi, a student in the program, and together they discuss the history of the Academy, the impact in the community, and how dialogue and collaboration affect both the musical and extramusical experience.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Tristan Swihart '21E and Micah Detweiler about pax duo: a dynamic new percussion project that aims to break preconceptions of contemporary percussion through collaboration and new creation of genre bending works. Tristan and Micah discuss their personal journeys and the inspiration for this ensemble, along with their other professional ventures and projects. The guests offer their insights and recommendations for those interested in professional chamber music, building a network in a new location, and starting ventures post-graduation.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Scott Lykins and John Taylor Ward about their journey in creating the Lakes Area Music Festival. Scott and Taylor are co-founders of the festival, which began as small performances between semesters at Eastman, and has now grown into a summer of performances in central Minnesota featuring over 250 artists. Scott and John discuss the evolution of the festival, the ways it's impact their journey, and share advice for those with similar interests and goals.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Justin Berrie about his journey as both a flutist and investment professional. Justin describes his pursuit of an orchestral career, his experiences with Symphonica Arturo Toscanini and the St. Louis Symphony among other orchestras as a substitute, and the realizations that encouraged him to alter his path. Justin details how he entered the investment business and the lessons he learned about leveraging the skills he developed at Eastman.
In this episode, Rachel Roberts chats with Rena Kraut, the Executive Director of CAYO. Through a successful career as a freelance clarinetist and educator, Rena had a pivotal experience in Cuba that encouraged her to create this cultural partnership between musicians in the US and Cuba. Rena shares this experience, more about the weeklong visits to Cuba, and the lessons learned through these opportunities for musicians to connect.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Angela Rubin, a violist, scholar, and educator who was the first recipient of the AMP Up grant. Angela discusses her recital program, musical goals, and approach to programming repertoire by female composers not originally for the viola. Angela shares her marketing approach that won the grant funding, and the lessons learned through executing her project.
and shares his perspective on how musicians can take the necessary steps to reach their goals.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Dr. Charles Limb, the Francis A Sooy Professor and Chief of Otology and Neurotology and Skull base Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Elise Piazza, Assistant Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, and Gaelen McCormick '92E, the Director of the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center. The panel discusses an intersection of music and medicine in researching how people hear music, cochlear implants, and the career journeys of those researching music.
Elliott and Trumbore interviewed 28 composers to compile advice and information that supports a composer's journey, including negotiating contracts, understanding copyright, diversifying income, and more. Both discuss their personal journey as musicians, and their work supporting young composers to enable creators to build a sustainable career.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Cori Trenczer' 24E about Smorgasbord for Your Fingerboard: an e-book in level-order of pieces for solo cello by a diverse roster of composers. Cori won an IML Mentorship grant to support their research and development of this book, and discusses the insights gained through those conversations and what learners can find in this upcoming pedagogical material.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Victoria Paterson '93. Victoria's career has spanned over twenty years of touring productions and performing on Broadway, creating and leading the Mostly Modern Projects and Festival, and contracting musicians in New York to perform in hospitals. Victoria provides advice to musicians on finding and creating opportunities, and illustrates the way in which musicians approach creative work and making impact in our communities.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Norman Menzales, flautist and Eastman alum who is a first-generation Filipino-American and active advocate for the rich culture and musical traditions of the Philippines. Menzales received a Paul R Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant to support the Sampaguita Flute Project and the recording of Panoramas: Flute Music of the Philippines. Menzales shares his professional journey and provides advice to the next generation of musicians starting their careers.
In this episode, Eastman grad student Syara Robert hosts a conversation about the ways musicians can optimize their performance. Two Eastman faculty share their perspectives: Katie Fittipaldi discusses her journey with Alexander Technique and uses, and Lindsay Baker shares her thoughts on consent and her role as an intimacy director.
In this episode, Jeff chats with the Kuo Duo, Cass Lo and Daniel Davis, about their recording project funded in part by an IML Mentorship Grant. Joined by the composer and Eastman professor Matt Curlee, the discussion centers on the percussion duo's mission, the ups and downs of the recording, and concepts to bear in mind when engaging in new music and recording projects.
In this week's episode, join Jeff Dunn as he speaks with alum Ashley Schlusselberg '25E, discussing Ashley's experiences as a student at Eastman, exploring her Jewish identity through music, and how she built connections with the local Jewish community of Rochester. As one of the first recipients of Eastman's AMP Up Grant, Ashley was able to utilize funding and resources to engage with the community as she prepared for her senior recital.
In this episode, Jeff chats with guitarist, educator, and author Adrian DiMatteo '12E about his unique journey. Adrian is the founder of the Sonic Institute, which offers experiential workshops, training programs, music lessons, healing sessions and events designed to help people connect with sound and music as a tool for meditation and healing. Adrian also discusses his experiences performing across the world, experiencing music making in different cultures, and his mindset that has enabled his journey as a professional musician.
In this episode, Jacob Rose '24 chats with Dr. Mark Powell '19E (DMA), Director of Orchestral Activities and Senior Lecturer at the Arthur Satz Department of Music on the University of Rochester's River Campus. Dr. Powell speaks about his musical journey - from his early inspirations and experiences as a conductor to his time at the Eastman School of Music, his teaching philosophy, and future plans for his ensembles.
In this episode, graduate students Uday Singh and Julian Stuart-Burns chat with team members of Eighth Blackbird about the ensemble's history, growth, and initiatives. Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the GRAMMY award-winning ensemble, Matthew Duvall shares the evolution of the group and how the organization's mission has evolved. Garrett Obrycki '13E expands by adding his journey and perspective as the Director of the Creative Lab, an immersive residency that brings together composers, performers, and technologists to develop and perform new works.
In this episode, Jeff chats with members of Blacktop Percussion, Brandon Berlanga, Michael-Lee Smith, and John Dawson, about their project "Scintillations," which was funded in part by an IML Mentorship Grant. The percussionists discuss creating their group, their first project, and the challenges in creating a new commission. Scintillations composer Sebastian Zhang joins the conversation to share his role in the project, and advice for those looking to create similar works.
In this episode, Jeff chats with members of District5, a DC-based wind quintet unafraid to program the seemingly impossible, and winners of a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant. District5's grant funded "The QUEEN-tet Project: A Symphonic Drag Story Hour," a collaboration including Tara Hoot, an award-winning DC-based drag queen, and composer Christen Taylor Homes. Tara Hoot and Christen join the conversation to discuss the creation and impact of these performances, and long with conversations about all these musicians' journeys.
This episode features Vincent Huang '22E (MM), recipient of an IML Mentorship Grant for his project, the China International Low Brass Elite Seminar. Hear about Vincent's decision to study abroad in the US and his creation of the Seminar, offering masterclasses, lectures, and concerts for all levels of students in Nanjing, China. Joined by Professors Mark Kellogg, Professor of Trombone and chair of the Winds, Brass and Percussion Department and Larry Zalkind, Professor of Trombone, the seminar took place in the summer of 2024. Tune in to hear their experiences abroad and to discover why gaining experience beyond the classroom is crucial for personal and professional growth.
In this episode, Jeff sits down with Rick McRae, Catalog/Reference Librarian at the Sibley Music Library, where he primarily catalogs Eastman-related materials such as dissertations, concerts, and recital recordings. Rick shares his journey to becoming a music librarian, as well as insights on the value of staying open to new career opportunities while keeping a creative outlet alive. He also discusses the resources available to those interested in the field, the challenges of librarianship in the digital age, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the Sibley Music Library, the largest university music library in the U.S.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Chad Smith '98E (MM), saxophonist and woodwind artist. Chad discusses his varied experiences touring, performing on Broadway for shows such as Wicked and Threepenny Opera, among other live performance and recording in both New York and Los Angeles. Additionally, Chad speaks about his teaching and development of a multi-woodwind degree, and offers advice for those exploring opportunities in musical theater.
In this episode, IML Associate Director Blaire Koerner chats with Eastman alumna, English harpist, educator, and actor Dr. Rosanna Moore. Moore talks about the challenges, opportunities, and suggestions for international musicians who aim to study and work in the United States. She will discuss the steps she took to gain her positions and visa status in America, such as becoming tenured second harpist at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, to the transition back over the pond and starting anew in yet another country as the recently appointed Assistant Lecturer in Harp at the Dublin Conservatoire at TU in Ireland.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Alexander Davis, founder and Artistic Director of Sugar Hill Salon, and Brianna Garcon '23E, the Director of Development, about their organization and a series of concerts in Jackie Robinson Park funded in part by a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant. Sugar Hill Salon is one of the first chamber music series and artistic collectives that centers on black and brown woodwind artistry in classical music. Sugar Hill Salon is a black and queer-owned organization that offers free public concerts in Harlem that showcase wind repertoire that lacks representation within traditional chamber programming along with uplifting black and brown musicians performing them. Through commissioning chamber works and monthly concerts featuring artists on the scene, Sugar Hill Salon is decolonizing classical music for a more equitable future for black and brown communities.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Eastman alum and IML Mentorship Grant winner Michael Witt. Witt discusses the Zephyr Ensemble, a group he founded that brings together the aspects of the modern wind ensemble and mold it into a chamber setting. He shares his goals and inspiration for creating this group, the changes in his journey that led to his grant project, and his experience navigating performances and recording in a new country.
In this podcast, Eastman alumni Noah Sesling '22E and Christopher Dingstad '04E discuss their roles as artist and orchestral managers, offering valuable insights and advice for students aspiring to enter this career or hoping to obtain a manager in the future. Sesling is a Senior Assistant Artist Manager at IMG Artists, while Dingstad spent 15 years as an artist manager for CAMI Music and HarrisonParrott, among others, and is now the Head of Artistic Planning at the Dresdener Philharmonie. They also reflect on how their education at Eastman has shaped their professional journeys. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the field and hear about personal experiences that highlight Eastman's long-term influence on individual growth and career trajectories.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Glenn McClure, eco-musician and composer, about his path traveling the world and capturing the voice of the Earth. McClure discusses his compositional approach to translating natural mathematical data into music, his time with the European Space Agency, and his travels to Antarctica through the U.S. National Science Foundation. He also covers the value of collaborating with people both inside and outside of the field of music and expanding musicians' musical palate. This is a fascinating conversation on the intersection of science and music.
In this episode, Jeff chats with the members of 3D Percussion about their performance of Refract in Chicago in the summer of 2024. 3D Percussion's mission is to connect with audiences by curating creative musical experiences that we believe in, and includes Youngkyoung Lee '24E (DMA), Sammy DeAngelis '23E (MM), and Emma Gierszal '20E (MM) '24E (DMA). The trio describes the creation of the group, how they manage and run the ensemble, and the creative ways they fulfill their mission and bring performances to life.
In this episode, flutist Laura Lentz discusses her blog, her time abroad in Italy, and framing concerts in a meaningful way for audience members. Laura created The Insightful Creative, with interviews, articles, and resources to support creatives in their work, connecting artists together through shared stories and ideas. She also speaks to her work as the artistic director of fivebyfive, an "award-winning, artist-led ensemble known for its impeccable musicianship and adventurous spirit" and her new book, Modal Flute Warmup. You'll also get to hear a clip of her new EP, Prismatic / Plasmonic, which debuted on September 6th.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Leah Schuman '96E (MM) '01E (DMA), Associate Professor of Trumpet at the VanderCook College of Music, and the Executive Director of One City, VanderCook College’s community program. One City provides free music lessons, rehearsals and instruments to students from Chicago’s local elementary schools and neighborhoods, and received a Paul R Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant to support their new drum line. Leah discusses her journey as a trumpet player and educator engaging in the community, and making impact through One City.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Colin Crake '19E, saxophonist and co-founder of the Hana Hou Music Program. The Hana Hou Music Program has a mission to develop, advocate, and provide music education in Maui, Hawai'i, and to serve as a free musical resource to the community regardless of background, artistic ability, or economic circumstance. Colin won an IML Mentorship Grant to support this organization, and discusses his journey that led to this program starting, the resources and tools he used to start the organization, and the challenges presented by the 2023 wildfires.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Alexa Tarantino '14E, a jazz saxophone and woodwind artist, composer, and educator based in New York City. Alexa discusses her journey as a touring musician, recording artist, and educator, and talks about her balance of creative projects and endeavors. Alexa offers ideas and reflections to those considering recording and educational projects and reflects on her experiences as a student at Eastman.
In this episode, Rachel Roberts is joined by Jamal Rossi, the Joan and Martin Messinger Dean of the Eastman School of Music. Dean Rossi reflects on his leadership journey, navigating differences between institutions, and his next steps as he steps down from his role at Eastman.
In this episode, Rachel Smith chats with Alecia Lawyer, the Founder, Artistic Director, and Principal Oboe of ROCO. Based in Houston, Texas, ROCO is a dynamic and innovative professional chamber orchestra that flexes from 1 to 40 musicians from all over the US and Canada, with guest conductors from around the globe. Alecia discusses her journey to found ROCO, the philosophies that have guided and shaped the ensemble, and ROCO's initiatives to create access to their music and performances.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Tiffany Valvo '12E (MM) '16E (DMA), a devoted teacher, digital content strategist, classically trained clarinetist, and a high-energy human. Tiffany shares her story about life during and after her doctorate at Eastman, her time as a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, and her experience with the Digital Clarinet Academy. Tiffany describes her current work as a Digital Content Specialist, and shares her best tips for those seeking to build their online presence.
Daniel Pesca joins us to discuss his career as a solo pianist, chamber musician, and composer as he arrives at Eastman as an Assistant Professor of Composition. He speaks about his roles as a founding member of the Grossman Ensemble and co-director Zohn Collective; a useful listen for any musician interested in managing ensembles and premiering new composers’ works. He also mentions the importance of keeping an eye on the future while juggling practicing, performance, and composition, and that it’s okay to not do everything all at once – “things have to ebb and flow”.
Brad Lubman talks about the complex following behind new music – how some people really enjoy it, but others shun it – and how that cycle has repeated throughout history. Discussing Mahler, Stravinsky, Ligeti, Xenakis, and others, Lubman expands on the notion of what “new music” is and how it has been examined throughout history.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Joshua Conyers, a GRAMMY-nominated baritone and Assistant Professor of Voice at the Eastman School of Music. Professor Conyers discusses his journey into the worlds of opera and higher education, and his experiences telling both fictional and factual stories through opera.
In this week's episode, IML Director Rachel Roberts has a conversation with Eric Booth, a renowned teaching artist whose work has inspired thousands more across the globe to engage with students of all ages on how art impacts us in so many ways in our lives. Join them as they discuss Eric Booth's new book, "Making Change", his expansive career, and what's coming up next for him!
In today's episode, Jeff Dunn and IML Director Rachel Roberts chat with the faculty members for the 2023 and 2024 Eastman Leadership Academy: a week-long, online program for current undergraduate and graduate music students who are interested in becoming leaders in their profession. These faculty members, Monique Van Willingh and Sarah Forestieri, discuss their backgrounds as professionals in the music sector, and what they each enjoy about the Academy's ability to connect, challenge, and inspire its participants each year.
In this episode, Jeff chats with educator and trombonist Catie Hickey '07E about Brass Beyond Binaries, a new organization empowering female and gender expansive musicians. Catie discusses her journey after graduating from Eastman, and the challenges of making impact as a freelance musician.
In this episode, Jeff chats with IML Mentorship Grant winner Stephanie Tateiwa about her album "Journey in Passion", and finding inspiration with her colleagues here at Eastman. Stephanie discusses some of the cultural influences that are present in her album, discovering her voice through music from a young age, and how that has led to her passion for helping the next generation find theirs.
In this episode, Jeff Dunn sits down with Adam Sadberry during his visit back to Eastman to talk about Adam's recent career shift going from an orchestra musician to a freelancer. Adam discusses his passion for making music on his own terms, as he embarks on a new chapter in his career with a focus in educating fellow flutists on technique, musician wellness, and reflects on his time as an Eastman student.
In this episode, Rachel Smith interviews Gavin Chuck, the Executive Director of Alarm Will Sound. This professional ensemble grew out of a student-led ensemble at the Eastman School of Music, OSSIA, and the members now enjoy diverse portfolio careers. Rachel and Gavin discuss educational systems, new music, and the modern musical canon.
In this episode, Jeff chats with Ben Jalensky, a current Eastman student pursuing a Master's degree in Trombone Performance and Literature. Ben is one of the founders of the Sacred Heart Chamber Music Summit, which launched in the summer of 2023 and was supported in part by an IML Mentorship Grant. Ben is joined by co-founder, Johnum Palado, and they discuss creating this opportunity for young musicians.
In this episode, ESM alumna Megan Goodsell '22E (MM) speaks about her project, Tuneful, as well as her current teaching endeavors and other work at the Eastman School of Music. Tuneful is a set of online resources for teaching all band kinds to be independent musicians, and was supported in part by an IML Mentorship Grant.
In this episode, ESM alumna Vanessa Rose '98E, Executive Director of the American Composers Forum, discusses the recently released digital media resource titled "Anatomy of a Commission," supported in part by a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant. Joining the conversation is Melissa Ngan '02E, President and CEO of the American Composers Orchestra, a partner on the project, and a faculty member of Eastman's Master of Arts in Music Leadership degree.
In this episode, the four members of the Kilbourn Quartet discuss their project "Storytellers: A Student Composition Workshop." These four undergraduate students were winners of an IML Mentorship Grant, which supported this project to engage young learners in the compositional process.
In this episode, IML student-staff Rachel Smith discusses the Context Conference with Eastman Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion Crystal Sellers Battle. Dr. Battle is leading the Context Conference at the Eastman School of Music November 3-4, 2023, and discusses the need of such an event. More at esm.rochester.edu/context.
In this first episode of a new season, now under the name "Careers in Crescendo: Lessons for Musicians", host Jeff Dunn chats with Rachel Smith (B.M. Applied Music) about all of the offerings of the Institute for Music Leadership. Smith, who is on the IML Production Team as student staff and a Fellow in the Catherine Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Certificate Program, tells her story about how the IML has supporter her career development.
In this episode, ESM faculty Lisa Caravan and Alden Snell discuss their project "Expanding the Curriculum: Commissioning Diverse Repertoire for Intermediate Band and Orchestra," along with the commissioned composer, Brittany Green. This project was funded in part by a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant, and highlights how a composer can engage with young musicians to create a relevant and impactful learning experience.
ESM student Rachel Smith chats with Aliana de la Guardia, Artistic Director of Guerilla Opera (Boston, MA), and composer Emily Koh about HER | alive.un.dead: a concert-length media opera about three generations of Asian women in a single family written by Koh. Guerilla Opera won a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research grant from the IML to support the premier of this new opera, taking place at the Pao Arts Center in Boston on May 12-14, 2023. Smith chats with these trailblazers about creating new opera, and what makes Guerilla opera unique compared to other opera companies.
In this episode, IML Director Rachel Roberts sits down with former Boston Symphony CEO Mark Volpe ('79E) to discuss leadership, management, and his experience leading major orchestras in the United States. Volpe is an alum of the Eastman School of Music, and the 2023 Commencement Ceremony speaker.
How do you evaluate your graduate school offers? What should a musician consider when applying in the first place? In this episode, we hear from Dr. Matthew Ardizzone, the Marie Rolf Dean of Graduate Studies at the Eastman School of Music. Ardizzone discusses the factors that applicants should consider when pursuing graduate school, as well as some of the considerations when accepting an offer of admission and assistantships.
In this podcast, Eastman alumni Liza Malamut and Ben David Aronson discuss forming their chamber group Incantare, a consort of sackbuts and violins that highlights the musical and cultural connections of under-explored musicians from the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. The cofounders talk about navigating the needs of the chamber group, connecting with audiences, and balancing their portfolio careers. Incantare won a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant to present their program, "Exile," which explored the influence of Italian, German, and eastern European music and Jewish Culture. Incantare is presenting this program at the Hendricks Chapel as part of the Malmgren Concert series at Syracuse University on Saturday, February 19th, 2023 at 4:00 PM.
NYC cellist Laura Metcalf is one of the founders of The Overlook: an uptown New York City string quartet amplifying the music of Black Composers. This ensemble was a product of the challenges faced in 2020, and acted in response to the murder of George Floyd.The Overlook received one of IML's Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation in Research grants to support their festival "If the Stars Align." In this episode, Laura chats with host Jeff Dunn about The Overlook, and their origins, mission, and future.
ESM alum Russell Rybicki moved back to his home state of Texas not long before the COVID pandemic slammed the breaks on live orchestra concerts. After a tumultuous time with the San Antonio Symphony, Russell shares his experiences with the San Antonio Philharmonic and the way an orchestra is emerging from ashes of its predecessor, and the lessons musicians have learned along the way.
ESM alum Scott Stratton transitioned away from a career as a full-time trombonist and educator, and now works as a Certified Financial Planner. In this episode, Scott details his journey to make changes to suit his ambitions, while still making music regularly.
Michael Wayne joined the Eastman School of Music faculty in the fall of 2021 as the Associate Professor of Clarinet, having prior performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops, and the Kansas City Symphony. In this episode, Zach Goldstein chats with Michael about his career journey and values that led him to his new position.
Educating yourself outside of school. You may have heard the common analogy that school is a bubble. The outside world works very differently than school does, and it is important to test the waters while you still have your school support system."Go out and try because you'll be surprised how many things you learn, how many people you meet and how you can grow trying these things out and testing out stuff outside of school." - Dr. Blaire Koerner
Molly Sonsteng was the director of admissions at the Manhattan School of Music and had just completed a Master's at Columbia Teacher's College with her eye on rising through the ranks in higher ed. Then, one day, with no back-up plan, she just quit. After taking some time, brainstorming, researching, and exploring, she ended up co-founding Madcap Factory, an "amusingly eccentric production house." A few years later, she started Caveday, facilitated work sessions that happen in a group to enhance focus.
PhD candidate Pallas Catanella interviews Molly and asks about her journey from academia into something completely different. What skills did she need to learn, and what skills were transferable from her previous career? Let's get curious.
With many musicians jostled out of typical routines due to COVID-19, it is especially important to prioritize sustainable work and mental health in the present as well as in our plans for the future. What are your values? How can you keep your tank full so that you're not running on empty? How can you prevent burnout? What do you do if it's too late?
If you plan to become an orchestral performer, you will need to unionize. Dr. Koerner demystifies the process and what it means not only for orchestral performers, but freelancers, and other professional musicians.
For minisode 7, Dr. Koerner discusses health care and benefits for professional musicians. If you are a freelancer, there are plenty of ways to secure health care, life insurance, and other necessary benefits. Health care and benefit packages are also big considerations when negotiating a job offer in a more traditional setting. With so many young musicians harboring fears around health care and benefits, hopefully, this episode will provide some tools and ideas for acquiring these important aspects of a career.
Today, Dr. Koerner discusses artist management. Do you need it? When is the right time to get it? How does it work? Is it even necessary? Most importantly, how do you begin your career without a manager or pursue a solo or chamber performance career without one?
For the fifth iteration of the career miniseries with Dr. Blaire, Koerner, we are discussing Freelancing.
Freelancing is tough because it can make up the entirety of a career, a small part, or a big part. Regardless of how much freelancing you find yourself pursuing, there are some essential skills that you must have. Organization is one. Interpersonal skills are another. Listen to the full episode to hear about taxes and other topics that might not immediately come to mind.
In our fourth iteration of the miniseries, Blaire discusses a popular topic: what it takes to become a full-time tenured faculty member. It is not a backup plan, it requires a doctoral degree, and you need to have teaching, performing, and academic service experience. Luckily, Blaire takes us through the nuts and bolts of writing your teaching CV and the process of gaining necessary experience. Take a deep breath. It can be tough to succeed in such a competitive job market, but there are ways to take control of your journey.
In our third episode of Dr. Blaire' Koerner's miniseries, we give answers to many questions such as: Should you go? How do you choose where to apply? How many schools? What are some do’s and some don’ts? Most importantly, Dr. Koerner asks the most important question: Why? Almost every graduate school question leads back to why you want to pursue a graduate degree. Also, do not forget that the graduate school landscape is always changing even in the last few years.
Networking does not have to mean walking around a conference with business cards and a sales pitch. In fact, this is not a very effective way to network. In the second installment of our minisode series, Dr. Blaire Koerner explains how to build your network organically. Who will your targets, supports, allies, and mentors be?
Our host, Stephen Biegner is back from paternity leave, and we are all back for the Fall 2021 semester. This marks the first episode in our new series of minisodes. Each one is packed with around 15 minutes of essential advice from frequent podcast guest, career advisor, and new Assistant Director of the IML, Dr. Blaire Koerner. In today's episode, Gaining Experience, Blaire reminds us that experience is anything that contributes to your skills, your knowledge, or finding other individuals that will help you pursue your career goals. She also guides us through the scenario many know all too well: What do you do when you need experience in order to gain experience?
Ari Solotoff started off working in orchestras behind the scenes - first as an intern, and then as an orchestra manager. After sitting in on labor negotiations one day, he decided he wanted to go back to school for either an MBA or a law degree. Ultimately, he noticed how almost every decision he and his team were making in the orchestra had legal implications and how interwoven music and the law were. Fast forward one law degree later, and Ari has now started his own firm where he works with musicians, composers, and artists helping them with a variety of legal issues facing the arts community today. Tessa Nojaim - ALP certificate student and Eastman tuba performance student - has also always been fascinated by the law. This winter she applied to both law and music schools hoping to find a school that would let her build her own program around both interests. She talks to Ari about how she can marry the two, and what's important for any musician to know about the law.
Special Guest host Dalanie Harris from the Classically Black Podcast talks with Garrett McQueen about all of the recent diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives started by many conservatories and classical music organizations following the murder of George Floyd - Eastman included. Did it not matter for the past 99 years of our history as a conservatory? And what does this really mean for those involved, and what's the best way to go about it?
In February of 2018, two students who had been attending Eastman for almost 2 years – Dalanie Harris and Katie Brown – met for the first time in the Detroit airport. Just nine months later, they’d launched the Classically Black podcast. Now, with over 100 episodes under their belts and a devoted following, Classically Black is growing and still going strong. We learn more about the hosts, what inspired them to start the podcast, and talk about why it was important to create a digital space for black musicians to embrace their blackness.
We have a conversation with Ashley Danyew about what goes into having a church job and discuss her pivot from music director to musicpreneur (that's a musical entrepreneur). Listen to how Ashley discovered both a fulfilling career and her passion at the intersection of church music and music education to develop a successful blog and website.
DMA Percussion student Emma Gierszal is back this time interviewing Eastman alum Colleen Bernstein about her project Strength and Sensitivity. Hear how what started out as a one-time concert is now an adaptable, multi-media project that's seen more and more performances across the country. Emma also asks Colleen about her time at Eastman, her collaboration with the Strong Museum of Play, and her new teaching job that has her working with almost 600 students.
A conversation with Georgia Mills and Grant O’Brien, both grad students in the orchestral conducting program. When they found out that their teacher would be fully remote and that their ensemble, Musica Nova, was suspended for the fall due to COVID, Georgia and Grant took a long walk together and plotted. The result: MO Ensemble – a 13-player string ensemble that the two could use to get real, in-person podium time. Listen to what went into getting this project started and what it took to keep it running during the pandemic.
DMA student Emma Gierszal interviews Laura Lentz, professional flutist and artistic director of the modern chamber quintet fivebyfive, about their upcoming project - For the Future: The Susan B. Anthony Historic District (Music, Art, and Action). The two discuss the genesis of the event, what went into planning for such an event - especially during COVID - and ultimately focus on why it’s important to be engaged in your community as an artist.
This short-form episode is a conversation between IML student worker Frances Inzenhofer and her double-bass professor James VanDemark. Frances asks her teacher some big questions from how to choose the right path, what are some fundamental truths of a musician, the role of the artist in society, and the importance of being kind. James VanDemark shares his thoughtful responses and draws you in with his clear, well-spoken, well-articulated ideas.
A conversation with Rachel Roberts, the Associate Professor of Music Leadership and the Graduate Degree Program Director for the Institute for Music Leadership at the Eastman School of Music, that quickly shifts from practical tips on negotiating salary to the gender wage gap. It's all interconnected. Listen to us talk tips, and go down some deep rabbit holes.