The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner

How do you build a creative career that’s sustainable and joyful? In this episode, pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Brenda Earle Stokes joins Eric Branner to share practical lessons from her journey of balancing artistry, entrepreneurship, and education. After two decades in New York City, Brenda “downshifted” her life... moving home to Canada, redefining success, and finding renewed insp...

In this episode, Eric sits down with his longtime friend Dr. David Cutler... composer, author, and Distinguished Professor of Music Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of South Carolina. David is one of the world’s leading voices in arts entrepreneurship and the author of The Savvy Musician 2.0 , The Savvy Music Teacher , and The GAME of Innovation . Together they explore how musicia...

Pianist, educator, and conservatory director Rachel Ehring joins Eric to unpack the real career paths pianists can take beyond solo work. Rachel runs St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts and coaches pianists in collaborative skills through YouTube, workshops, and her online course Dynamic Accompanying . She shares how to find and land modern gigs, why sight-reading is a superpower, live-launch vs e...

Pianist, teacher, and entrepreneur David Chang shares his journey from discovering his teaching gift at 13 to building one of the most successful adult piano programs in the U.S. We dive into his unique methods for learning, his philosophy of “business as art, life as art, self as art,” and how mindset and creativity fuel a joyful, impactful business. Learn more about David's work here Thumbt...

 In this episode, Eric sits down with musician, pedagogue, and music business strategist Kelly Riordan, co-founder of Outside the Bachs . Kelly helps teachers design profitable studios, attract students through organic marketing, and refine their operations to run smoothly. She shares insights on setting and sticking to policies, identifying your ideal student, building community over competition,...

Seattle-based saxophonist, composer, and teaching artist Steve Treseler joins Eric to explore the building blocks of a joyful and long-lasting career in music. Steve shares how he designed a portfolio life as a performer, educator, and author…while keeping his enthusiasm and curiosity intact. In this conversation, Steve shares his approach to micro-entrepreneurship, why showing up and adding value...

In this episode of The Fourforty, Eric sits down with Davis Dorrough, Piano Editor at Alfred Music. Davis is a third-generation pianist, teacher, and composer. He brings creativity to every corner of his work, whether that’s polishing new piano publications, scouting talent, or teaching students in his own studio. Davis shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a family of pianists to landin...

In this solo episode, host Eric Branner shares why The Fourforty Podcast exists and what musicians and teachers can expect each week. Learn why every musician is an entrepreneur, and how embracing business skills alongside artistry allows us to build thriving careers and stronger communities.  🌊 Connect with us: Join a supportive community for teachers & creatives at the Fons Family Facebook...

In this short trailer, I’ll share the vision behind The Fourforty... why it exists, who it’s for, and what you can expect each week. The Fourforty is built on the belief that music teachers, artists, and creatives can, and should make great livings. Join me as we explore the business of teaching music with stories and strategies to help you build a creative, sustainable, and impactful life in musi...