The Musician Centric Podcast

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! The dynamic and charismatic conductor Luke Frazier joins Liz and Steph for a casual chat about the unique model of the American Pops Orchestra, which he founded in 2015. Luke believes that the future of orchestral music is breaking down barriers between orchestras and audiences. He describes how his upbringing in rural West Virginia shaped his philosophi...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! In this episode, Liz and Steph talk with Mei-Ann Chen, Music Director of the ever-progressive, MacArthur award-winning, Chicago Sinfonietta. Ms Chen is known not only for her energetic style on the podium, but for being a champion for the mission of the Sinfonietta - diversity, equity and inclusion - on the stage, in their organization and in their progr...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Part 2 is here! Liz and Steph continue their conversation with Assistant Professor of Viola at the University of Arizona, Dr. Molly Gebrian! With her dual-degree in Music and Neuroscience, Molly is a virtual unicorn in the field of music education. A scientist at heart, she is passionate about experimenting with (and on) her students to find the best tec...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! This week, Liz and Steph welcome Assistant Professor of Viola at the University of Arizona, Dr. Molly Gebrian! With her dual-degree in Music and Neuroscience, Molly is a virtual unicorn in the field of music education. A scientist at heart, she is passionate about experimenting with (and on) her students to find the best techniques and philosophies to he...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Steph talk with Arts Advocate and performer Sandy Choi. Sandy works with the DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) as the Community Engagement and Digital Media Manager and is also known for her involvement in the chamber music scene in DC, working with trailblazing groups such as Inscape Chamber Orchestra, Urban Arias and the Balance Campaign. Sand...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! The one where Liz got a terribly sick and couldn’t record with guests so Liz and Steph compiled a ‘favorites’ episode to reflect on Season 1! They talk about how the core values of ViolaCentric have emerged through conversations with some really insightful guests. Enjoy some beautiful and poignant moments from Season 1! Including clips from: Ep 2: Inside...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Steph talk with the charismatic and poignant Brian Balmages, conductor, composer and passionate music educator. Brian is well-known for his catalogue of widely accessible compositions for student band and orchestra, but is also highly in-demand as a clinician and guest conductor. Steph has known Brian since their undergrad days, and can attest to...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Steph talk with Doug Rosenthal, trombonist, activist and DC Union Representative. In this episode, Doug talks about a personal shift that literally prepared his inner voice for perfroming with confidence! The friends also get into a lively discussion of what union membership SHOULD mean for freelance musicians and why we’re all wrong about what t...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Episode 2 features 'Practice Maven', Susanna Klein! Susanna is a violinist, professor, arts entrepreneur, practice researcher, and author who is passionate about joyful practicing and musician health. She’s spreading the practice joy with Practizma, her innovative practice journal and workbook and her practice aid, the Clipza app. Susanna talks...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Steph are kicking off Season 2 with ’ThatViolaKid’ Drew Forde! Drew is one of classical music’s first instantly-recognized faces on social media and he uses the medium to connect in an absolutely authentic way with his audience. In this episode, he talks about how his career diverged from the orchestral path and how to stay relevant in today’s ev...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Stephanie respond to some of the questions and feedback received from YOU, our listeners! In this season finale episode, we also reflect on this experience, express our gratitude for all of our supporters, and hint a little at what's to come! We hope you'll stay in touch with us this summer as we plan for even MORE ways to spread that w...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Stephanie talk with recently TikTok famous “Viola Mom” Rebecca Young. From chamber music to soloing and performing with the New York Philharmonic to hosting the Very Young Peoples Concerts, Rebecca Young’s experiences in music are broad! She talks about her meteoric rise on social media, making real-world connections with audience members, and th...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Stephanie have an in-depth conversation with fellow violist and self-described 'educator, movement instructor, off and on writer, and total body nerd' Kayleigh Miller. In this episode, we talk about how to prepare physically for the hopeful return of more orchestral work, what choosing a movement and exercise practice might look like fo...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! This week’s guest is Stephen Slater, a horn player currently performing with the Virginia Symphony, whose performing career has spanned 5 continents. Stephen has experience on both sides of the curtain: as orchestral musician and arts administrator. This unique perspective fuels the conversation in this episode, spanning Stephen’s varied job experiences...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! In this episode, Liz and Stephanie talk with Jennifer Wade: violinist, teacher, values-based identity coach and founder of Lifescape Visionary. From life as a freelancer to discovering her own unique path through music, Jennifer is a font of wisdom. The friends talk about setting goals for your gig life based on your own values and weighing where you spe...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Episode 8: Activating the Individual with Tiffany Richardson In this riveting conversation, Liz and Steph talk with the inspiring Tiffany Richardson. Tiffany enjoys a multi-faceted career as a professional violist, administrator, educator and entrepreneur dedicated to purposeful impact. She works with musicians and organizations to forge connections betw...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Stephanie talk with Molly Sharp, Principal Viola of the Richmond Symphony and the creator of VlaTutti.com about the insights brought-on by her sabbatical followed closely by the pandemic shuttering of concert halls and live performances. They talk about building a community of violists, pandemic projects and the lies we all tell ourselves about o...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Stephanie talk with fellow violist and colleague Ally Goodman, who is currently the Principal Violist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra in Washington, DC. In this episode, Ally shares her personal journey with her viola from her youth through today. Topics of discussion include Ally's musical and personal experiences during the pan...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! In this mini episode, Liz and Stephanie hold their first 'Movie Club' conversation to discuss the Netflix film, The Social Dilemma. In conversation, they explore the incredibly serious issues the movie raises around the use of technology, and social media in particular, and share some thoughts about how we might all help foster positive change....

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Stephanie are joined by their friend and bassist/arranger Greg Watkins and Stella Schindler and Dave Ries of the Americana group Kentucky Avenue.  In this episode, we discuss the various paths to finding collaboration in music, how many musicians are starting to explore their own creative projects, and yes, the emerging craze of disco yoga! Greg,...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Stephanie are joined by Scott Slapin and Tanya Solomon of the award-winning Slapin-Solomon Duo: pioneers of the viola duo and OG Violacentrics. Scott and Tanya have performed and recorded together for over 20 years and continue to expand the repertoire for viola ensemble through their commissions, premiers and transcriptions. In this episode, Sco...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Liz and Stephanie talk with widely admired and respected luthier Chris Jacoby of Jacoby Fine Violins. Chris is a world-renowned maker of stringed instruments, and he currently heads the workshop at Potter Violins in Bethesda, MD. In this episode, Chris revisits the epic restoration of Stephanie's now famous #riverfiddle, and he discusses the crucial...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! In this episode, Liz and Stephanie connect with their friend and colleague, the extraordinary Robin Fay Massie, about her life and recent transitions from music to healthcare. Robin talks about founding Musicians of Mercy and the concepts of metamorphosis, authenticity and setting boundaries as a form of self-care.  Mentioned in the episode: Robin’s Inst...

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here! Violists Liz and Stephanie talk together and with guests Chris DeChiara and Michael Hall about our lives as wayward freelance musicians in the time of Corona. We discuss the need for connection, stepping outside our comfort zones and navigating the abyss of a musician's life during a world-wide pandemic. Tune in to our ViolaCentric Facebook page for...