The Musician's Venture

On this episode, Allison Emm talks with singer Suzanne Singh. Suzanne performs with Rocket Cat and Mixtape MKE, two Wisconsin-based bands. Working with community organizations and other musicians, Suzanne has also learned to love the artist management side of things. She also discusses working with her son and his music, as well as taking classes at MATC. Starting out in the Peace Corps and being...

In this episode, Allison Emm sits down with duo Sit Kitty Sit: Kat Downs and Mike Thompson. The hard piano rock duo is back in Wisconsin from California and joins us to describe their sound and their journey to how they got to where they are today. With fans from all over, SKS started in 2010 and has built their following slowly and organically. Kat describes moving from writing with music theory...

On this episode, Allison Emm talks with tribute artist Eric Diamond. Eric takes us through what it's like to be a tribute artist for Neil Diamond, including vocal styles, clothing, and stage mannerisms. In order to step into performing as a tribute artist, Eric points out that one must learn to fully embrace the artist. Creating memorable moments and engaging with the audience are Eric’s specialty...

April Henry: Bringing Joy through Songwriting, Performance and Vocal Coaching On this episode, Allison Emm talks with musician April Henry about teaching voice, touring, and learning about the music business. Going from Florida to New York to Chicago then to LA, April has touched down on many different areas of studying and practicing music. She then shares what she has learned with her vocal stud...

In this episode Allison Emm talks with Tony Novinska about being an agent and event planner in the music industry. Much like most of Allison’s team, Tony graduated from the University of Wisconsin =-Oshkosh with a degree in what was then called “Music Merchandising” that is now called "Music Industry." Tony ran most of the events on the campus as he made his way to managing and working directly wi...

In this episode, Allison Emm talks with Dennis Hawk. Dennis utilizes Native American flute styles to record and play music for meditation and yoga practices. Dennis talks about the contrast between playing for a performance and playing for a practice. He also talks about how recovery has played a role in his musical and spiritual journey. He gives us some insight into what a practice will be like,...

On this episode, Allison Emm talks with Ayisha Jaffer about early beginnings in the music industry and how she got to where she is today. Ayisha shares her experience that started with organizing a battle of the bands for charity in Milwaukee, making her way to New Zealand and back, working jobs as a booking agent, artist manager, making her own music, and even being a park ranger! In New Zealand,...

On this episode, Allison Emm talks with songwriter and guitarist Emily Zimmer about her work as a musician and teacher. Through college and learning how to make a living with music, Emily has taken “every course under the sun,” and has studied all sorts of material including podcasts, videos, and books! She uses all this knowledge in her session gigs and how she teaches her students. One thing she...

In this episode, Allison Emm talks with Kostia Efimov about performance and composition! Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Kostia has been playing piano since 4 years old. He has been engulfed in musical studies from a very young age. After a clay project led him to the US, Kostia landed a music contract in Milwaukee and has called the city home ever since. His music has been used in documentaries,...

In this episode, Allison Emm talks with Joze Piranian about fears and accomplishments within the public speaking community. With a stutter that doesn’t stop him, Joze has made many strides as a speaker including winning awards and a program on TedX. From this, Joze shares with us how he slowly overcame his fears, as well as tricks he uses more recently to keep his performance anxiety in check. Joz...

Growing up in Hawaii and bringing her talents to New York, Rachel Haymer has worked hard for her coveted New York City subway permit. One of a few, Rachel holds this lifetime permit to play ukulele in places such as Grand Central Station. She discusses her experience getting to play in these public places and to be seen by hundreds of people every day. Beyond ukulele, Rachel has developed her skil...

On this episode, Allison Emm discusses an article from MusicThinkTank. She highlights the importance of having a realistic business plan. When self-run, artists are encouraged to have their own plan to reinforce the direction that they want to take. Here's the article: http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/10-hard-awful-truths-about-being-an-independent-artist-and-w.html?fbclid=IwAR24rQEyeKdBiduMrU66...

In this episode, Allison Emm talks with Ethan Keller! A jack of many trades and styles, Ethan embodies the enjoyment of playing all different kinds of music. He discusses how he came to love music, his early experiences with it, as well as social movements and progressions that are near to his heart. He talks about the vulnerability of music and how one shares his own perspectives and experiences...

The duo St. Oshun talks with Allison Emm today about their move from Milwaukee to California. They talk about how they’re adjusting, reaching audiences, and furthering their music career. St. Oshun gives us amazing insight into the work and effort of the musician. It’s not all about talent, and it won’t happen overnight. Having a plan, a good work ethic, and a clear head is what pushes these artis...

In this episode, Allison Emm zooms with Jon and Amelie - the husband and wife duo called 7000apart. The couple discusses their approach to managing their own musical business, including day to day life and goals that they have set for themselves. With Amelie from Stockholm, Sweden and Jon from Green Bay, Wisconsin, the two have had their own share of difficulties to work and play through. They als...

In this episode, Marcya Daneille shares her experiences from college to getting to her professional music career. With many twists and turns, Marcya talks us through an interesting journey leading to music. Within the music industry, Marcya also talks about the importance of preparedness and professionalism when it comes to performing. Find more about Marcya at: www.marcyadaneille.net Check out mo...

On this episode, Allison Emm talks to Renee Bordner about her experience in her piano studio and how it has led to new adventures and networks. As an early online teacher pre-pandemic, Renee has been on top of the remote music teaching curve.    Find more about Renee at:  www.note-worthyexperiences.com facebook | instagram | linkedin | youtube Check out more about TMV Podcast at www...

In this episode, Allison discusses the idea of “hearing with your eyes.” Your appearance makes an impression, whether you work on it or not! How regularly do you get professional photos done? How do you choose to dress up for an event? How do you like to present yourself? People are more likely to pay attention when you clean up, use fresh visuals, and maintain consistency. Your audience will noti...

Allison Emm talks with trumpetist Craig Hurst. He explains learning and teaching music and the way it has impacted his life: starting new courses, taking control of learning, and getting to collaborate with others to create an awesome teaching experience. He also discusses working with the Boise Philharmonic, how positivity helps, and keeping in touch with old students! Check out more from Craig a...

Today we talk to none other than Mike Neumeyer, our own intro music composer! Allison Emm talks with him about how he goes about composing as well as collaborating with others in performing and writing. He also talks about where he works and what he does when it comes to meeting people, helping them, and how he has combined music experience with business experience. Look up Mike at mikeneumeyer.co...

Carmen Nickerson talks today about her experience in the music industry. Carmen highlights that one must protect themselves while also being open within the industry in order to gain success. And this success may very well come from a place that does not feel good or comfortable, and that’s okay! Study with people that work with you and for you, and learn more beyond just your instrument to get a...

Today Allison Emm talks about operating and fully using E-news platforms and how they can help musicians. E-news is generally an extension and more personal version of social media, targeted to a group of subscribers. These letters can help with providing and spreading information as well as collecting data and audience statistics. This direct communication can be incredibly beneficial and persona...

Today, Allison Emm talks to Steve Treseler about COVID-era changes he has made, as well as how he has stayed connected and vibrant in the music world. Steve discusses his start with teaching and how he has structured the “downtime” that this era has brought on. Steve embraces the journey and the present, using the process as the goal as opposed to the end product.  Find more info on Steve as...

Open mic nights, networking events, lessons - all pieces that add up to getting started as a musician. Allison Emm and Ben Harold talk about starting out in the industry and what it takes to gain a platform and become the musician you want to be. Confidence and perseverance play a huge role in getting out there and making a name for yourself. Work hard and stay consistent, and success can be achie...

Emmy Rozanski comes on today to talk about getting a doctorate in trombone performance and her experience in the world of studying music. She also discusses the different jobs and opportunities she has gotten to be a part of in Milwaukee and Chicago - the basis for her blog “Navigating Life After Music School." She talks about being in a place of stillness and questioning after graduation that for...