Melanated Artists in Performance

What if the path to becoming a great educator is not about starting early or being perfect, but about finding your voice, your people, and your purpose? Dr. Steven Hankle reveals how a nontraditional journey, a life-changing music exchange in Cuba, and a lifetime of leading choirs shaped his approach to teaching, community, and authentic excellence. I sit down with Dr. Hankle, Associate Professor...

     Jalen Baker transformed a classical percussion background into a jazz voice all his own. In this episode, the vibraphonist shares how he found his calling, developed his sound, and built a career around music that feels personal and purposeful.      Jalen traces his path from early percussion training to discovering the expressive possibilities of the vibraphone. He reflects on the mentors, e...

     Jonathan Moore is building a completely original lane on the cello—one powered by looping, distortion, dance, and raw emotion. If you think you know what a cellist sounds like, this conversation will change your mind fast.      Raised in a deeply musical family and shaped by gospel, funk, hip hop, world music, and even the sounds of everyday life, Jonathan shares how he found his voice by ref...

    Black cartoonists are building the future of comics right now, and Jamel Flemister is doing it by hand, one character at a time. In this conversation, he opens up about turning childhood sketches in Cleveland into Flemister Comics, why his characters are rooted in lived experience, and what it really takes to create a world that feels alive.      Jamel shares how his creative process has evolv...

The story of how an African American musician from Philadelphia became an international force in choral music and education is truly inspiring — and it starts with a simple curiosity and an unwavering passion. Dr. Jeremy Winston’s journey from church singer to university professor and global performer reveals the power of resilience, cultural pride, and community impact. In this heartfelt conversa...

Unlock the Power of Relentless Passion and Purpose—Dr. Tremon Kaiser Reveals His Journey from Kansas Fields to Leading Music Education on a Global Stage      Dr. Tremon Kizer's journey from the rural plains of Kansas to the halls of the University of Central Florida is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to impact. In this episode, he shares how his childhood exp...

I enjoyed my conversation with The Hood Picasso as we discuss a deep dive into the journey of a self-taught artist who turned painful past experiences into powerful, message-driven art. From the streets to gallery walls, discover how his past life struggles fuel his creative fire. He shares how art became a lifeline, a form of activism, and a way to preserve history that others would rather forget...

     Deante Howard reveals his extraordinary journey from doodling on sticky notes and family jackets to becoming a self-taught artist making waves nationally and internationally. His story isn't just about art; it's about resilience, faith, strategic hustle, and redefining what it means to live your creative truth.      In this candid conversation, Deante shares how a childhood rooted i...

     Unlock the mesmerizing world of tap dance with Kenji Igus—a world where rhythm, history, and culture collide in inspiring ways. Kenji shares raw, unfiltered insights about navigating the industry’s highs and lows, the importance of authenticity, and how tap is evolving in today’s cultural landscape.      Kenji discusses the importance of staying true while exploring new horizons, pushing the...

Unlock the profound connection between culture, identity, and musical storytelling in my captivating conversation with Dr. Brianna Ware Boggs, a trailblazing contemporary classical composer and pianist. Discover how her Alabama roots, musical family legacy, and personal struggles with mental health fuel her powerful compositions that challenge traditional narratives.     From winning her first com...

      Most of us stay on the path we think we’re supposed to follow — but what if a sudden detour led you to your true calling? Dr. Arris Golden’s journey is proof that shifting directions can create unexpected opportunities you never saw coming.      From studying political science to leading college marching bands, she’s navigated an incredible transformation that will inspire anyone feeling stu...

Unlock the transformative journey of Julian Mitchell—a talented actor and musician whose path defies the conventional. From childhood performances in Oklahoma to working alongside Hollywood legends like Marla Gibbs, Julian's story proves that authenticity, perseverance, and creativity can carve your unique space in the arts. Discover how a family with deep musical roots, an early love for the...

In this episode of "Melanated Artists in Performance," I engage in a compelling conversation with Professor William Talley from Ohio University. Professor Talley shares his journey from growing up in the Carolinas to becoming an influential figure in music education. He discusses his unexpected path into music, starting with a whim decision to join the sixth-grade band, and how his high...

Join me as I sit down with my talented niece, Nolita Pore, in an engaging episode of "Melanated Artists in Performance." Discover Nolita's inspiring journey from the vibrant streets of Chicago to the spotlight of the acting world. With candid insights into her career, Nolita shares her passion for creativity, the challenges she's faced, and the joy she finds in teaching Sunday...

In this inspiring episode of "Melanated Artists in Performance," I sit down with Dr. Angelica Brooks, a visionary choral educator. Dr. Brooks shares her journey from her roots in Washington, D.C., to becoming a leading figure in music education. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, the importance of representation in the arts, and her commitment to creating opportunit...

Join me in an engaging conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Palmer, the visionary founder of Modern Maestro, as we explore her inspiring journey through the world of music education. Discover how Dr. Palmer's experiences have shaped her approach to teaching, her insights on the evolving landscape of music education, and the inspirations that drive her passion. This episode delves into the challeng...

Join host Titus in an engaging conversation with the multi-talented Otega Okurume, an actor, producer, and director making waves in the theater world. Discover Otega's inspiring journey from an IT major to a thriving career in the arts, as he shares insights into the roles of acting, producing, and directing. Explore the challenges and triumphs of bringing stories to life on stage, and gain a...

Join us for an inspiring episode of Melanated Artist in Performance as we sit down with Quin DeShay, a passionate middle school band director from Texas. Discover Quin's journey from picking up the tuba to becoming a dedicated music educator. She shares her experiences of opening new schools, the challenges and joys of teaching, and the importance of inspiring young musicians. Tune in to hear...

Marjoris Regus is an assistant professor of music education at Rutgers University.  We discuss her navigation into music education, her journey from Utah to Michigan, loneliness in classical arts, finding her path in music education and how she inspires future music educators.

Join me for an inspiring conversation with LaTerence Varnado, a dedicated band director from Columbus, Mississippi.  Discover his musical journey, the impact of music education, and his vision for creating equitable music programs. We discussed his impact on students, evolving legacy beyond the classroom, advocating for underfunded band programs, setting boundaries for mental health and an unexpec...

Join Titus Peck in an inspiring episode of "Melanated Artists in Performance" as he sits down with Dr. Latasha Thomas-Durrell, an accomplished music educator and researcher. Dr. Thomas-Durrell shares her journey from a musical family to becoming a leading voice in music education, discussing her passion for teaching, the challenges of navigating academia, and her vision for the future of...

Join us as we explore the inspiring musical journey of Maliq Veal, a talented trombonist and aspiring conductor. From his early days playing the violin to his transformative experiences with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute, Maliq shares how icons like Michael Jackson and Prince have shaped his path. Discover the challenges and triumphs th...

Dr. Amy Lewis - Assistant Professor of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Educator, author, musician, and professor. We discussed family support, the importance of joy, how there is life beyond work, inspiring students and knowing when to rest. 

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative power of music education and its profound impact on personal growth. Discover how Marti's journey from a captivated young dancer to a dedicated dance educator highlights the essential role of arts in shaping lives. Through engaging stories and insightful discussions, explore the challenges and triumphs of integrating music and dan...

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Jaquay Smith, a talented composer who transitioned from singing in childhood choirs to mastering the art of composition. In this episode, Jaquay shares her experiences, challenges, and the creative process that fuels her passion for music, and how her passion for God helps create music from the scriptures. Discover how her unique path and dedication h...