Regarding Music

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Frederik Magle, an organist and composer based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Frederik discusses his eclectic musical journey, his work in church music, collaborations across genres, and the challenge of securing commissions. Eric and Frederik reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on compositions and composers, the importance of networking for eme...

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Montreal-based composer Hannah Barnes about her unique approach to composition, the challenges of engaging audiences with contemporary music, and the importance of composers understanding conducting and the rehearsal process. Hannah shares her musical journey, influences, and insights on what makes a good composition teacher and student...

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with clarinetist and composer Daniel Garcia. Daniel discusses his musical influences, the importance of networking, and the challenges of building confidence as a composer. He emphasizes the role of social media in promoting music and offers valuable advice for aspiring composers, encouraging them to explore non-mainstream music and to keep...

Eric Sheppard speaks with Tony Manfredonia, a Michigan-based singer-songwriter and composer about Tony's musical journey, his passion for orchestral sounds, and his transition into composing music for video games. Tony shares insights on his workflow, the importance of networking, and the need for authenticity in professional relationships and emphasizes the significance of finding projects that a...

Eric Sheppard speaks with Dr. Mark Tse, a conductor and music educator at the University of Saskatchewan, about the challenges faced by aspiring conductors, the importance of gaining practical experience, and the dynamics of leading rehearsals. Mark shares his personal journey into conducting, some great advice for young conductors, and the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in becom...

In this Episode Eric outlines AI tools and how to use them that enable an individual singer to create four part choral music. 

In this episode, Eric Sheppard speaks with Lee Litvin, a California-based music producer and business coach, about his journey in the music industry. Lee shares his experiences transitioning from an artist to a producer and eventually to a coach, emphasizing the importance of mindset, self-awareness, and networking in achieving success. They discusses the challenges of the music industry, the sign...

In this episode, Eric Sheppard and Z.W. Buckley, a video game composer, music producer and production coach, discuss the importance of being a generalist in the music industry, the value of professionalism over perfection, and the anxiety that comes with sharing one's work. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating opportunities for others and the dynamics of collaboration and...

In this Episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Arnaud Spick-Saucier, a Montreal-based pianist, composer, and mixing engineer. They discuss Arnaud's Journey as a musician, the influence of jazz on his composition style, and the importance of improvisation. They explore the influence of environment on creativity, the tension between being a musician and a content creator, the balance...

In this episode, Eric Sheppard speaks with Barnaby Dickinson, a UK-based trombone player, about his varied career as a freelance musician. They discuss the importance of networking, building friendships in the industry, and the challenges of being a band leader. Barnaby shares insights on creating opportunities through personal projects and the some the tough realities of running rehearsals and pe...

In this Episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Andy Hudson, a Wisconsin-based clarinetist and music educator, about his journey in music education. They discuss the balance between tradition and innovation in music, the joy and importance of teaching, the role of music in storytelling, and what it means to be a good music student.

In this episode of Regarding Music Eric walks us through one of his compositions, a Rondo written for string orchestra. In this discussion we discuss what a rondo form is and some of the ways in which rondo forms can be expanded to create longer and more substantial pieces.

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard and Matt Perri explore the multifaceted world of conducting, discussing Matt's journey from jazz musician to Broadway conductor, the challenges of leading diverse musical groups, and the importance of effective rehearsal techniques. They delve into the balance of authority and approachability in leadership roles, the significance of understanding m...

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with classical guitarist Ben Diamond about his second album, Voyage. They discuss the journey of creating the album, the composers involved, and the importance of collaboration and communication in the music-making process. Ben shares insights on the narratives behind the music, the complexities of performing with electronics, and offers adv...

Tobias Meinhartt is a New York based saxophonist and jazz musician. The discussion with Tobias in this episode of Regarding Music focuses on moving to different countries to pursue music, some of the differences and similarities between learning music in Europe and North America, developing skills in improvising, and the importance of being genuine in one’s approach to music.

Ed Kort is music producer who focuses on helping other musicians build their businesses and in this episode of Regarding Music, we talk with Ed about some of the difficulties musicians face with regard to creating online businesses, a number of the differences between music and other niches, the role of social media in developing a music business, and some ideas for musicians who are looking to pr...

In this episode of Regarding Music, we talk with Raphael C, a Brazilian musician who uses computer programs to write music, about creating computer generated music, the technical skills and software involved with creating this music, and some thoughts on the future of AI in Music.

Cathrie Yuen is a Vancouver based choral conductor. Our discussion in this episode of Regarding Music focused on such topics as building a community within a choir, rehearsing and performing choral music in different languages, putting one’s musical work on social media, as well as some ideas and advice for young conductors.

Jonathan Hannau is a Chicago based pianist and composer. In this episode of Regarding Music we discuss Jonathan's experiences as a performer and composer, some ways composers can pitch their work to performers in a more compelling way, as well as some tips and advice for marketing and managing a reputation as a freelance musician. 

In this episode of Regarding Music we talk with Dr. D.F. Cook, a retired music educator, academic, and church musician, about what attending music school in the 1950s and 1960s was like as well as some of the similarities and differences with studying music at university today.

Jordan Humphreys is a UK based mixing and mastering engineer and in this episode of Regarding Music we discussed what a mixing and mastering engineer does, what value mixing and mastering engineers provide to artists, articulating a value proposition on social media as a musician, and some tips and advice for aspiring mixing and mastering engineers.

Renata Quijada is California based music therapist and choral musician. In this episode of regarding music, our discussion focused on some of the parallels between music therapy and choral conducting, learnings from our experiences in church music, and some tips and advice for aspiring choral musicians. 

Julia Dunne is a St. John’s based Musical Theatre performer and in this episode of Regarding Music we talked about studying music theatre at University, the process of auditioning and getting roles in musicals, as well as some tips and advice for people looking to break into music theatre.  

Celeste Thordarson is a Toronto based choral conductor and church musician and in this episode of regarding music we discuss some of the practical challenges church musicians face, balancing managing a  choir whilst singing in other choirs, and tips and advice for other young conductors.

Isaac Kingshott is a London, Ontario based film composer and this episode of Regarding Music we discussed the differences between composing film music and more abstract music intended to be performed in a concert setting, imposter syndrome in music, paid vs unpaid composition engagements, and learning’s Issac has had from his journey as a composer.