The Creative Train Podcast

Firstly, a HUGE thank you to all who have downloaded, played and shared this podcast, you make my day everyday! Two stories in this episode- one about a young musician whose mom tried to live out her fantasy of stardom through her daughter, creeping most people out in the process; and another involving an over-zealous musician who didn't seem to get the memo about over-sharing among your peers.  A...

Ah, recital season, which also means "audition season"...   Are you prepared, are you ready for the self-doubt, the anxiety and the woulda-shoulda-coulda after thoughts?   Well, artsie, maybe you can find some solace in my words. I've see the best and worst of folks when presentation gets confused with competition.    Art is not a competition. Expression is not a race. Creativity is not something...

Another true story from my life as a music teacher, but the message easily applies in any discipline. What happens when you raise the bar, you know, raise your expectations, up your game? Sometimes we exceed our goals, sometimes we feel like we're going backward.  It's a good thing to do this, but there can be some really tough moments when we hold ourselves to a new and higher standard.  I did a...

This episode is about accountability, not just to an instructor or mentor- but to YOU, especially YOU! As both a teacher and a student, I constantly check-in with myself to see if my lessons are clear, thoughtful and appropriate for each student as well as understandable, and relatable from a student's perspective. Here are a few things you can do today and into the future to help keep you and you...

A recent experience in the music biz left me in a familiar feeling place; one of being somewhat overlooked, or relegated to a "space filler", and because this is unfortunately common, I'm used to it. I'm Not Bitter, Just A Little Tart!

A timely follow-up to episode 71.  In this episode I'm shining a light into a dark corner of being a teacher of any sort- the student who thinks they have outsmarted everyone, including you!  What to do, how to handle and how to come to understand your place in someone's very particular learning process. If you can relate, leave a comment, let's have a conversation. 

What do you expect from a teacher? What do you expect from a student? Even if these things remain unsaid in the class/workshop, there is an understanding that something is promised aside from fees being paid. What is it that is promised? I outline my approach as a music teacher, but I really believe this extends into all fields and for both the teacher and the student.

This is not solely about angry artists, but rather those who seem to be crazed in their focus, determination and might look "crazy" or "weird" to those around them.  Here are some words of inspiration and a reminder about how and why you create. If you're just in it for the likes and social media presence- there are words for you as well! 

I'm happy to welcome two good friends on to this episode to tell us about some of the "blue" moments working in the arts.  From performance, to the behind the scenes tech, it seems we artsies have all been "through it" This episode explores the funny, the nasty, the awkward and the bizarre stuff we encounter when we work in the artistic/creative community.  If you're new to a career in the arts, t...

I'll call this episode 68.5, as I'm wrangling some guests in for the next big one, episode 69 (*smirk) in which we're going to tell stories, some "blue" some weird, but all are going to be about the strange things we encounter during performances, sessions or in teaching environments.  Should be some fun conversations for your listening pleasure! Stay tuned!

This episode has sat on the backburner for a while now, I was hesitant to release it until I saw a bit of a swell in this same sentiment among fellow creatives.  This is not meant to assign shame or blame on anybody in particular, but rather shine a light on the question of why the biggest supporters of our artistic endeavours seem to be strangers and not our closest "inner circle".  It's a very r...

Searching yourself up online can be a very weird experience.  Just last week I looked up "creativity coaches"- this is something I purposely did NOT do prior to setting up Creative Train as I wanted to let the site, podcast and everything else reflect me, my methods and in my manner.  So, now two years into this, I Googled my gig and was pretty surprised at what I found, and didn't find!

I thought I might do one ai podcast. Then I did another.  This is the third one. And the reason for it is- I've seen many associates businesses come close to the edge of failing because of past customers now resorting to the "free" ai options for graphic design, image creation, voice over, music "creation" and video for their advertisements and even entertainment.  I know, the world is not ending...

Are you being heard? Are your students actually listening? Do they understand your lesson material? How do you know when your lessons are working for your students? In my case, it was when I hear them citing points I've made in the past as the catalyst for their growth!

When you're in hot pursuit of a creative goal, you can be focussed, intense and determined. But what happens once that goal is reached, that mission accomplished and now you kinda feel burned out, empty and frustrated? A few months ago I was in that exact spot, but I kept pushing, and regained my momentum but this time in a newer direction.  Have a listen, let me know how you pulled your creative...

Inspiration- where does it come from? How do we foster and grow our creative energies? This episode digs into the actual work involved in learning an art form which brings us to the point of JOY in our creations!  Learn, repeat, reinforce- but always remember your own unique vibe factor. Let's keep real art alive!

This is a universal topic for artists in any discipline- when ca we call a song, painting, poem, dish, done? Like, it's as good as it's gonna get? My story of an 11 year old song FINALLY getting recorded might resonate with your own process if you've been eternally dissatisfied with your stuff, have a listen.  Leave a comment if you can relate, let's have a conversation.

I learned a few really solid lessons these past few weeks when I would typically have delayed my processes while waiting for input from some peers on my work.  Working somewhat outside of my comfort zone I sought some input, which never really came. Instead of giving up, I remembered to trust myself, my skills and my process. And it worked out just fine!  This might be a good listen if you have ha...

In this episode I recount some very strange experiences I had which left me staring at my comfort zone from the outside; I took it as a creative challenge and 6 years later it's bearing fruit!  You may relate to my experience, or not, but what we can all relate to is the importance of our comfort zone and the necessity to step outside of it.

An episode dedicated to all those artists, past and present who have left an indelible mark upon us as creatives. Small moments of gratitude, honouring their inspiration goes a long way to not only fuel yourself but maybe the artists you're most inspired by. Who knows, maybe YOU are that inspirational in someone's life?! Have a listen, leave a comment of who's on your list of greatest influences!

In this episode, I recount some very personal experience about a creative relationship built upon with a "fictional" character created by a fellow artist. I fell for the "masked persona" and so did several others.  There are some hard questions to ask yourself within this episode- can you live up to the persona you present to the world? Do you have the courage to reveal your authentic self? Can yo...

A more emotionally charged episode with some recounting of my own experience and catharsis. Brief synopsis: "Your creative mind is not bound by time or place"  Consider that.  Let me know what you think, let's have a conversation. 

As a teacher, you are charged with many tasks- delivering information, testing, marking, monitoring class behaviour, and inspiring your students to want to learn.  The last part is often the hardest; each student has their own learning needs and motivations so how do you as a teacher grab their attention, then retain it? By making your lessons relatable instead of treating your classes like a serm...

In this episode I'm diving into the question of why we create things. What inspired us to take up an artistic pursuit? What do we hope to accomplish with all this investment of time, money, emotion and space in our homes? I hope that all artists who listen to this will pick up on some new things to think about, new inspirations, motivations and affirmations.  And if you are considering finally emb...

I have enjoyed almost three weeks off of work over the Christmas holiday season, I was very productive at home though!  In this episode I let you in on a few things coming up for the podcast, guests, inspirations and some fun self-observation.