Performing Labor

An interview with clarinetist, writer, speaker, and thought-leader, Alex Laing. Alex is the principal clarinetist of the Phoenix Symphony, an orchestra and board member of the Gateways Music Festival, and on the creative team of the NPR show, From the Top. Highlights Being an enormous positive influence professionally - 6:43 His background - 9:24 Engage, attract, and reflect - 11:31 Is there an opportunity to share new values? - 24:33 Practicing performances - 33:42 Having different narratives - 35:25 The best music played by the best musicians - 38:30 What values do we need to communicate - 43:20 Becoming more human-centered - 44:55 Is an orchestra a learning or planning organization? - 48:16 Having an artistic and personal ambition - 48:16 The purpose of the orchestra - 1:03:09 Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com/p/bio.html Alex's website: https://www.alexlaingmusic.com The Gateways Music Festival: https://www.gatewaysmusicfestival.org The Phoenix Symphony: https://www.phoenixsymphony.org Performances: Mozart Clarinet Concerto with the Phoenix Symphony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vXzIU8XH70 "Po' Pilgrim" - The Downtown Chamber Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD0PJkiGq-M "There is a Balm in Gilead" on From the Top: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWE0vqQhpek Alex's book recommendations: Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership -- Lee G. Bolman, Terrence E. Deal Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead: What Every Business Can Learn from the Most Iconic Band in History -- David Scott The World Is Made of Stories -- David Loy 

An interview with cellist, singer/songwriter, storyteller, composer, improviser, and activist, Ben Sollee. Highlights Combining music and drama - 6:58 Find your path and pursue it - 12:04 Why study classical music - 18:15 The culture of classical music - 22:24 The music business - 28:10 Helping people feel something - 41:18 Finding a balance point - 47:09 Consistency is really important - 48:23 His mission - 50:06 A crucial shift for growing - 51:22 It’s important to support artists - 55:10 Transparency is key - 56:16 Building trust is what it’s all about - 57:21 Handling disruption - 58:40 Why he is still in Kentucky - 59:59 Making a career in the arts - 1:06:36 Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com Connect with Ben Sollee https://www.bensollee.com Ben Sollee and the Louisville Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKP3Wm3ioRY Ben Sollee and the Downtown Chamber Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8siR1tmT5zE 

An interview with violinist Holly Mulcahy, Concertmaster/Partner for Audience Engagement at the Wichita Symphony, concertmaster of the Chattanooga Symphony, soloist, recitalist, founder of Arts Capacity, and blogger. Highlights Her background - 6:47 When joy was missing - 8:26 Sometimes the energy is lacking - 11:08 Bringing out the level of the institution - 12:55 Good attitude vs. bad attitude - 14:26 Trying to influence attitudes - 16:16 Egos are so powerful - 20:00 Not feeling appreciated - 24:59 Stopped teaching and focused on her own practice - 28:25 What schools are teaching - 30:55 Never assume that people are going to like something - 34:55 We are terrible listeners - 42:26 Building trust together - 46:50 Relaxation with music - 54:04 Having a mobile career in the future - 56:50 The importance of listening to the audience - 1:00:58   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com Connect with Holly Mulcahy: Holly's Recommendations: Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses "No, But" Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration--Lessons from The Second City: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KAC65NO/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste: https://www.amazon.com/Cork-Dork-Wine-Fueled-Sommeliers-Scientists-ebook/dp/B01KGZVT62/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11CN8VCXOTWZ8&dchild=1&keywords=cork+dork&qid=1614016635&s=digital-text&sprefix=cork+dor%2Cdigital-text%2C171&sr=1-1 On Thinking Institutionally: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Institutionally-Politics-Hugh-Heclo/dp/0199946000/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6CN4JFNZXIMX&dchild=1&keywords=on+thinking+institutionally&qid=1614016701&s=digital-text&sprefix=on+thinking+i%2Cdigital-text%2C164&sr=1-1 website: https://www.hollymulcahy.com 

An interview with Meredith Snow, violist in the Los Angeles Philharmonic and chair of ICSOM (International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians). We discuss the LA Phil's ascendancy and cultural impact, the changing priorities of classical music institutions, and the importance of organized labor.   Highlights Success and economic prosperity - 7:15 We have to revitalize ourselves - 14:49 Have real-measuring impact - 15:54 Teaching teachers how to teach - 17:07 We have to diversify the music we play - 22:32 Being better musicians - 25:01 Change your mind - 31:39 Institutions will need to change themselves - 37:45 Perfecting the process of auditioning - 48:12 The benefits of flexibility - 50:51 What does our community really want - 57:57 Taking a leadership role - 1:08:43 Our business has to change - 1:13:13   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Meredith Snow: Bio: https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/artists/4933/meredith-snow  LA Phil: https://www.laphil.com  ICSOM: https://www.icsom.org  Mistrust: Why Losing Faith in Institutions Provides the Tools to Transform Them; by Ethan Zuckerman-- https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324002604   

An interview with harpist, singer, songwriter, and Rochester, NY native, Mikaela Davis. We discuss her unconventional path from the Crane School of Music to writing, recording, and touring her own music. Mikaela has had rich experiences in many facets of music-making and the music business. She's an inspiring artist to listen to and learn from.   Highlights Lives of working musicians in the 21st century - 6:38 Developing her ear - 7:41 The signing in her teenage years - 10:20 Wanting to have a degree - 12.34 A huge agency that wanted to sign her - 13:17 An extremely stressful experience - 16:14 The biggest thing she had learned - 18:43 Never playing the same set twice in a row - 20:58 Nerves before taking the stage - 25:51 Being a band leader is interesting - 29:23 Loving New York City - 33:56 Her childhood in Rochester - 36:16 Everyone supports each other in Rochester - 39:12 Her experience during the pandemic - 43:13 Everyone should have a home studio - 45:00 Being in total control of her intellectual property - 51:44 Her relationship with streaming services in general - 52:40 Her recommendations - 57:19   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Virginia Postrel: "The Future and Its Enemies": https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684862697/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=libcurrents-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0684862697&linkId=80041dacbb72c664b3422edf611af196  Connect with Mikaela Davis: Website: https://www.mikaeladavis.com  Mikaela’s Recommendations: Joanna Sternberg: “Then I Try Some More”: https://joannasternberg.bandcamp.com/album/then-i-try-some-more  Connie Converse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTfetwSSsIE  Dorothy Ashby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8zPorum2p0  Alice Coltrane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUMuDWDVd20  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: Film: https://www.focusfeatures.com/eternal_sunshine_of_the_spotless_mind  Soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlSbT5XODiE&list=PL221E0226B8DE9B6D 

This episode features a conversation with violinist Sarah Whitney. Sarah has appeared on stages worldwide as a soloist and collaborative artist. We discuss her career with the acclaimed ensemble Sybarite5, her concert series Beyond the Notes, and her coaching practice and blog, The Productive Musician.   “Marvelous violin acrobatics” - The Washington Post   Highlights The music industry has been hit hard - 7:23 Brainstorming about what to do during the pandemic - 7:52 Keeping the conversations about music - 9:04 Being a violinist - 11:55 Being in a band - 16:44 People asking for recommendations - 20.47 Their home in New York - 23:12 Benefits for a musicians in New York City - 25:26 New York is an extremely resilient city - 27:38 What may change is the music industry - 29:03 Scaling vs. growth - 31:20 Coming back to, “why we do this” - 33:04 Benefits of having competition - 35:56 Being a life-long learner - 37:56 Self-curiosity - 40:21 Showing musicians what’s possible - 42:42 Being hunger to learn - 47:46 People are curious about stories - 48:13 Building her musicians’ coaching business - 49:56 How to create a career with much joy - 50:48 Standing for being real - 52:28 Episode Resources Download Sarah's  free guide “4 Steps to Break Through Imposter Syndrome”: https://mailchi.mp/caaa14fc42d7/imposter-syndrome?fbclid=IwAR0vc-yJCPKcgdlSby8u-BlUmwyn0jCRVUyC4Zdrt9M1tti8OsaJsVyixBc  Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Photo credits: Jaka Vinsek & Helen McCauley William Robin's PhD Dissertation "A Scene Without a Name: Indie Classical and American New Music in the Twenty First Century": https://www.dropbox.com/s/m2y0owapictpkwi/William%20Robin%2C%20PhD%20dissertation.pdf?dl=0  Connect with Sara Whitney Website: www.sarahwhitney.com  Productive Musician Blog: www.theproductivemusician.com  Book a free discover call with Sarah: https://calendly.com/theproductivemusician/1-1-with-sarah  Beyond the Notes Concert series: www.gobeyondthenotes.com Sybarite5: www.sybarite5.org

An interview with Dr. Lisa Brooks, Dean of the Jordan College of the Arts and Professor of Violin at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lisa is an active performer and is the principal second violin of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. We discuss her views on Butler's role in the community, turning student artists into good citizens, reforming curriculum in a large institution, and her own journey as a player and a leader.   Highlights Dr. Lisa’s childhood - 6:56 Using sports metaphors in her teaching - 11:33 You have to choose one sport and do it - 12:29 We need better citizens - 15:55 The notion of diversity - 19:22 The dance program - 24:23 What’s the biggest tension? - 25:12 Getting engaged with the community - 34:32 A direct impact in the community - 37:23 Everybody needs to be welcomed - 44:35 Losing students - 49:22 Being a teaching artist - 55:45 Arts integration - 56:16 Having an academic spirit - 1:01:23 The stronger characteristic of this job - 1:04:12 Dr. Lisa’s recommendations - 1:07:20   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Performing Labor's music: http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Writing mentioned in the intro: Washington Examiner: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/for-tens-of-thousands-trump-was-just-something-to-believe-in  "On Thinking Institutionally" by Hugh Hello: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Institutionally-Politics-Hugh-Heclo/dp/0199946000  "These Truths" by Jill Lepore: https://www.amazon.com/These-Truths-History-United-States-ebook/dp/B07BLKWBYT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YHAZNRI4T53D&dchild=1&keywords=these+truths+jill+lepore&qid=1610147660&s=books&sprefix=these+tr%2Cstripbooks%2C166&sr=1-1  Connect with Dr. Lisa Brooks: Lisa's bio: https://www.butler.edu/directory/user/lbrooks  Butler University Jordan College of the Arts: https://www.butler.edu/jca  Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra: https://www.icomusic.org  Lisa's Recommendation: The Departed: https://decider.com/movie/the-departed/  Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TSDI0E/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1  Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland: https://www.amazon.com/Dying-Whiteness-Politics-Resentment-Heartland-ebook/dp/B07F669F71/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZU8DS3H7GERY&dchild=1&keywords=dying+of+whiteness&qid=1610147403&s=digital-text&sprefix=dying+of+wh%2Cdigital-text%2C178&sr=1-1 The Queen's Gambit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDrieqwSdgI

An interview with Alanna Tonetti-Tieppo, the sub-principal second violin of the Royal Northern Sinfonia in England. Before earning her current position in the Sinfonia, the Massachusetts native attended college in London and won awards with the Jubilee String Quartet. We discuss her education, auditions, and her professional philosophy and approach.   Highlights What movement requires -  5:09 Her love for music - 7:31 What a good sound is - 11:37 Work hard and do your best - 14:12 How she got started - 16:48  Attention to details - 21:00 The repertoire attracted her - 24:58 Having an amazing coach - 30:15 Not being an impulsive person - 32:16 Being a total perfectionist - 35:33 Do your best and try your best - 38:08 Who helped her with sound production and intonation - 40:37 Her orchestra’s activities during the health crisis - 49:12 How the job can be different when we come back - 53:16 Music is necessary for our soul and well-being - 54:44   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Connect with Alanna Tonetti-Tieppo: Alanna performing with the Jubilee String Quartet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsoJhZbbBEE  Royal Northern Sinfonia: https://sagegateshead.com/royal-northern-sinfonia-alanna-tonetti-tieppo/  Alanna's recommendations: Metropolis (movie): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvtWDIZtrAE  "Natives" by Akala: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Natives-Class-Empire-Sunday-Bestseller/dp/1473661218  http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com Agents of Change: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NYHXOK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

An interview with guitarist and educator Craig Wagner from Louisville, KY. A virtuoso jazz guitarist, Craig also regularly plays as a soloist with major symphony orchestras and has toured and recorded with the platinum-selling rock band Days of the New.   Highlights Craig’s unique technique - 11:48 Improvisation and playing - 14:15 How you can improvise - 21:04 Rock music and Pop music - 22:27 Craig’s College experience - 29:19 Learning with imitation at first - 30:57 Trying to avoid things - 34:48 Listening to it over and over again - 40:59 How the pandemic has affected his teaching - 41:57 The nature of music - 43:06 Years of training for a five-minute audition - 47:06 Guitar heroes that inspired him - 48:47 Craig’s life - 52:22 Being a solo player - 53:07 Different versions of similar repertoires - 59:49 His experience playing at orchestras - 1:03:37 A big learning experience for him - 1:08:21 Finding a way to approach music - 1:12:31 Having an amazing trajectory - 1:15:04 Barriers between two sides of thinking - 1:16:49   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ https://www.instagram.com/simondsviolin/?hl=en  https://twitter.com/simondsviolin?lang=en  Connect with Craig Wagner https://www.facebook.com/craigwagnerguitar  http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  The Craig Wagner Trio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5qG2Tzu9k8&t=532s  Craig's "Autumn Leaves" solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep15H1X321s  Craig with Carly Johnson live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX9ItvRGeU8  Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized: https://www.amazon.com/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/0735214484 

An interview with conductor, clarinetist, pianist, improviser, composer, and my former boss, Teddy Abrams, music director of the Louisville Orchestra and the Britt Festival in Oregon. We discuss the roots of his eclecticism, his vision for the future of orchestras, and how music can be a driving force for positive change in a community.   Highlights Teddy’s background - 8:29 Listening to music at home - 9:05 His awakening - 11:26 Learning about composers - 14:51 How he became a Jazz pianist - 18:20 Learning so much - 26:46 The DNA of an orchestra - 29:06 We should all be learning - 30:34 Activating our individuality - 31:33 How people experience music - 42:58 Being the creative people for your organization - 49:51 Conservatories and audition process - 52:06 Playing an invisible game - 59:20 Training for musicians - 1:10:19 Accessibility to our music - 1:19:54 One of his favorite experiences during the pandemic - 1:21:00 Talking about religion and journalism - 1:31:56 Creating a culture that retains talent - 1:44:03 We should have an aspiration of greatness - 1:45:42 An idea of what an orchestra is - 1:49:48 Music brings people together - 1:51:50   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Teddy Abrams https://www.teddyabrams.com  https://twitter.com/teddyconducts?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor https://www.instagram.com/teddyconducts/?hl=en  https://www.facebook.com/teddyconducts  Teddy, Jim James, and LO musicians on The Tonight Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFYutf2VSqI  "Excellence: Can We Be Equal And Excellent Too?" by John W. Gardner: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XG5CDZF/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 

An interview with Grace Browning, principal harpist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera. We discuss her vision for a thriving 21st-century arts institution-- one that engages audiences, empowers musicians, experiments in new formats, and is accessible to all.   Highlights Dealing with the technique and body tension - 7:34 Giving the students a chance to learn - 10:54 Social media as a gift to share music - 11:54 Her teacher at Juilliard - 13:36 Having fear and being unaware about where you fit in - 16:30 The age of social media - 17:19 Feeling anxiety - 18:32 It is impossible to not compare yourself - 20:05 No audition is going to be perfect - 22:31 Making investments to teaching artists? - 41:22 What teacher artists can do - 42:49 Inspired by the Philadelphia Orchestra - 48:40 The biggest difference between Dallas and Santa Fe - 53:05 How important social interaction is - 1:02:50 Grace’s recommendations - 1:05:44   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com Connect with Grace Browning Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication: Warfighting: https://www.amazon.com/WARFIGHTING-Marine-Corps-Doctrinal-Publication/dp/1557423091  Grace's recommendations: David Wallace: "Reaching Out: A Musician's Guide to Interactive Performance": https://www.amazon.com/Reaching-Out-Musicians-Interactive-Performance/dp/0073401382  Brené Brown's podcast on burnout: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-emily-and-amelia-nagoski-on-burnout-and-how-to-complete-the-stress-cycle/ Website: https://www.gracebrowningharpist.com

An interview with Bharat Chandra, principal clarinetist of the Sarasota Orchestra, the Nordic Symphony in Estonia, and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in California. We discuss the state of the music business during COVID-19, its impact on artists and institutions, and the potential for a rejuvenation going forward.   Highlights His experience in the Sarasota Orchestra - 9:52 The Orchestra’s project - 12:21 A broadcasting Orchestra - 14:53 Creating a safe environment - 18:18 The goal of connecting with audiences - 25:45 The Covid situation for orchestras - 29:16 Talking about post-COVID - 32:51 Streaming as a tool - 37:33 Examples to younger people - 53:28 It is all about communication - 55:48 A recommendation for listeners - 1:13:52   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Bharat Chandra: Bharat's bio: http://www.bharatchandra.info  Bharat's recommendation: "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson: https://www.amazon.com/Caste-Origins-Discontents-Isabel-Wilkerson/dp/0593230256/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=caste&qid=1602864856&sr=8-2 Public Value by Mark H. Moore: https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Public-Value-Management-Government/dp/0674175581/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=public+value+moore&qid=1602864951&s=books&sr=1-1

An interview with NYC-based conductor Tara Simoncic, music director of the Louisville Ballet. We discuss her unique journey from being a serious trumpet player to becoming a conductor. Tara specializes in ballet and conducts major companies in America and internationally.   Highlights The past three months for New York - 5:33 New York has been changing over the last months - 9:19 Competition in a city like New York - 9:54 Thinking like an optimist - 13:19 The music director role in ballet - 19:20 What’s the real challenge? - 20:51 The online season - 27:02 Being a ballet conductor - 28:16 How the ballet world is changing - 38:41 10 years of doing auditions - 44:53 Loving the theatre - 49:09 Having a connection with opera - 52:09 Her early days - 53:20 Dancers are smart musically - 1:11:19   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Performing Labor's music: http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Tara Simoncic: Tara's website: https://tarasimoncic.com  Louisville Ballet: https://www.louisvilleballet.org "Mastery" by Robert Greene: https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Robert-Greene/dp/014312417X

An interview with trumpet player Herb Smith of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. We discuss his performing and teaching adaptations to the COVID lockdown, the many facets of his career, the Black Lives Matter movement, and how we must seize the opportunities presented in this current crisis.   Highlights It is all about being flexible - 7:27 Videotaping yourself - 9:37 Doing a lot of lessons - 11:42 His idea of life - 13:42 The idea of leadership - 14:31 This is a danger opportunity - 19:38 Understand what Black Lives Matter means - 28:06 Exclusion for black people in classical music - 34:55 Being in support of diversity - 41:48 An amazing music festival - 47:40 Stravinski loved Jazz - 52:16 What’s classical music - 1:07:00 Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Herb Smith Herb conducting the RPO at a Black Lives Matter rally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0NrgSanu20  Herb's bio: https://rpo.org/musicians/herbert-smith/ The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker: https://www.amazon.com/Effective-Executive-Definitive-Harperbusiness-Essentials/dp/0060833459

My interview with former Sarasota Ballet dancer Cadence Rolland: We trace her journey from early ballet training, to a professional dance company, to now pursuing a business degree. We discuss how an injury accelerated her career change and the steps she took to move on. Cadence shares where ballet and business overlap, where they differ, and how artists can repurpose their creativity in new and rewarding ways.   Highlights What we want as human beings - 2:37 Her ballet experience - 6:26 Memorizing ballet performances - 9:49 What happens in an audition company? - 14:17 Different dancers perform different roles - 17:20 Physical demands for professional dancers - 22:22 How the audition season works - 25:33 You have to be focused - 31:43 Pursuing your dreams and passions - 41:38 Aspirations and ambitions that she has in her life - 44:55 Being interested in finances - 49:38 Doing virtual seasons - 52:01 A very strange time - 53:10   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Cadence Rolland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadencerolland/  Cadence's recommendations: Steven Mitchell ballet music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkYnuGLi4ALrDi7NnMRGlPw Firefly Method: https://www.fireflymethod.com

An interview with Quinton Morris, a Seattle-based violinist, professor, educator, founder, filmmaker, radio host, and entrepreneur. We discuss his path from South King County, WA to some of the nation's premier educational institutions and back. Quinton has toured the nation and the world as a violinist and is a professor at Seattle University and the founder of Key to Change, a remarkable educational organization.   Highlights Quinton’s background - 8:26 Creating meaningful changes for students - 9:37 Playing an instrument to go to college - 12:32 Having a part-time job to pay for music lessons - 15:37 Being a very reflective teacher - 17:11 Keeping kids engaged - 30:09 Increasing the level of impact - 32:06 An inspirational person in his life - 47:32 Quinton’s bad experience at school - 50:18 Playing in a local community orchestra - 53:31 His experience in Boston - 59:01 Quinton’s performing career - 1:12:18 The importance of relationships- 1:15:10 Being a cancer survivor - 1:20:10   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Quinton Morris: https://twitter.com/quintonimorris?lang=en  Quinton's bio: https://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/about/faculty-and-staff/quinton-morris-dma.html  Key to Change: http://keytochangestudio.org  "Our Declaration" by Danielle Allen: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Declaration-Reading-Independence-Equality-ebook/dp/B00FPT5KYW  "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" by Amy Chua: https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Hymn-Tiger-Mother-Chua-ebook/dp/B004CLYKLI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RCKCTFFZ6MC3&dchild=1&keywords=battle+hymn+of+the+tiger+mother&qid=1599097297&s=digital-text&sprefix=battle+him%2Cdigital-text%2C167&sr=1-1 "Ahead of the Curve" by Philip Delves Broughton: https://www.amazon.com/Ahead-Curve-Harvard-Business-School-ebook/dp/B001D6FIQ6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J3EAVUJW3H48&dchild=1&keywords=ahead+of+the+curve&qid=1599097362&s=digital-text&sprefix=ahead+o%2Cdigital-text%2C172&sr=1-1

An interview with amateur violinist and candidate for LT. Governor of Utah, Karina Andelin Brown. We discuss the importance of music in her life, the value of music education, and the impact of the arts in the community. We also unpack her remarkable journey from private citizen to public life and the important reasons behind her decision.   Highlights A passionate amateur musician - 8:27 Music is so important in her life - 9:29 Everything is related with the pandemic - 12:50 A campaign in this environment - 14:38 Thinking about social justice - 16:56 Problems that we face as a society - 20:53 Medicaid in Utah - 27:19 Registering as a democrat - 31:55 Taking the time to learn from people - 34:15 Why she is so passionate about this - 35:47 Her takeaways about learning an instrument - 45:27 The pandemic has been hard for arts in Utah - 50:58 There’s a lot of things that we can do with partnerships - 57:25 Coming out of this national catastrophe - 59:04 Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Karina Andelin Brown: https://www.karinaforutah.com  https://twitter.com/karinaforutah?lang=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karina-Andelin-Brown-for-Utah-353846265097045  "Hill Women" by Cassie Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QGNRGBW/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 "The Living Law" by Louis Brandeis: https://louisville.edu/law/library/special-collections/the-louis-d.-brandeis-collection/business-a-profession-chapter-21

A conversation with Gabriel Kovach, principal French horn of the Phoenix Symphony. We cover his education at Curtis and Juilliard, early professional experiences, teaching, his evolution with the Phoenix Symphony, and adaptation during the COVID-19 health crisis.   Highlights The Phoenix Symphony - 9:02 Being a teacher - 18:23 A very different teaching style - 22:31 How this digital age can be beneficial - 24:41 First years out of school - 30:33 Being fortunate - 32:33 His experience at Juilliard - 39:51 Having resistance from a student - 42:20 Education came first, then music - 45:36 Making a life decision - 46:34 Success in an orchestra? - 57:45 The right partnership - 1:02:09 Music is helpful - 1:05:02 Changing the way people see hiring - 1:09:00 Becoming a great teaching artist - 1:10:56 Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Gabriel Kovach  Obituary of Gabe's mentor and teacher, the late Jerome Ashby: http://journal.juilliard.edu/journal/jerome-ashby-1956-2007  Gabe's bio: https://www.curtis.edu/academics/faculty/summerfest-faculty-bios/gabriel-kovach/  Gabe's Recommendations:  "The New Toughness Training for Sports: Mental Emotional Physical Conditioning": https://www.amazon.com/New-Toughness-Training-Sports-Psychologists/dp/0452269989  "The Art of Mental Training"- DC Gonzalez: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Mental-Training-Performance-Excellence/dp/1490581677/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1597364496&sr=1-3 "The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times": https://www.amazon.com/The-Places-That-Scare-You-audiobook/dp/B077VVGN82/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PQP5X7ZPHYVY&dchild=1&keywords=the+places+that+scare+you+by+pema+chodron&qid=1597364590&s=books&sprefix=the+places+%2Cstripbooks%2C170&sr=1-1

An interview with violinist Melissa White from the Grammy-winning Harlem String Quartet and Co-founder of Intermission.   Highlights Rescheduling dates and postponing events - 5:49 Music, movement, and life - 11:29 The panic aspect - 13:17 Classes online - 13:56 Teaching violin virtually - 15:52 The more you practice, the better you get - 20:55 The conservatory education - 32:51 Providing mentorship - 36:48 Starting to create programs - 44:57 Prioritizing storytelling - 47:13 What happens when people come to a concert - 1:00:37 Breaking down barriers - 1:01:59   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Photo Credits: Kevin Michael Murphy "Cross Pollination"-- Harlem String Quartet: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cross-pollination/1522839190  Soundtrack to Jordan Peele's motion picture, "Us": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eci53Kl1Pw8&list=PLDisKgcnAC4SuuYe-B7qeS4K1XPAO34cs&index=30  Melissa's recommendations: Fleabag: https://www.amazon.com/Fleabag-Season-1/dp/B01J4SSP6E  "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander: https://newjimcrow.com  Harlem String Quartet: http://harlemquartet.com Connect with Melissa: https://www.instagram.com/afroviolinist/?hl=en

Interview with Boston-based cellist Leo Eguchi. We spoke about his orchestral career with the New Bedford Symphony and Portland Symphony, studying music and physics at the University of Michigan and Boston University, his chamber music ensembles: the Sheffield Chamber Players and the Willamette Chamber Music Festival.   Highlights Special places to play - 6:35 The arts industry - 8:40 Tasting wine - 10:09 Talking about music festivals - 12:50 What should be happening? - 19:08 Exclusionary problems - 21:47 Feeling passion for music - 25:19 There are lessons to be learned - 26:42 A barrier between performances and audience - 27:47 The biggest weakness of an orchestra - 31:25 The principle of connection - 31:52 The Boston musical community - 35:17 It’s been hard for his colleagues in Boston - 37:07 It’s a joy to teach students over Zoom - 39:42 The life of a freelancer - 41:09 Playing a program 12 times - 42:42 Trying new programs - 44:58 Leo’s education - 48:11 One thing that the music industry must not forget - 49:33 Recommendations of what to listen to - 57:30   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Performing Labor's music: http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com Connect with Leo Eguchi: https://www.instagram.com/WVchambermusic/ https://www.leoeguchi.com  https://twitter.com/leo_eguchi?lang=en Pre order WCMF's new record: https://www.brightshiny.ninja/her-own-wings  Leo’s chamber ensembles:  Willamette Chamber Music Festival https://www.wvchambermusic.org  Sheffield Chamber Players: https://www.sheffieldchamberplayers.org  Leo’s orchestras: New Bedford Symphony: https://nbsymphony.org  Portland Symphony: https://portlandsymphony.org  Leo’s recommendations: Osvaldo Golijov: https://osvaldogolijov.com  Lina Hager Cohen: https://www.leahhagercohen.com Gabriella Smith: https://www.gabriellasmith.com/Home.html

An interview with Jessica Guideri, concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony and LA studio musician.   Highlights An up and down moment for violinists - 6:40 Her experience during the pandemic - 7:06 Recording from home - 10:17 Her parents’ relationship with music - 16:56 Her experience in college - 20:32 The period after college and your first job - 30:37 A freelance orchestra vs. full-time orchestra - 34:38 Planning to move to California - 36:33 The San Diego symphony experience - 38:34 The LA Opera - 39:53 How life is different in Los Angeles - 45:20 Things are really changing - 47:20 Connected with the music community - 49:59 Jessica’s recommendation - 55:39   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007A4SDCG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1  Connect with Jessica Guideri jguideri@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/jessica.guideri.violinist/

Robert and Matt talk about Matt’s career in Eighth Blackbird, the Cabrillo Festival, teaching at the University of Michigan, and preparing the next generation of musicians.   Highlights Knowing each other for a long time - 6:33 The actual situation - 8:48 Going online - 9:45 Coming to consensus - 10:12 How they help their students - 12:58 The importance of decisions - 15:33 People recording themselves - 20:27 An amazing opportunity for musicians to engage more - 25:06 Offering a limited number of programs for a year - 38:22 How the industry has changed - 39:40 Music and audiences - 1:04:20 Different types of audiences - 1:06:00 Matt’s recommendations - 1:10:00   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Connect with Matt Albert: https://www.instagram.com/ganzmatt/?hl=en https://twitter.com/ganzmatt?lang=en Matt’s recommendations: Emily King: https://www.emilykingmusic.com  Ellen Reid “Prism”: https://ellenreidmusic.com/work/p-r-i-s-m/  Doric Quartet: Britten and Purcell: https://www.amazon.com/Britten-Purcell-Chamber-Works-Strings/dp/B07PN77KPK  Attaca Quartet/Caroline Shaw: Orange: http://www.attaccaquartet.com/shawattacca-quartet-orange  Trilogy: https://trilogypodcast.podbean.com Unlocking Us | Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/introducing-unlocking-us/

An interview with Louisville Orchestra's principal trombone, Donna Parkes. Australian trombonist Donna Parkes has been Principal Trombone of the Louisville Orchestra since 2008 and has been Principal Trombone of the Colorado Music Festival since 2009. Solo competition successes include winning the Australian National Trombone Competition, the Brisbane International Brass Competition, and finalist in the Jeju Brass Competition in Korea.   Highlights The orchestra and the health crisis - 6:33 Making this year successful - 7:45 Hearing classical music - 10:51 An opportunity to create new works - 12:36 Doing a great community work - 17:45 Her award from last year - 20:10 Working with kids - 24:13 Having a rich career - 38:00 The Virginia Symphony - 44:25 Playing a sound that you never imagined - 49:41 Donna’s background - 51:13 Learning from phenomenal teachers - 53:00 Coming to the US searching for more opportunities - 59:30 Being young and hungry for a job - 1:06:00 It is valuable to be innovative - 1:08:13 Donna’s recommendation - 1:09:55   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Connect with Donna Parkes: "On Thinking Institutionally" by Hugh Heclo: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Institutionally-Politics-Hugh-Heclo/dp/0199946000  "Creating Public Value" by Mark Moore: https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Public-Value-Management-Government/dp/0674175581/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=creating+public+value+mark+moore&qid=1593563209&s=books&sr=1-2  Donna's recommendation: Free Solo: https://films.nationalgeographic.com/free-solo  https://www.instagram.com/aussietrb/ https://twitter.com/donnamparkes?lang=en https://louisvilleorchestra.org/donna-parkes/

An interview with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's oboe and english horn player and Indiana University faculty, Roger Roe.   Highlights The response to COVID_19 - 6:30 The relationship with the media - 9:49 The morning after the protests - 12:03 What’s the role of the artist in the community? - 15:13 Huge events at downtown - 22:10 The identity of ISO - 32:30 The new artistic identity - 33:11 Being directly involved in the community - 34:54 How political can an orchestra be? - 39:34 The role of the artist citizen - 43:43 Not doing virtual concerts this year - 45:21 Why the audition process is so strange - 56:21 How to win an audition - 58:31 How he got started - 59:48 Teaching students about emotion - 1:13:00   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Connect with Roger Roe: https://www.instagram.com/isomusicians/?hl=en https://instagram.com/rogerroeoboe?igshid=1l6pc5tfyzmgs  ISO Musicians' press release: https://isomusicians.org/2020/06/press-statement-6-22-20/?fbclid=IwAR33WxHkn372VzxuDgZqsdMKfFttLwNCXfFTBmqzjIAG3tiF_D_dtgwNrOc 

Composer and pianist Rachel Grimes is heralded as “One of American independent music’s few truly inspired technicians” by WIRE magazine. Rachel Grimes is a pianist, composer, and arranger based in Kentucky. She is a member of Louisville rock band King’s Daughters & Sons (Chemikal Underground) and a founding member of the ground-breaking indie-rock chamber ensemble Rachel’s, with whom she toured and released six albums (Quarterstick / Touch & Go).   Highlights Rachel’s background - 3:30 What’s happening in today’s world - 5:32 The rehearsing process - 9:11 The orchestra schedule - 10:20 A solo tour is very demanding - 14:12 Having an opportunity to play - 17:46 Kind of music like she likes to listen to - 19:59 Taking music lessons - 26:07 Playing a lot of shows with the band - 30:19 Her band’s stories - 37:27 Gaining fans from a tour - 47:39 Kentucky as her home - 53:21 Having a creative space - 54:22 The experience of working with an orchestra - 59:48 What is the music she really makes - 1:03:37 What she does on stage - 1:26:01 Facebook Live concerts - 1:38:38   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Connect with Rachel Grimes: http://www.rachelgrimespiano.com 

Robert interviewed Gabriel Lefkowitz, concertmaster of the Louisville Orchestra, about his path to leading professional orchestras and his work as a conductor, composer, and soloist.   Highlights Gabriel’s concerts - 5:26 Cancelations because of COVID_19 - 6:08 Recording music during the pandemic - 10:24 Recording something remotely - 11:42 The world circumstances - 18:56 Doing video content - 21:36 Innovation for orchestras - 26:50 Being super motivated - 30:54 Being organized as a composer - 33:30 How he got started - 41:50 Learning about being in an orchestra - 46:36 Going to Columbia and not going to a music school - 47:00 Being a concertmaster - 58:00 Trying to learn to be a good conductor - 59:16 Creating music as a composer - 1:01:00 Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ https://www.instagram.com/simondsviolin/?hl=en Connect with Gabriel Lefkowitz: https://www.gabriellefkowitz.com  https://www.instagram.com/gabelefkowitz/?hl=en

An exciting interview with the singer/songwriter Lizzie No on her career and background. Among other things, Robert and Lizzie discuss adaptation during COVID-19, the process of seeing yourself as a creative person and creative professional, navigating sexism in the music business, and learning the ins-and-outs of touring and recording.   Highlights How the pandemic has affected her - 2:38 When she realized the impact of COVID_19 - 3:32 Walking by closed businesses - 4:28 How this pandemic affects her creative process - 6:42 Her background - 10:56 When she first started performing - 11:55 Using poetry as an exercise? - 13:38 Writing a song vs. writing poetry - 14:15 The scary part of the coronavirus - 22:19 Having instruments in her house and a place to play - 27:30 Drinking on a tour or performance - 32:52 Her performances are really important to her - 44:00 What people think when they hear the word “musician” - 48:00 Meritocracy in the music world - 50:52 An audition experience - 52:00 All that Lizzie had learned during her career - 56:34 Doing things that she wanted to do - 1:00:16 What she does when she finishes a song - 1:01:10 Lizzie’s next move - 1:03:10   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com/ Connect with Lizzie No https://twitter.com/handsomelizzie?lang=en http://www.lizzieno.com/

Mark Dix is a violist in the Phoenix Symphony and founder/director of the Downtown Chamber Series. Mark has been building a community through music for more than two decades through his symphony job, his outreach in health, wellness, and education, and his long-running and popular concert series.   Highlights Where the Phoenix Symphony is now - 3:18 Long-standing relationships with the board of directors - 5:00 Being connected with Zoom meetings - 6:01 Doing too many concerts a year - 7:37 An interesting part of his work - 8:35 Chamber Music story - 10:38 Getting a job in Phoenix - 12:19 His musical life in Colorado Springs - 18:44 It is lifechanging to be in an orchestra - 21:43 Mark’s story and background - 23:40 Working as a freelancer - 31:48 The Chamber Series show - 53:02 The audition process for orchestras - 58:00 Play for as many people as you can - 1:00:12 Mark’s experience and perseverance - 1:02:00   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Connect with Mark Dix: http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com/

The Performing Labor podcast features acclaimed working musicians across genres who are doing interesting and creative work. This podcast focuses on the people whose labor makes the music come alive.