BSoMBODY: Recent Episodes
Butler School of Music at UT Austin
Go inside the Butler School of Music to see how our talented faculty and students create inspiring music.
In this podcast episode, we talk to Master's student Minoo Dixon about his recently composed piece, Balatro. Balatro recently won the National Band Association and Alfred Publishing Young Band Composition Contest and has since been published by Alfred Publishing.
In this week's episode, we talk to Ahana Bhat, who is the vice president of the Longhorn Singers. Bhat discusses who the Longhorn Singers, their history, getting through the Covid pandemic and how they are transitioning into the Butler School of Music.
https://www.longhornsingers.com/
@LonghornSingers
In this week's episode, we talk to Pejah Carr, who is the president of the Longhorn Singers. Carr discusses who the Longhorn Singers are and how they are transitioning into the Butler School of Music.
https://www.longhornsingers.com/
@LonghornSingers
In this week’s episode, we chat with Chris Prosser, Lecturer in Theory at the Butler School of Music, about the upcoming 2025 Here Be Monsters music festival. Chris walks us through this year’s exciting and eclectic lineup, which spans two nights of cutting-edge performances.
On Saturday, May 24, the festival kicks off at 6:45 PM and features acts like Maru Haru, Jessy Eubanks + Band, Density 512, LOLA (Local Opera Local Artists), Amorsima Trio, VAMP, Anuj Bhutani, Tetractys New Music + Zed, and the Kraken Quartet.
Sunday, May 25 starts with student composers from Studio A, followed by performances from Austin Unconducted, One Ounce Opera, Golden Hornet, Line Upon Line with Aida Shirazi, Man Woman Friend Computer, Invoke, Tatsulok Trio, Goliath Was Bigfoot, and Panoramic Voices.
For more information or to buy tickets visit https://www.tetractysnewmusic.com/hbm25
In this episode, we talk to Rachel Spencer, a D.M.A. student in jazz trumpet performance, about the upcoming tour of Japan. Rachel not only discusses the tour, but also shares insights into what jazz music education looks like in the United States, particularly in K–12 schools. She reflects on her experience teaching jazz at the middle school, high school, and now university level, and explains why jazz education is fundamental to developing lifelong musicians.
In this episode, Professor Diego Rivera discusses the Butler Jazz Orchestra's upcoming Japanese tour. He talks about the Japanese jazz scene, the logistics of the tour, and what he is most looking forward to accomplishing in Japan.
In this episode, we talk to violinist Yusong Zhao about winning the concerto competition and his upcoming performance of Dmitri Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 77.
In this week's episode we sit down with Director Garnett Bruce as he discusses the Butler Opera Center's newest production of The Marriage of Figaro.
In this week's episode, we sit down with pianist Maria Parrini to talk about her winning the Butler Piano Concerto competition and her upcoming performance of Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto with the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra.
In this episode, we sit down with saxophonist Jacob Feldman to discuss winning Butler's Concerto Competition and being part of the saxophone quartet ZED.
In this week's episode, we talk to Jennifer Wilks about her new book, Carmen in Diaspora: Adaptation, Race, and Opera’s Most Famous Character. She discusses the many adaptations of the opera Carmen, from the Harlem Renaissance to modern-day Beyoncé.
Jennifer will be giving an in-person talk about the book on the 150th anniversary of Carmen on Monday, March 3, 2025, in the Gordon-White Building (GWB 2.206) at 2:30 PM.
Dr. Wilks is an Associate Professor of English, African & African Diaspora Studies, and Comparative Literature. She is also the director of the John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies.
UT students and staff can access the book for free here:
https://academic.oup.com/book/58660
The book can be purchased here:
https://global.oup.com/academic/produ...
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Sam Lipman to discuss the world premiere of his Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, set to be performed next week by the Austin Symphony. Sam shares insights into his collaboration with legendary trumpet player Ephraim Owens, whose unique musical voice seamlessly blends blues, bebop, and classical traditions in a way that transcends categorization. The concerto serves as both a celebration of Ephraim’s extraordinary artistry and a heartfelt homage to Austin’s vibrant and diverse musical culture.
In this episode, we talk to opera singer Sophio Dzidziguri, who won the Butler School of Music concerto competition and will perform with Butler's Symphony Orchestra on April 26, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Bates Hall.
In this podcast episode, we sit down with oboist Andrew Parker to discuss his new album, From the Sea to the Stars. We also explore his teaching philosophy and his upcoming performance in China.
In this episode, saxophonist and professor Stephen Page talks about his upcoming performance of John Corigliano's Triathlon. Stephen discusses the three different saxophones he will use in the concert, as well as some of the challenges and interesting aspects of the piece.
In this episode, Maestro Jerry Junkin discusses the Wind Ensemble’s upcoming concert at the Long Center on January 25, featuring John Corigliano’s masterpiece, Symphony No. 3: Circus Maximus. He also reflects on commissioning Circus Maximus more than 20 years ago and shares his original notes from John Corigliano about the piece.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with ethnomusicology Ph.D. student Ailish F. Quiñones Rivera to discuss all things Christmas in her native Puerto Rico. She delves into the rich and intricate Christmas music traditions that make Puerto Rican music truly unique.
Undergraduate student Vaishnavee Sundararaman shares her journey from growing up playing Indian classical music to exploring a variety of roles at the Butler School of Music.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with Ph.D. student Hannah Neuhauser to discuss the music of Hanukkah.
This week, we sit down with DMA student Ellen Sirower as she discusses the upcoming Lunar New Year's concert and how to get involved. She also shares insights about her work incorporating music philosophy into the University of Texas Elementary School through the PLATO Foundation.
In this week's podcast episode, we talk to composition professor Russell Podgorsek about his new piece, Invisible Women. This composition explores the lived experiences of the five women who make up the vocal group VAMP. Invisible Women will have its world premiere on Saturday, the 23rd, at 7:00 PM, and Sunday, the 24th, at 3:00 PM in Austin.
Tickets are available at https://www.vampvocals.com/.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with Rainwater Grant winner Selina Xu as she shares the inspiration and details behind her Shanghai Jazz Project. This unique initiative revives the vibrant jazz scene of 1920s–1940s Shanghai, a golden era of music that faded with the rise of communism and the banning of Western influences.
🎶 Concert Details
Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Butler School of Music, Room 2.114 (Band Room)
Extras: Enjoy Chinese refreshments after the performance.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with undergraduate senior Kevin Charoensri as he talks about what it's like to be a composer. Kevin discusses conducting and composing for his high school band while still in middle school, as well as what it's like to teach graduate students at graduate symposiums as an undergrad. He also shares his experience of having his piece selected to be performed by The President's Own Marine Band.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta talks to Professor of Jazz Studies Mike Sailors. He discusses his new album, teaching improvisation, how he fell in love with the trumpet, and advice for young people looking to get into jazz trumpet.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with senior music education major Kendall Weaver who shares what it is like to be a Butler music student, everything from getting in, the transition from high school, and even a first orchestra rehearsal, Kendall has advice on navigating it all.
Did you know we have a dedicated mental health professional in the College of Fine Arts right here? In this video, Niki Luibrand explains her role and how to seek mental health support for you or someone else.
Counseling & Mental Health Center:
https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/cmhc/
Longhorn Wellness Center:
https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/lwc/i...
Behavior Concerns and Advice Line:
https://bcal.utexas.edu
24/7 Crisis Line (available nights, weekends, and during semester breaks and holidays): 512-471-2255
TimelyCare (virtual mental health and wellbeing platform available to UT students):
https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/cmhc/...
Mind-Body Labs:
https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/cmhc/...
UT Austin Nap Map & Other Wellness Resources:
https://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/l...
The 2024 University of Texas Choirs's Big Sing is just 4 days away. In this week's podcast episode, we sit down with J.D. Burnett to talk about all that is the 2024 Longhorn Big Sing.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta interviews Kristin Wolfe Jensen about her book "The Breathing Book for Bassoon". She discusses this and healthy habits that all musicians can use to stay safe.
In this week's episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with Mikhail Smigelski as he discusses bringing back Bortniansky’s opera Le faucon (The Falcon). This podcast features performance excerpts from last spring's performance.
https://youtu.be/PGNmbA1dA2M
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with Laurie Scott, Associate Professor of Music and Human Learning and the director of the String Project. She discusses several topics related to the String Project:
-What the String Project is
-How she got involved
-What the sequence of classes looks like
-What ages are taught
-Children with disabilities
-About the new String Project Coordinator, Rebecca Braun
-What the Suzuki method is
For more information about the String Project or to contact the String Project Coordinator, Rebecca Braun, you can reach her at:
Email: rebecca.braun@austin.utexas.edu
Phone: 512-471-0363
https://music.utexas.edu/pre-college-...
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with a true Butler legend, Professor Emeritus Martha Hilley. She reflects on how she journeyed from a small town in Texas to becoming one of the most influential figures in group piano pedagogy. Hilley also discusses her role in the emergence of group piano, as well as organizations like the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy (NCKP) and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).
In this episode Nathan Cutietta sits down with Andrew Dell'Antonio as he talks about his approach to teaching, how it has evolved over time, and a new teaching initiative that he is undertaking with the help of E.G. Gionfriddo.
In this podcast episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with Susan Thomas, Director of the Butler School of Music. Thomas discusses highlights from last year as well as some exciting new developments for 2024/2025.
This week, Nathan Cutietta sits down with Tyler Ehrlich, the host of KMFA's "From the Butler School," where he showcases music by Butler faculty and students every Monday at 9pm on 89.5 KMFA.
Visit KMFA's website at https://www.kmfa.org/ for more information.
To submit music, email Tyler at tehrlich@utexas.edu.
Jeanne Hourez, a recent DMA graduate, shares insights into her journey to secure her first teaching position. She highlights the extracurricular activities that played a crucial role in securing the job and offers advice to current and future graduate students on enhancing their competitiveness in the academic job market.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down with Dr. Margarita Denenburg as she talks about Butler School's piano project and some tips for parents looking for a good piano teacher.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta sits down and talks with Butler DMA student Connor Behrmann as he talks about his work with the PhD Career Pathways program, and how graduate students have many career opportunities even while pursuing their graduate degree.
In this episode, Nathan Cutietta talks to opera singer Leah Crocetto about her recent adventures including singing at a ball, the Met, and a European festival.
We discuss BSoM ethnomusicology student Elisa Alfonso's research on the largest migration of unaccompanied minors in the western hemisphere. Remembered as Operation Pedro Pan, more than 14,000 children migrated to the U.S. from Cuba between 1960-62. Elisa studies the influence of music and sound both in remembering the event itself, and shaping the identities and perceived identities of those involved.
World-renowned jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung is this year's featured guest for the Longhorn Jazz Festival. In partnership with Texas Performing Arts, the experience culminates in a collaborative concert with UT Jazz Orchestra who will perform several of Sung's arrangements.
Dive in to Butler Opera Center's first production of the year, Der Kaiser Von Atlantis. We share with you the opera's history and take you inside rehearsal as our students prepare for opening night.
Nick Hammel, a Butler School senior majoring in violin performance is now the youngest musician in the Austin Symphony Orchestra after he recently won an audition for the Principal Second Violin position. He trains at the Butler School under Associate Professor of Practice in Violin Performance Sandy Yamamoto.
Listen in on a recent rehearsal with Butler Opera Center's Tamara Sanikidze and acclaimed vocalist and DMA candidate Talin Nalbandian as they prepare for the upcoming Song Reimagined Series. The two will perform Maurice Ravel'sShéhérazade, a work based on the iconic female heroin and narrator of a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales known as "One Thousand and One Nights." Scheherazade magnificently avoided death at the hands of a ruthless king through the power of her immaculate storytelling.
When Butler Opera Center's Principal Conductor Douglas Kinney Frost began planning his first faculty recital over a year ago with old colleague and friend Andrew Stuckey, the two selected a work from English Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams called "House of Life" based on a shared passion for the music. But when Doug's mother was placed in hospice care about six months ago, the music took on a whole new meaning.
The Butler School's Wind Ensemble played in Bates Recital Hall recently for the first time in over a year. One of the pieces performed was "Of Our New Day Begun," by Assistant Professor of Composition Omar Thomas. He wrote it in response to the 2015 domestic terrorist attack at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine Black Americans were killed by a white supremacist. This is the story of how the composition came to be.
Led by Ethnomusicology Professor Robin Moore, the Hispanic Caribbean Ensemble plays a variety of musical styles including acoustic and electrified dance music mainly from the Spanish speaking Caribbean countries of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The ensemble consists of a wide range of musicians, from graduate Ethnomusicology students to undergraduate freshman, and it's a space where students of all skill levels can learn, grow musically and, most importantly, have fun!
After a year of online learning, find out how our students and faculty are dealing with a return to in-person school.