ArtsBound Coaching

Christian Lopez is a music teacher in a parochial school in New Jersey, as well as a percussionist and vocal director for music theatre companies in his community. When you talk with Christian about teaching, his commitment to nurturing the relationships he has with his students is evident. In this conversation, he speaks directly to how this aspect of teaching allows him to find fulfillment in the work.In the interview, Christian also touches upon his desire to continue growing as a performer while teaching, shares the role his parents played in encouraging his passion, reflects on his own question of whether he chose teaching for the sake of job security, and discusses the impact his identity as a Columbian-American has had on his relationship with his social environment. Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

Young musicians, dancers, and theatre artists grapple with any number of internal and external obstacles as they navigate the decision to pursue a career in their artform. But their parents have their own set of challenges and concerns, especially when they don’t have a personal connection with someone who has established a successful arts career.When their son, Jasper (featured on Episode 3 of the podcast), decided to become a film composer, Esther and Tom van Dijk had lots of questions. In our conversation, they discuss how they each supported Jasper in his artistic pursuits and the unique ways in which each of them processed their own feelings about the hurdles, struggles, and prospects that lay before their son.One of the main take-aways is Esther’s encouragement to other parents: Support your children so that they may have no regrets; encourage them to give their passions a chance, even if it means changing course later.Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

When André Solomon was in music school, he was one of only five Black students in a department of over 400. That experience, combined with the financial hardships of his childhood, codified a passion for creating more equitable pathways (and more pathways in general!) for young Black musicians to enter into the field. André also recognized the need for greater organizational savvy within arts organizations and his own need to diversify his skill set for greater marketability within the job market. He enrolled in Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Arts Management program, and he now supports the programs of two arts organizations. In our talk, André discusses how his desire to advocate for Black musicians shows up in his professional life, what his work as an ‘entry-level’ arts management professional looks like, and how he works to maintain his practice as a performer.Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

Dancer-choreographer Dr. Ayisha Morgan-Lee is the Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director of Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT). When Ayisha was growing up, she was often the only Black student in her dance classes. After earning her BFA in Dance at Howard University, at the age of 22 she started HDAT as a place where Black youth could develop a belief in their ability to enter the dance world, learning Black dance traditions from Black instructors. In this interview, Ayisha discusses the joys and challenges of being a Founder and CEO and offers encouragement to those with big dreams.Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

From running lights in a small college auditorium to producing concerts for artists of international acclaim, David Whitnack has over 25 years of experience in event production and artist management. The development of his career is a serendipitous tale studded with crucial decisions - a testament to the value of recognizing an opportunity and having the courage to pursue it. Dave discusses the nature of his work and the importance of how you treat the other people in your professional sphere.Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

Jason Cook is a trusted luthier and the owner of Backstage Guitars in Pittsburgh. When he was in high school, he taught himself to play guitar, playing with a punk rock band that achieved regional success. As he navigated his post-college years, he dedicated himself to building an innovative, customer-centered guitar store while learning the art and science of guitar repair. He’s now the go-to guy for repairs among many local players.Jason discusses the challenges and payoffs of owning your own business, as well as the important role artists play in society - a mandate to do what brings you alive!http://backstageguitars.com/abouthttps://www.instagram.com/backstageguitarshttps://www.facebook.com/backstageguitarsConsidering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

In her nearly three decades as a music educator, Kim Councill has taught in the public schools, served as a college professor, initiated music programs for early childhood and individuals with exceptionalities, and started a summer camp for middle schoolers. Most recently, she accepted a role as Associate Dean for the school of Arts and Humanities at Bucknell University. Kim and I discuss the variety of her work as a dean and the dilemma facing many musicians who become teachers and/or administrators: how to find personal fulfillment in being musically active on a regular basis.Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

Gerald Savage carries the value of healing deep at his core, something I recognized the first time I met him. In addition to his full-time work as a music educator, Gerald is a practicing sound therapist. In our talk, Gerald talks about the concepts behind his practice, shares examples of how he’s been able to help others, and discusses how his life journey led him to this work.soundpill.netConsidering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

In this episode of the ArtsBound Podcast, I’m joined by Emily Wertz. Emily is active as a performer, a teacher of singing, a children’s choir director, and a health & fitness coach. Her journey is a great example of wayfinding in earnest, and in our conversation, she shares her approach to maintaining a life that honors her values, as well as practical advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a vocalist.Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

In this episode of the ArtsBound Podcast, I’m joined by Walt Straiton, an educational consultant for Conn-Selmer. Before making the transition to music merchandising, Walt taught instrumental music in the public schools for over two decades. His story is a testament to the opportunities that can present themselves to a person who has flexibility in the way they view themselves as a professional, and who values networking as a driver of their vocation.Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

In this episode of the ArtsBound Podcast, I’m joined by artist-teacher-activist, Kendra Ross. Kendra has worked across multiple sectors of the music industry. Dig into her history, and you'll find her in the recording studio, on stage with a touring show, behind a departmental director's desk at Universal Music, in the classroom as a professor, and in the community as a consultant, activist, and storyteller. She has a great deal of wisdom and advice to share, including the importance of knowing the driving purpose behind the work you do.Learn more about Kendra’s work:act3cp.comhilldistrictartsplan.comConsidering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

In the episode of the ArtsBound Podcast, I’m joined by mother and music teacher, Meg McQue. Before making the choice to stay at home with her children, Meg taught elementary music in the public schools for several years. Her experience is a great example of finding work-life balance, and allowing your professional work to serve your desired lifestyle (rather than the other way around!).Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

In the episode of the ArtsBound Podcast, I’m joined by luthier and guitarist John Panaccio. As a tradesman, John occupies an often overlooked role with the performing arts world. He shares his passion for the craft, explains how he came across the profession, and offers great advice for anyone interested in exploring this age-old art form.Considering a career in music, theatre, or dance, and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com

In this episode, I’m joined by music therapist, Kory Antonacci. Kory is the Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy Program Coordinator at Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh. She discusses what it was like to discover her life passion in high school after considering other career options that didn’t seem like quite the right fit. Kory explains the scope and nature of the work of a music therapist and details the necessary steps for getting started on this path.Interested in a career in music, theatre, and dance? Check out our programs:artsboundcareerdesign.com

In this episode, Aaron White joins me to discuss his not-quite-famous but richly diverse experiences as a theatre professional. Aaron has lived and worked in multiple cities and states, doing everything from acting in classical Shakespeare and directing college productions, to building puppets for the stage and designing scenery for high school musicals. He reveals the challenges of receiving feedback as a professional actor, discusses the unique nature of doing theatre in semi-rural Pennsylvania, and shares what it’s like to be a husband and father while working as a performing artist.

Jasper van Dijk studied film music and sound design at Berklee College of Music. He lives and works in LA. Jasper talks about finding clarity in career-based decisions, getting started in the film music industry, the role of parent and family support, and the importance of doing what you love.https://www.jaspervandijk.com/Considering a career in film music - or other careers in music, theatre, or dance - and looking for guidance? Visit: www.artsboundcareerdesign.com

In this episode, actor Tess Marshall joins me to discuss her life as a stage performer. Tess has worked across Manhattan and the US, performing in musicals and other live productions. She has one of the most clear-headed stances I’ve encountered with regards to making a career as a performer, and a perspective on life that I think anyone would find inspiring.Interested in a career in music, theatre, or dance? Check out our programs:artsboundcareerdesign.com

Chris Leidhecker joins me for the first episode of the ArtBound Podcast. He shares the path he took to becoming a gigging/touring Nashville-based drummer, finding work-life balance as a gig-worker, and why where you go to college isn’t as important as what you do while you’re there. Plus, he has great words of encouragement for anyone looking to go into music or the other performing arts.leidhecker.comInterested in a career in music, theatre, or dance and looking for guidance?Visit: artsboundcareerdesign.com