Music (ed) Matters

Meet Megan Farison - a music educator obsessed with vocal technique! In this episode, we uncover her unique path to choir world, as well as have the hard conversation that Megan has made possible thanks to her recently published book, "Dissonance: A Memoire." (This episode may trigger some listeners, please proceed with caution or check out the book review here before listening: https://www.amazon...

Happy New Year!! Erik Jacobs returns to the pod as this year's New Year Kick Off episode guest! We talk all the things you may need to get motivated, inspired, and excited. We can't wait to hear what you think!  Link to the SLYC song Erik wrote: https://youtu.be/dWqP2fB8JzI Check out this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/haIMrs6ndW0 This episode is brought to you by our friends from Perform In...

In this episode, we talk to choral mastermind and organizational leader, Erik Jacobson! In addition to being a fantastic educator, Erik has created some of the most impactful educational outreach programs and you can apply to be a part of them today. It's also just super inspiring to talk to someone who created their path and shares so willingly the things they've learned along the way. Links in t...

Meet choral entrepreneur and choir community creator rockstar, Tegan Miller. In this conversation, Tegan shares her story of her musical journey along with how she's created the businesses necessary to make her choir dreams a reality - and you can too!  This episode is sponsored by Perform International. Check them out for any of your domestic or international choir tour dreams, from custom tours...

Elisa Janson Jones is the founder of the Music Teacher Guild, a platform dedicated to supporting and elevating music educators through mentorship, resources, and professional development. A passionate advocate for inclusion in music education professional learning, she empowers teachers with the tools they need to thrive. In this episode we talk about all sorts of tools and resources, including AI...

Lindsey Hull - Releasing your first EP: "Learning to Fly" Meet singer/songwriter, Lindsey Hull (@LindseyHullSings)! She just released her FIRST ever EP, “Learning to Fly,” and this episode we cover the entire process from idea, to writing, to producing and releasing. Have a big goal? It can be heard to feel ready, but this is another great example of just do it, and great things will happen, you’l...

Let's meet CPA by day and lead band singer and music lover and advocate on the side, Noelle Vocelka! In this convo, we also introduce you to the newest non-profit in town, The Power of Music Foundation, ready to help individuals, schools or organizations support their music travel dreams through financial backing and educational support.  Find out more about Noelle's band, The Weekend Lovers: http...

Moombix is revolutionising music education: Traditional music education is outdated, rigid and often inaccessible. Margrét can discuss how Moombix is transforming the learning experience - making music education more flexible, interactive and tailored to the unique needs of adult learners. Beyond just lessons, Moombix embraces music as a lifestyle choice, empowering people to integrate creativity...

“In a world where division seems to be the norm, we stand united. We are musicians, singers, artists, and advocates, all bound by the belief that music can bridge the gaps and mend the divides. Our mission is simple yet profound: to bring people together, to celebrate our shared humanity, and to recommit to the promise of a "more perfect union." Meet the co-founders Gary Aamodt and Celia Ellingson...

We love our podcast listeners!! In this episode, we chat with PhD candidate, Theresa Hoover, as she writes her dissertation on why music educators listen to podcasts. So, listen to this for interesting conversation and inspo, but also take a moment and help soon-to-be "Dr. Hoover" gather data for her dissertation. Survey link: https://asu.questionpro.com/podcastlisteningPodcast link: https://pod.l...

Y'all, this episode is motivational, vulnerable, and so fun! It features a little inspo from your host & some little snippets from choir members. It will also walk you through some tips for creating your own ensemble community. We hope it motivates and inspires you! Thanks for listening and enjoy!! (Happy Summer!)  This episode is sponsored by Perform International - check them out at Perform_...

Did you catch the January bonus episode? If not, go listen real quick, it tells the back story of how I was asked to start a choir at my university. And this episode, THIS ONE is epic!! I share the success and the future our University Choir along with tips and tools you can use to achieve your next goal or big idea. Thanks so much for listening to the story - we are SO excited and eternally thank...

Back in Episode 183, you learned all about "Sing Democracy 250" - where did the idea come from, who is behind it, and why should it matter to you and your singing communities? Today is our second installment of meet the composer, where you get to hear from the commissioned composers who are writing the two new works just for the project. Check out episode 186 for part 1. Today, we’re speaking with...

commissioned composers who are writing the two new works just for the project. Today we talk with composer Michael Bussewitz-Quarm (https://www.listenafresh.com/).  Great news! You can now apply to be one of the choirs participating in Sing Democracy 250. All you have to do is pop over to their website and submit an application. It is free and as long as you are a 501c3 and commit to perform the m...

Kicking-off the new year sharing one of the best real-life dream stories! Want to know what it takes to live out the NYC Acting Dream? In this episode, we talk to singing actor and educator, Hannah Thompson as she shares her journey from high school choir to "Phoebe" in the off-broadway Friends, the Parody Musical. A great listen for singing actors as well as educators preparing those singing acto...

It's bonus episode time! In this episode, you'll hear all about the new choir I'm starting (at school) and some tips if you're looking to start one too. You'll get a little background on your host and then we go through the how, why, and what of this new ensemble. My goal is to share the "new choir" journey over the next 10-weeks (aka: winter quarter)  - this is going to be so fun! Thanks for list...

What does 90210, Friends, and the Office have in common? Today's guest, Assaf Gleizner, was part of the creative team that turned them into parody musicals! In this episode (a rebroadcast from The Illuminate Pod), Assaf shares the musical journey that lead to writing musicals - and a ton of fun stories along the way! You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YqyVKTfwXjg This epi...

What exactly is "Sing Democracy 250" - where did the idea come from, who is behind it, and why should it matter to you and your singing communities? We answer all that and more in this first installment with our friends Tina and Jonah from the "Sing Democracy 250" team. Can't wait to see how this unfolds! You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7wuIr8vRREs Sign up for the news...

Choir, community, and more! Catch this story of how the Tacoma Refugee Choir got its start and where it has gone (and is going) from founder, Erin Guinup! You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/woMSUZ_UM-k This episode was brought to you by our friends at Perform International. Tons of fabulous trips you can join in or plan one from scratch. Check them out at https://perform-...

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer shares her incredible pathway to teaching music and how she is giving back (and how you can take advantage of all the awesome things Dr. B has to offer!) Find out more at Dr. Brinckmeyer's amazing website: https://brinckmeyer-enterprises.com/. You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qZ4Ehdbgq6I This episode was brought to you...

Looking for some FUN ideas and seeking ENERGY? This is a great episode to start with! Erik listened to the podcast a few episodes back with all my fav engagers and warm-ups and we are calling this the "follow-up" or level 2 :) Links and episode notes below - we hope you enjoy! (You can also watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/oDbu9YCT-yE)  Outline:What brings us joy? SLYC StickExplanati...

Earlier this year we started a little mini-series on avoiding burnout thanks to feedback we are hearing as part of ACDA’s Advocacy and Collaboration Standing Committee. The goal of these episodes is to provide our members and listeners with tools to avoid and overcome burnout - one of the leading causes to folks leaving our fabulous career.  Part one, we talked about how to guard your time through...

Do you read to your singers? Are you a singer who likes to read? I love the series Carolyn Sloan has created which brings the orchestra and opera to folks in a fun, easy to read book with fabulous drawings and….it’s one of those books that comes with it’s own music on the side… I LOVE THOSE! My “survey of performance” class loved when I read them the book on opera! But this episode isn’t just abou...

With the 77th Tonys airing last night, we couldn't be more stoked for recent Music (ed) Matters guest, Cristina Vivenzio, a producer whose show just won the Tony for Best Musical (and Best Director and Best Lighting Design)! Not just any show, this one is based off of the well loved and still taught book, “The Outsiders.” If you haven’t downloaded the cast album, my fav song is “Great Expectations...

In honor of SCAD graduation, this week we bring you senior and soon to be grad, Ayden Behn! In this conversation, we talk through how Ayden approaches new albums (like the Arianna Grande album from earlier this year) and then we dive into playlists, music, and more! This episode makes me fall even more in love with music - we hope you enjoy!  Just SOME of Ayden’s FavoritesPixar’s Soul, 2020Amore m...