Ashley Roberts

Redefining the Musician

Arts EN ↓ 28 episodes

Redefining the Musician shares stories from classical musicians who have decided to redirect their career path into something new. This podcast takes you through a variety of stories from former performers and music educators, while building community with those who have left music or are considering leaving music.

Author

Ashley Roberts

Category

Arts

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Jul 6, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 25: Taking Flight Into A New Career Path (Jolene's Story) 06.07.2026

Take a listen to Jolene as she tells her story of transitioning from her doctorate in bassoon performance, to how she found happiness and balance working for Southwest Airlines. Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=header Jolene's Bio Jolene Masone spent many years dedicated to expanding the contemporary and electr...

Episode 24: Seeing Music Through A Healing Lens (Kathleen's Story) 29.06.2026

Kathleen is a music educator turned music therapist. Her career change has brought along a whole new perspective on how we can use music in the world. Listen to her story as well as what her day to day is like as a music therapist! Google Form: https://forms.gle/8TSNU8wPbcnME8V8A Kathleen's Bio Kathleen is a hospice music therapist serving patients in Northern Colorado. She has a bachelor’s de...

Episode 23: Finding Success Outside of Toxic Music Culture (Nora's Story) 22.06.2026

Google Form: https://forms.gle/UEPRVugtuUzLVLdP7 In this episode, Nora addresses several facets of music culture that had a major effect on her career change. She has found extreme success outside of the arts, and I can't wait for you all to hear about it. Nora's Bio: Nora Segura-Barpal started her career as a music major. In 2020 she earned her masters in performing arts administration wh...

Episode 22: Defining The Path In Music After Overcoming Obstacles (Brigette's Story) 10.06.2026

Brigette is an accomplished saxophonist who was faced with medical issues that required multiple surgeries, hindering her ability to consistently play. After overcoming both medical and mental struggles, she has found her way back into the music profession. Her story is one of inspiration, grit, and true strength. You won't want to miss this great conversation! Google Form: https://forms.gle/W...

Episode 21: Paving The Way For Young Musicians (Amanda's Story) 01.06.2026

Amanda has experienced it all: being in a youth orchestra, going through music school, leaving the field completely and pursuing a fulfilling career in social work, and coming back full circle to start her own youth orchestra (The Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony). Hear how Amanda has navigated all of this through life, and how she brings the love of music and resources to students who might not ot...

Episode 20: How Finding A Place In Another Field Created Space For Music (Lydia's Story) 25.05.2026

Listen along in this episode to Lydia's story. As someone who loved music and found a happiness in it, her music career began to cause a decline in her mental health. Lydia has now found a way into another field, Environmental Planning, where she can work to help the world be another place. But don't worry, she has found plenty of ways to involve music in her life in a much calmer way! Google Form...

Episode 19: Self Improvement Through Career Change (James' Story) 11.05.2026

In this episode, James takes us through his experiences of being in music school, transitioning to law school, and all of the factors that influenced that decision. We discuss how these issues in the music world can be improved, and we also discuss how the skills we gain as musicians can directly translate to law school. Google Form to be on the show: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU...

Episode 18: Opening Doors and Redefining Success (Serayah's Story) 04.05.2026

Take a listen to Serayah's story where she details how she used her music education degree in an untraditional way. She details her story of keeping doors open and getting a variety of opportunities that have built her career to what it is today. Google Form to be on the show: https://forms.gle/zjs85wmMuRgpLk276 Serayah's Bio: Serayah Peters is a crossover artist, voice teacher, and arts l...

Bonus Episode 3: Careers Questionnaire Part 1 27.04.2026

Have you wondered what it would be like to switch to another career? What qualifications you would need, what the job is like, if you might be a good fit for that job? This episode is for you! This is Part 1 in a series of interviews detailing all of these things about specific career paths. Each episode will feature 10-20 minute interviews compiled together of different careers. This episode feat...

Episode 17: Overcoming The Mental Health Struggles As A Musician (Tyler's Story) 20.04.2026

Throughout this episode, Tyler takes us through his mental health struggles as a student and performer. We hear his story not only of his struggles, but also how he was able to overcome them, and become a successful band director. He has some fantastic takes on how we can improve mental health for ourselves and our students, and you won't want to miss this one! If you're interested in sharing your...

Episode 16: Choosing the Next Chapter - A Fulfilling Life in Music (Natalie's Story) 13.04.2026

Tune in with us to listen to the amazing career of Dr. Natalie Mannix. Dr. Mannix has had a career that has traveled from being a performer in the United States Navy Band, to being a college professor, and now to retiring to spend more time with her family. Even in her retirement, Dr. Mannix is an avid performer, teacher, activist, and mother, who's words are inspiring for all. Her work in pro...

Episode 15: Bringing Health and Wellness to Musicians (Suzanne's Story) 30.03.2026

Take a listen to this fascinating episode where Suzanne talks about her experiences of being a freelance musician, venturing into the world of holistic wellness for musicians, and preparing for her retirement from her freelance career. If you would like to share your story on the podcast, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/P8gfpELhKqGa1Um8A Suzanne's Bio: Suzanne Chasalow has...

Episode 14: Finding The Path In Music (Allison's Story) 23.03.2026

In this episode, Allison tells us the story of how she began her college career in accounting, and found her path to become a college professor and freelance performer. Her approach to her students is a refreshing view, and a big step in helping solve the toxicity in the music world. If you would like to share your story on the show, fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/tLp7LB43mxKK87M56 A...

Episode 13: Music Ed to Corporate Travel and Events (Mary Pat's Story) 16.03.2026

Mary Pat has some amazing takes on how we can live our lives for our own happiness. Listen as she takes us through her experience of being a burnt out music educator, and finding her place in the corporate travel world. If you would like to be on the show, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/PaYozmDK2sbC5s3P8 Mary Pat's Bio: Mary Pat Robey is a corporate travel and events spec...

Episode 12: Music Doesn't Have to Pay The Bills - Finding the Joys in Performing Again (Jenny's Story) 09.03.2026

Jenny takes us through her story of switching to the data science field. Through an entry level position, a new degree, and certifications, she has found her way at Microsoft. But, this has not stopped her from gaining professional musical experiences as well. Take a listen as she shows us how she balances her job at Microsoft, her gigs, and being a mom. Google Form: https://forms.gle/PhnJsHCBpLDi...

Episode 11: A Conversation With “The Rogue Academic” (Lexie's Story) 02.03.2026

Podcast host of "The Rogue Academic" Lexie Signor takes us through an exciting conversation. She does not shy away from saying the quiet part out loud, and through her story, we discuss many of the issues in higher ed, as well as how she's fought against the system. Google Form: https://forms.gle/VdJCqPDVwGqQu7AM9 Lexie's website: https://lexiethetrumpeter.com/ Lexie's Bio: D...

Episode 10: Finding The Balance: Working In Software As An Active Musician (Erin's Story) 23.02.2026

Listen to Erin's story as she talks about how she's constantly redefining what balance looks like, working in software, playing on Broadway, playing in Calliope Brass, and she has also hosted her own podcast called Doublers! Google Form: https://forms.gle/5DMPJGXXfiJCJzhp8 IG:  https://www.instagram.com/erinplayshorn Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinozolins/ Calliope Brass IG:  h...

Episode 9: From Music Ed to STEM Ed - Prioritizing Authenticity and Joy (Laura’s Story) 16.02.2026

Laura has always been heavily involved in music, both on the performance side and the education side. Until, one day in 2019, Laura decided to prioritize her happiness, her family, and her mental health. That has led to a series of decisions that have formed the life she lives now. Take a listen to this inspiring story of how Laura found a world she can live in that ticks all of the boxes. Google...

Episode 8: Redefining What It Means To Be A Musician - From Freelancing to Music Ed (Mirella's Story) 09.02.2026

If you would like to be on the show, fill out this Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103514879413514765577 Episode 8: Take a listen this week to Mirella's incredibly inspiring story! She takes us through getting her degrees, establishing a very wonderful freelancing career, and deciding to move...

Episode 7: One Last Shot - Taking a "Premiere" Opportunity (Lindsay's Story) 02.02.2026

Check out this episode with Lindsay, where she talks about her experience of finding her place in music. From music education, to grad school, to almost not taking the audition where she won her job, her story is packed full of relatable experiences. Read her full bio below If you would like to be on the show, or would like to give suggestions, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/...

Bonus Episode 2: All About Burnout 26.01.2026

Burnout is a recurring issue than many musicians deal with at least once in their career. In this Episode, Ben and I talk about why burnout is so common, how burnout is built into the systems of music school and music careers, and some ways we can fight against that. If you would like to be on the podcast or have things you'd like to hear on the podcast, fill out this google form: https://form...

Episode 6: A Journey from Music Ed to a More Fulfilling Path (Rachel’s Story) 19.01.2026

Listen to Rachel's story as she learned that despite her love for music and teaching, the public school music ed world was not something that made her happy. She is now in the process of redefining her path and she shares that experience with all of us! Google Form:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=header

Episode 5: A Musician's Service, Cut Short (Serena's Story) 10.01.2026

Follow along as Serena details her story of being forced to resign from her military band position, due to the new laws against transgender military members. In this episode, you can hear not only about Serena's hardships, but also about her resilience, and the beginning of her path towards a new career. If you'd like to share your story, you can fill out this Google Form: https://docs.goo...

Bonus Episode 1: The Recovery from Musician's Dystonia (Paden's Story) 22.12.2025

Tune in to this episode to hear Paden’s journey with Musician’s Dystonia. Hear all about the causes, as well as the ways he has worked on healing. Additionally, bring an open ear to hear some of the things he has to say regarding how we can change brass and wind teaching to prevent injury. If you would like to be featured or have things you'd like to hear on the podcast, fill out this Google Form:...

Episode 4: Redefining Career Direction - From Music to Finance (Dominick's Story) 15.12.2025

The musician to finance pipeline is an interesting, yet strangely common path that is beginning to develop. Take a listen to Dominick's story as he tells you his path of leaving music to protect his mental health and secure his future through his new career. Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=1035148...

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