Song Cycle

Laura talks with arts administrator and collaborative pianist Allen Perriello. While many of us seem to be going through transitions during these COVID times, Allen talks about what gets him up in the morning, what grounds him, and what keeps him focused. Covering topics ranging from mentors who give that first opportunity to do something great, or giving yourself permission to be an artist or make that job transition, to the power of song to connect us in the hardest of times, this one has a little bit for everyone.  Notes Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital

In this episode, Laura talks with Dr. Amelia Nagoski, DMA, co-author of the New York Times bestselling book, "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle." They discuss Dr. Nagoski's career, the reality of COVID and its effect on the lives of artists, the patriarchy, and burnout. As many artists are enduring or have endured tough transitions in the last two years and are experiencing burnout, this is an important episode to remind us of how, and why, we make music and what it does to us as people, inside and out. Notes Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle Unruly Wellness Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Listen to us on Spotify --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura talks with singer, nurse, and arts administrator Nicolette Rader about life transitions and how music can be both the impetus behind and comfort during life and career transitions. We talk about handling those transitions with grace and trust, how mental health and performance go hand-in-hand, and perspective on the work that you do and how it defines you. You also may get a new life hack on how to up your grilled cheese sandwich game. Notes Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Listen to us on Spotify --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

Laura talks with world-renowned German song scholar Dr. Susan Youens about what led her to her research, the power of art song to make us pay attention, life's journeys, overcoming academic barriers, and of course Schubert and Wolf. This is a lecture in an episode, grab a notebook; you'll want to take notes. Notes Book: Clara Schumann Studies Dr. Youens' Bio Song: Schubert Bertha's Lied in der Nacht Song: Schubert Der Winterabend Song: Wolf Im frühling from Mörike-Lieder --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura chats with soprano Dr. Shannon Cochran about the joys of singing during the pandemic, the importance of setting boundaries and self-care, and what tools we have available to replenish ourselves as artists. Keep this one in your back pocket when you need a little pick-me-up. Notes Shannon Cochran, soprano Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Listen to us on Spotify --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

Laura talks with Reggie Smith, singer and life-advice giver extraordinaire. Covering everything from recital programming, song's profound ability to change our thoughts and the thoughts of those around us, and the rewards and challenges of living on the road, like Reggie says, there's "something for everyone". Notes: Reginald Smith, Jr. Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Listen to us on Spotify --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

Laura talks with Matt Cahill about the importance of healing through music and that our artistic journeys should give both those making the art and those consuming the art new life and perspective. This is a good one if you're in need of some artistic TLC. Show notes: Hogfish ATSinging Book: Coddling of the American Mind Book: Pedagogy of the Oppressed Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Listen to us on Spotify --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

Laura talks with Martha Guth and Erika Switzer of Sparks and Wiry Cries about the importance of song as a medium to connect people especially during a time when connection feels less available, leadership in the arts, and the ability to stay flexible in times of uncertainty. In addition to some sound advice about toe safety. Sparks and Wiry Cries Martha Guth Erika Switzer Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Listen to us on Spotify --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura and Sam recap the first season of Song Cycle and the fifth season of Cincinnati Song Initiative. While goofy and sometimes incoherent, Laura and Sam manage to discuss the important things: the successes and opportunities presented by the pandemic, the importance of story, and some favorite moments from the pod and the groundbreaking all-digital season. That's a wrap for season one, everybody. Thanks for listening and Song Cycle will be back for a second season, starting in September! Join CSI Digital Listen on Spotify Donate to CSI Learn More about Cincinnati Song Initiative --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode Laura talks with Will Liverman. Will is a baritone, a composer, and an arts advocate. This conversation solidifies the importance of storytelling, accepting that you have your own voice to tell your own stories, and recognizing that to bring about social change both in the music world and whole world at large requires deliberate action and intention. Will is engaging with the rich history of classical vocal music while blazing new trails for the future of our art form by connecting with and performing the music of underrepresented communities and their stories. Will Liverman Creating The Factotum Dreams of a New Day Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Learn More About CSI --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura talks with Kathy Kelly, a pianist, coach, conductor, writer, mentor, and arts leader. And, if that wasn't enough, Kathy is a fierce advocate for gender and racial equity in the musical world by fostering and creating music that will perpetuate and transform our musical world one collaboration at a time. Kathleen Kelly Kathleen Kelly - Instagram Kathleen Kelly - Twitter GDQ Arts Melissa Dunphy - Video Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Learn More about CSI --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura talks with bass-baritone Davóne Tines. Davóne is a multi-talented, many-faceted storyteller, communicator, arts leader and singer. In addition to preparing for his time singing in the Cincinnati May Festival, Davóne is innovating the performance realm of vocal music and changing lives along the way. Maybe have a tissue ready while listening to this episode: powerful stories await. Davóne Tines Cincinnati May Festival Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Learn More About CSI --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura talks with Linda McAlister, the executive director of Schmidt Vocal Arts, CSI board member, and arts leader and advocate. Covering everything from changing careers to presidential pardons to Amanda Gorman, Linda talks about her career as a performer in the US and in Europe and transitioning into her role in arts administration, and the importance of allowing yourself to be comfortable with change. She is a perfect example of, if you have a calling, it will find you and guide you where you need to be. Even if it's not where you thought you would end up. Show Notes: Schmidt Vocal Arts Schmidt Vocal Arts - Facebook Schmidt Vocal Arts - Instagram Schmidt Vocal Arts - YouTube Join CSI Digital Donate to CSI Cincinnati Song Initiative --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura (and Sam!) talk with Karen Slack about... well, everything. This extraordinary artist shares her story about her life and career and gets real about the struggles within the industry, how to stay creative during a time when it feels almost impossible, and our hopes for the future. Especially during the pandemic, it's important to remember that real connection can happen even when we're not physically together, and this particular episode left me feeling more connected to the artists in my life than I have in a long time. This is one you won't want to miss. Show notes: Karen Slack - Twitter Karen Slack - Instagram Kiki Konversations Join CSI Digital Donate to CSI Cincinnati Song Initiative --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura talks with JJ Penna, a phenomenal pianist, coach, and mentor. Talking with JJ is like getting a lesson in how to listen - both to other people and to music and its texts - which comes full circle when he gives his advice at the end of the episode. While every moment with JJ feels like it has its own profound importance, its especially that way when talking about the future and evolution of art song. Show notes: Poet's Journey / Song Cycles of Benjamin Britten New England Conservatory Join CSI Digital Donate to CSI Cincinnati Song Initiative --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

In this episode, Laura sits down with Margo Garrett, a shining light and pioneer of the collaborative piano world, and all-around wonderful person. They talk about Margo's career, what it's like to be a woman in the classical music world, and how to keep our art alive, even when it feels almost impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic. 4D Piano Ernest Bloch: Music for Viola and Piano Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital Explore CSI --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

Laura sits down (with herself) to talk about art song: a brief history, how it's different from other musical forms, and why it's important especially today. Cincinnati Song Initiative Join CSI Digital Donate to CSI --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

Laura has a conversation with Dr. Eileen Strempel. Eileen is the inaugural dean for the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, a prolific singer and performer, a fierce advocate for new music especially by female composers, and a pioneer in educational leadership and equity. Show Notes Eileen's book: Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students The Self-Care Wheel Cincinnati Song Initiative Become a Member of CSI CSI Merch --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

Laura sits down with opera director and acting teacher David Paul to talk about the tough questions being asked regarding the performing arts world, our responsibility to respond to calls for change and adaptation, and one of Laura's profoundly embarrassing moments during her youth. Show notes: David Paul, director Top 10 Role Study Wolftrap's The Orpheus Project PoetLOVE --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message

Laura and Sam sit down (virtually) to talk about CSI, art song, community, and the importance of flossing. Notes: Cincinnati Song Initiative: cincinnatisonginitiative.org Instagram: @cincysong Facebook: facebook.com/cincinnatisonginitiative --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cincysong/message