Divergent Paths with Dan Dunford

Hey Everybody. Back to normal episode length this week with composer/trombonist/attorney and super nice guy Frank Gulino. We talk about the importance of different composing niches, dealing with overplayed repertoire, music/entertainment law stuff, and much more. Featured on this episode is Frank's composition "Big Sky" for horn, tuba, and piano featuring Heidi Lucas on horn, Zac Collins on tuba, and Jacob Ertl on piano. For more about Frank: frankgulino.com Support the podcast: patreon.com/divergentpathspod

Hey kids. Check it out. This week I sit down with 18-year-old wunderkind (and current Mannes student) pianist Thomas Nickell in a short version of my usual show. Thomas just made his Carnegie Hall debut with the North American premiere of David Matthews' Piano Concerto, op. 11 with the UK-based Orchestra of the Swan. We talked about non-classical influences, the prodigy label, and other such things. Enjoy! Check out more about Thomas: thomasnickell.com Support the podcast: patreon.com/divergentpathspod

This week, I'm back with a fascinating interview with the composer Alex Weston. We cover his compositional interests, his background, his work in television and film, as well as his day job working for Philip Glass. It's good time. Featured on this episode is Alex's piece "Angles." It's dope. For all things Alex: alexwestonmusic.com To support this podcast: patreon.com/divergentpathspod.com

This week, because I had a wonderful experience performing with them this past week, I am re-releasing my Warp Trio interview. I sit down with violinist Josh Henderson and pianist Mikael Darmanie of the unusual and exciting ensemble Warp Trio. We talk about melding three unique voices and writing/improvisational styles into one unified voice, reaching a variety of audiences, and balancing a musical lifestyle. Featured on this episode is the track "Baseball" from their debut EP, "Warp Drive." For all things Warp Trio (their EP, audio, video and links to all their social medias): warptrio.com

Hey guys! I'm back! Episode 60! This week I'm with talented person Alice Bacon who cellos and graphic designs. We talk about crossover between music and art, processes in design, other music things and just generally chill. Check out her design work at Bloomsday Design: facebook.com/bloomsdaydesign instagram.com/bloomsdaydesign And for more Divergent Paths goodness: facebook.com/divergentpathspod

This week's episode with the delightful duo that is RighteousGIRLS. Which means flautist Gina Izzo and pianist Erika Dohi. We had a good time talking about origins and such, as well as their album "Gathering Blue", and music business type things like the ever-present problem of publicity. They're great. Featured on this episode: "...Out of the Blue (Postlude)" and KARakurENAI (feat. Andy Akiho) from their record "Gathering Blue", available on iTunes. For all things RighteousGIRLS: righteousgirls.com facebook.com/righteousgirlsmusic twitter.com/righteousgirls

Wow. A lot of titles for this guy. Seth Hanes is a horn player, digital marketing consultant, and the author of the new book, Break into the Scene: A Musician's Guide to Making Connections, Creating Opportunities, and Launching a Career, which is available now on Amazon. We talk about necessary persistence, marketing, being the solution, and all sorts of awesome juicy stuff. If you want to check out some free email templates that will help you pick up gigs and some other bonuses, visit breakintothescene.com. Support the podcast: patreon.com/divergentpathspod

This week, I chat with Conrad Harris and Pauline Kim Harris of the violin duo String Noise. We delve into how things sometimes turn into other things (SO VAGUE), how into project fits into a career as a whole, developing unusual repertoire,and much more! Featured on this episode are two tracks from their 2015 album "The Book of Strange Positions": "We Do Parties" and "Two Kinds of Noise." For all things String Noise: stringnoise.com facebook.com/stringnoise twitter.com/stringnoise instagram.com/stringnoise stringnoise.bandcamp.com

This week, I have a fun chat with pianist Salome Scheidegger. We talk her career, convention culture, video game music, and I say a lot of snarky things about classical music. Do it up! For all things Salome: salomepiano.com YouTube: http://bit.ly/2dbFWFQ facebook.com/salomepiano twitter.com/salomepiano instagram.com/salomepiano Subscribe to the Divergent Paths YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2arGcQr And donate to keep the podcasts and videos coming: patreon.com/divergentpathspod

This week, after a two week vacation from podcasting, Divergent Paths roars back with a fantastic interview with Ryan Streber of Oktaven Audio. We talk about his composing background, artistry in recording, and music business type things as well. ENJOY. It's good to be back. For everything Oktaven: oktavenaudio.com To donate to the show: htts://patreon.com/divergentpathspod

This week, my friend Jen Baker stops by to talk about her musical path to New York, her approach to contemporary performance, and the multi-year process that lead to her new book, "Hooked on Multiphonics: Multiphonics and Other Extended Techniques Demystified." A lot of contemporary music talk in this one. To purchase the book and all other things Jen Baker: jenbakersounds.com Support the podcast: patreon.com/divergentpathspod

This week, I have a chat with two delightful members of the killer Seraph Brass, co-founder and trumpeter Mary Bowden and trombonist Alexis Smith. We talk about origin stories, the rigors of preparing for a new season, music choices, and some general nerdy brass stuff. They are fun people. You should be their friends. Featured on this episode: Holborne - The Choise arr. by Jeff Luke Debussy - Clair de Lune arr. by Chuck Seipp For all things Seraph Brass and to check out dates for their upcoming season: seraphbrass.com facebook.com/seraphbrass instagram.com/seraphbrass twitter.com/SeraphBrass

This week, I have a really fun and wide-ranging chat with the delightful Joanna Wallfisch. We talk about growing up in London, following music in whatever direction it leads you, and the ways Joanna's songwriting has developed over her career. As a special treat, Joanna sings a brand new song entitled "The Truth" live during the episode. Check out her new album "Gardens in My Mind" on iTunes: http://apple.co/2bwtghg Follow her epic tour (The Great Song Cycle) as she bikes and sings her way down the West Coast on Instagram: instagram.com/joannawallfisch For everything else Joanna: facebook.com/JoannaWallfisch joannawallfisch.com

This week, I sit down with the fun and funny Whitney George. We talk about her background in music, her aesthetic, her music, her musical language, and just generally have a lot of fun. Cause she's cool. For all things Whitney: facebook.com/WhitneyEGeorge whitneygeorge.com To support Divergent Paths: https://patreon.com/divergentpathspod

It's a party! It's my 50th episode! Everybody dance! Woop Woop! For this episode, I sat down with the two founding members of the great folk group Devil and the Deep Blue Sea - harpist/songwriter Lizzie Quinlan and guitarist/songwriter Pat Kennedy. We talk about folk tradition, origins, the Enchanted Broccoli Forest (!), DC, and fulfilling the Kerouac(k)-ian dream of touring the country playing your songs (even though it's much less romantic). We also delve deeply into the craft of songwriting which was a true delight. They are wonderful people and musicians. The two stunningly beautiful songs featured on this episode are "Calling It Love" and "Ashland." For all things Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: facebook.com/Devil-and-the-Deep-Blue-Sea instagram.com/devilandthedeepbluesea devilandthedeepbluesea.bandcamp.com Also make sure to check out my new YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2arGcQr And donate to my Patreon: patreon.com/divergentpathspod

This week, I sit down with the awesome Sarah Goldfeather, freelance violinist and creator of ensembles. We talk about the challenges of establishing a career in a new city without the college safety net, the stories behind her ensembles (Exceptet, Goldfeather, and Fragments Duo), balancing directorial demands with reality, and other music-y stuff. This is fast-paced one. Try and keep up. Featured on this episode is "Spilled Milk" from Goldfeather's eponymous debut album. For all things Sarah: sarahgoldfeather.com goldfeatherband.com facebook.com/sarahgoldfeathermusic twitter.com/sgoldfeather facebook.com/exceptet

This week, I sit down with the new orchestra director for San Francisco Conservatory, Eric Dudley. But he is more than that. We talk about his life and conducting career, but also about his time as a member of the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth, and how that came about. In addition, we look ahead to his future in San Francisco. He is a great dude and an incredible musician. For his work with Roomful of Teeth: http://www.roomfulofteeth.org/

This week, MY FIRST EVER INTERVIEW VIA SKYPE. With a person who wasn't in NYC! But the real story is the dope cellist Emily Davidson. She was great to talk to, and will be the subject of my first YouTube channel exclusive. O_O We chat about historical performance practice, catching up to your peers, YouTubing, and DJing! Featured on this episode are 2 tracks from Emily's album, "Bass Sounds: Music for Unaccompanied Cello from the Early Baroque": a Ricercare by Gabrieli and the Sarabande from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G major. Both of her solo albums are available at emilyplayscello.bandcamp.com . For all of Emily's work and music: emilyplayscello.com facebook.com/emilyplayscello twitter.com/emilyplayscello instagram.com/emilyplayscello youtube.com/user/emilyplayscello Also check out her period string quartet, Emergence Quartet: emergencequartet.com facebook.com/emergencequartet

This week, I have a laughter-filled chat with Laura Andrea Leguia, a delightful Peruvian jazz composer and saxophonist. We talk about coming to the states from Peru, melding her background with American jazz, her composition style and techniques, and a lot of other crazy stuff! Fun episode for everyone. Featured on this episode: "Eva" and "Mariposas" from Laura's album "Saxofon Criollo", available on Spotify. Or from her. Buy one. For other things that Laura does, check her out with the Gabriel Alegria Afro-Previan Sextet as well: facebook.com/afroperuviansextet for upcoming concert and tour dates.

After an unplanned one week hiatus, I am back with my friend Emilio Guarino, successful freelance bassist and author of the new book, "Make It: A Guide for Recent Music Graduates." We compare notes on freelance experiences, Emilio relates what made him want to write such a book, and we talk about the current musical climate from the perspective of the hustlers trying to survive. Visit emilioguarino.com/make-it for a preview of the book or to purchase it. Use the code divergentpaths at check out for 20% off.

This week, I sat down with the lovely women who make up Parhelion Trio (Sarah Carrier, flute; Ashlee Miller, clarinet; Andre Christie, piano) to talk about their unique ensemble and their approach creating their own musical voice. And everything that goes with that. Featured on this episode, the Trio performs "Techno-Parade" by Guillaume Connesson. For all things Parhelion: parheliontrio.com facebook.com/ParhelionTrio And as I mention on this episode, I will be donating a dollar to the victims and families affected by today's Orlando tragedy for each Divergent Paths download over the next 7 days. SHARE. Or donate yourself. Help your fellow humans.

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with (fellow caffeine-jacked Mannes alum) Sebastian Vera, principal trombonist of the Pittsburgh Opera and the River City Brass Band, and co-founder of the annual Third Coast Trombone Retreat in Montague, Michigan. We got into the how one becomes a complete person, practicing gratefulness, Third Coast's mission, and all sorts of other things. Featured on this episode, Sebastian performing (3-time guest) Ben Brody's "Time in Waves" for solo trombone and delay. For more information on the Third Coast Trombone Retreat, go to: tromboneretreat.com For all things Sebastian: twitter.com/sebastianvera instagram.com/johnsebastianvera HE'S ALSO ON LINKEDIN! YEAH!

This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mary Hammann, violist and 25 year member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. And she is a delight to talk to. We talk about the exhaustion that comes along with playing 7 operas a week, the delight of having an opera performance life, and maybe why younger audiences don't appreciate opera as much? Listen to Mary at the Met (of course), but also as a member of the critically-acclaimed Aureole Trio (with flautist Laura Gilbert and harpist Stacey Shames): aureoletrio.com Check out more on Mary and the rest of the Met Opera Musicians at: metorchestramusicians.org

This week, I sit down with the great owner and head craftsman of J. Landress Brass, the leading brass repair shop in New York City. We talk through his origins in brass repair, his time in the Marines, his rise through Sam Ash, his love of working brass instruments, and the importance of the brass community that surrounds Josh Landress Brass. ALSO, a special offer for podcast listeners! Go to the workshop at 153 W. 36th St., mention the podcast, and get 15% off any accessories or repairs (BUT NOT NEW INSTRUMENTS)! Worth it. For all this Landress: jlandressbrass.com facebook.com/JLandressBrass

This week for my 40th (!) episode, one of my most fun chats with all four members of the wonderful brass quartet, The Westerlies (Riley Mulherkar, Zubin Hensler, Andy Clausen, and Willem de Koch)! We talk about the formation of the group, the challenges that come with it, ensemble philosophies, developing a unique ensemble voice, the balance in group energy, and most importantly, Big Truck City and The Love Square! Featured on this episode are two tracks from their last album, Wish the Children Would Come On Home: The Music of Wayne Horvitz: "The Store, The Campfire" and "Wish the Children Would Come On Home." For all things Westerlies: westerliesmusic.com facebook.com/westerliesmusic twitter.com/westerliesmusic ENJOY!

This week, Judy Mendenhall (Principal Flautist, American Ballet Theater; Woodwind Chair, Mannes School of Music) sits down with me to talk about her career and teaching. She is a wonderful person. So enjoy the interview. To see her (or hear her) with ABT: http://www.abt.org/calendar.aspx

This week, I sat down with the delightful bandleader Liberte-Anne Lymberiou to talk about her band The Liberte Big Band and other jazz related things. We talk about her music, her background, and the challenges of being a young bandleader and composer in such the crucible of New York City. Featured on this episode: Ali's Danse - The Liberte Big Band - Live at the Shrine in Harlem For all things Liberte Big Band: facebook.com/libertebigband libertebigband.com instagram.com/libertebigband

This week, I sat down with Misha Piatigorsky (2004 Thelonius Monk Composition Winner), leader of the Sketchy Orkestra, a wonderful jazz/rock/hiphop fusion of styles for strings/horns/rhythm, and piano. We talk about the origins of the group, the challenges of writing for strings in a jazz context, and putting together great music for unusual instrumentations. Featured on this episode: "Space Oddity", performed by Sketchy Black Dog (the Orkestra's precursor) AND "Everytime", performed by Sketchy Orkestra feat. Emily Braden Check out Sketchy Orchestra at Zinc Bar on April 29 and at Le Poisson Rouge on May 16. For all things Sketchy: sketchyorkestra.com facebook.com/sketchyorkestra

There are a million brass quintets. So why start a new one? This week I sit down with three of the awesome women (Erin Paul, Sara Mayo, and Jen Hinkle) of Calliope Brass to talk shop. Side note: Calliope Brass is all women. We talk about the reasoning and strategies behind starting a new group, surviving and thriving as women in a male-dominated musical strata (the brass community), and really cool music. This was one of the most fun tapings I have had the pleasure of doing so I hope you enjoy it! Also, go see their upcoming show at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (20 Cumming St.) on April 25 at 7PM. It's gonna be dope. For all things Calliope Brass: calliopebrass.com facebook.com/calliopebrass twitter.com/calliopebrass info@calliopebrass.com

This week, I sit down with my friend Aleks Karjaka to talk about so much: struggling through freelance life, his history as an entrepreneur, our mutual love of New York, ART! SO MUCH ART!, shooting for one's dreams, and the intersection of music and photography. Also! A special offer this week! If you go to karjaka.com and book a studio session with Aleks, mention this interview and get 20% off! You won't be disappointed with his work. I promise. For all things Aleks Karjaka: karjaka.com facebook.com/karjakastudios instagram.com/karjaka aleks@karjaka.com

This week, I sit down with the fun and interesting Danny Abosch to talk shop about musical theatre. We cover his own early successes, the processes of writing a musical, the challenges of adaptations vs. original material, accessibility in musical theatre, and just some other geeking out over our favorite shows. For all things Danny: dannyabosch.com For info/performances of Fancy Nancy: http://fancy-nancy-the-musical.com/ For info on Danny and John MacLay's musical adaptation of Goosebumps: http://www.firststage.org/Shows--Events/2016-17-Season/Goosebumps-The-Musical/

This week, the wonderful Italian composer Giro Deraco sits down with me to talk about lots of music things. We go through developing musical concepts compositionally, connecting with audiences, differences between Italian and American arts cultures, and (of course) his music. Featured on this episode: Giro's complete opera, TACI. AND Indaco for flute, clarinet, and vibraphone For all things Giro: http://www.girolamoderaco.it/ facebook.com/dracogirolamo

In Part 2 of my interview with my mentor David Taylor, we cover academia, differences in trombone between eras, how David digs into the pieces on his records, and so much more. Oh, and he makes fun of me for being corny. Totally deserved. Check out David's upcoming recital (with 6 string basses!) at Manhattan School of Music on April 11th!

This week (and next week) feature an exceptional conversation with the incredible and legendary bass trombonist (and my former teacher) David Taylor. Just a few of his career highlights include working with Bernstein, Boulez, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis Thad Jones, Charlie Mingus, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and so many more. In addition to all that, he has commissioned and performed more new works for trombone than anyone else. And now he writes his own music. We cover everything from the studio scene of the 70s to modern music education to how to approach performance. Come back next week for more. This episode features two tracks: 1) Dave Matthew's "Blue Organum" w/trombonist Jim Pugh 2) Excerpt from David's piece "Too Suite" w/The Low Brass Connection

This week, I sit down with violinist Josh Henderson and pianist Mikael Darmanie of the unusual and exciting ensemble Warp Trio. We talk about melding three unique voices and writing/improvisational styles into one unified voice, reaching a variety of audiences, and balancing a musical lifestyle. Featured on this episode is the track "Baseball" from their debut EP, "Warp Drive." For all things Warp Trio (their EP, audio, video and links to all their social medias): warptrio.com

This week, I have a good talk with my buddy and fellow bass trombonist Felix del Tredici about his burgeoning career and exciting experiments in music. We cover so many things in our talk: fear of improvisation, the nature of art, presenting difficult things to audiences, and putting together unique pieces. Featured on this episode, is Felix's improvisation "Mission Accomplished" with the Low Brass Connection from the album "The Sounds After the OilWar," available on iTunes. For all things related to Felix, check his website: felixdeltredici.com soundcloud.com/felix-del-tredici-1

This week, the delightful Stephanie Ann Boyd returns to the show for her own full-length interview. We talk about her 50 State Sonata Project (Amerigo), taking advantage of academia properly, and taking potential weakness and turning them into strengths, as well as Philip K Dick, Vincent Van Gogh, and aliens! O_O Featured on this episode is the first movement (Fantasia) of her violin concerto Sybil, performed by Eunae Koh and a collection of New England Conservatory musicians. For all things Stephanie: stephanieannboyd.com facebook.com/stephanieannboydcomposer twitter.com/stephanieannboyd

This week, my good friend Chirs Misch-Bloxdorf comes by to talk about jazz, trombone, and composing. We cover the struggle to remain positive on bad gigs, musical father figures, as well as Chris' music, among many other things. Chris is the greatest dude. Featured on this episode is a track entitled, "A Shared Office With Superman" from his recent record, "Snap Shots." Check out his music at: soundcloud.com/mischachris

This week, singer Lauren Lee stops by the studio (HA. Like I hava studio) to talk about her non-standard approach to jazz singing, artistic integrity vs. monetary gain, NYC neighborhoods, and finding one's way towards what one should be doing musically. She's a really fun hang. Featured on this album is the track "Voyager" from her upcoming album with The Space Jazz Trio, "The Consciousness Test." For all things Lauren Lee: laurenleeprojectjazz.com facebook.com/laurenleejazz

For this special mid-week Divergent Paths episode, I have a delightful talk with jazz hornist extraordinaire John Clark. We cover the unusual concept of playing jazz horn, surviving the freelance world in the 70s, new music, and the Baha'i faith (which I learned about for the first time). Featured on this episode are two tracks, one from John's first album from 1978, "The Answer-Island Flower" and one from his most recent album with the Odd Couple Quintet, "MK447JC1." For all thing related to John, his music, and his career, check out Hidden Meaning Music, as well as his records on iTunes and Spotify. hmmusic.com

Here we are back for Part 2 of my interview with Chanell, TJ, and Ben of PitchBlak Brass Band. We talk about women in music, diversity, and creating accessible music that connects with people, as well as the PitchBlak Playlist (the band's monthly series featuring arrangements for up and coming rappers). Featured on this epiosde are two tracks from PitchBlak's album, "You See Us," available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc.: "Get It & Run" and "The Light" (feat. Jackie Morales). For all things PitchBlak Brass Band: pitchblakbrassband.com facebook.com/PitchBlakBrassBand twitter.com/PitchBlakBrass

Hip-hop and high level brass playing may not seem like they go together, but that is certainly NOT the case. This week, in part 1 of a 2-part interview, Tubist/Bandleader Chanell, Trombonis/MC TJ, and Horn Player/Guitarist Ben, three members of PitchBlak Brass Band talk about hip hop, popular music, American culture, and diversity in the music world. It's a killer interview. Make sure to come back next week for Part 2! Featured on this week's episode is Pitchblak's most recent single, "Like Us." Check out their album "You See Us" on iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify. For all things PitchBlak Brass Band: pitchblakbrassband.com facebook.com/PitchBlakBrass youtube.com/PitchBlakBrassBand twittwe.com/pitchblakbrass

This week, I talk to Ben Brody on his own, as part 2 of a 3 episode arc featuring Ben and two groups that he is a part of. He is a fascinating guy. We cover his horn/guitar/composition career, handling the business side of being a musician, and his group Flow State. This episode features two tracks from Flow State's new EP, Where The Sky Meets the Earth: "What's Done Is Done" and "These Things." For all things Ben Brody, Flow State, and whatever else he is working on at the moment: benbrodymusic.com

This week, I sit down with a few members the improvisational dance collective, The 7 Lovelies, Dancer Katie Vason, Dancer Joanna Futral, and Guitarist Ben Brody. We talk about the idea of movement vs. dance, crafting a cohesive piece in an improvisational setting, accompanying (or composing) live in the moment, and crafting a public image. For all things Lovelies: the7lovelies.com facebook.com/the5lovelies twitter.com/the7lovelies instagram.com/the7lovelies The 7 Lovelies core is comprised of: Ben Brody Annie Duffy Joanna Futral Lena Lauer Marike Van Dijk Katie Vason Keeley Walsh

This week, I talk to the delightful harp duo, Duo Scorpio, comprised of harpists Kristi Shade and Katie Andrews. We talk about the origin of the duo's name, challenges in harp culture, commissioning new harp duo works, and Rachel McAdams movies(?). Check out their album Scorpion Tales on iTunes and Spotify. This episode features excerpts from Fast Dances by Nico Muhly and Two Bridges by Andy Akiho, both of which will be on the Duo's next album due out in Fall 2016. For all things Duo Scorpio: duoscorpio.com facebook.com/Duo-Scorpio twitter.com/DuoScorpio youtube.com/user/DuoScorpio

This week, I sit down and talk with the talented and very interesting trumpeter/composer Sam Wells. Sam has performed and given clinics across North America at many festivals and the like spreading the gospel of trumpet/electronic music. We talk about using electronics as an instrumentation, bringing a new music mindset to old standards, and the performer-composer relationship, both in past centuries and today. Featured on this episode: Sam's composition (dys)functions for trumpet/electronics (performed by Sam) For all things Sam Wells: samwellsmusic.com For more about SPLICE (Summer institute for Performance, Listening, Interpretation, and Creation of Electroacoustic music), where Sam is on faculty: www.splice.institute

Me and my bass-playing buddy David White (Upcoming Bridges of Madison County National Tour) sit down and have a good time talking about touring with different shows, being a working musician, leaving school early, and all sorts of other delights.

Sam Jones is an incredible 22-year-old trumpter doing incredible things. He's also a nice guy. This week, he comes by, and we talk about hos new music background, using the trumpet as an artists' brush, and how he approaches new music and composing. BONUS: A live Whacky Whistle demonstration. You'll have to listen to find out what the deal with that is. Featured on this episode - Sam's composition SHIFT for improvisation and electronics. The interview is a hair shorter but the music is longer. C'est la vie. For all things Sam Jones: samjonestrumpet.com

This week, I talk to violist, writer, and ethnomusicologist Tanya Kalmanovitch (faculty, New England Conservatory and Mannes School of Music). This one is a heavy one, and it was awesome. We talk about the Kalmanovitch-Maneri Duo and their upcoming album Magic Mountain, free improvisation, performing, connecting with audiences, and musical philosophies. This episode features two tracks from the upcoming Kalmanovitch-Maneri album Magic Mountain: "Foreward" and "The Dance of Death." For all things Tanya: tanyakalmanovitch.com facebook.com/tkalmanovitch twitter.com/kalmanovitch For more on the Kalmanovitch-Maneri duo: http://www.kalmanovitchmaneri.com/

This week, my friend Enzima (formerly Meredith Ramsay) comes by to discuss rebranding as an artist, Bach, race and classical music, teaching, and writing/preparing for her upcoming EP I Am Ezinma. For all things Ezinma: iamezinma.com facebook.com/IamEzinma twitter.com/iamezinma instagram.com/iamezinma

This week, Ray Riccomini (2nd trumpet, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) sits down with me to talk music. We cover growing up in a household of musicians, differing teaching styles, music students these days, putting down the instrument for another profession (and then picking it back up again), handling the day-to-day rigors of an orchestra lifestyle without losing the love for music. You can go hear Ray play almost any day of the week at the Met at Lincoln Center: http://www.metopera.org/Season/2015-16-Season/? OR on any of dozens of the Met HD broadcasts in over 2,000 cinemas worldwide. For more information: http://www.metopera.org/Season/In-Cinemas/