Christian Lopez is a music teacher in a parochial school in New Jersey, as well as a percussionist and vocal director for music theatre companies in his community. When you talk with Christian about teaching, his commitment to nurturing the relationships he has with his students is evident. In this conversation, Christian touches upon his desire to continue growing as a performer while teaching, shares the role his parents played in encouraging his passion, and discusses the impact his identity as a Columbian-American has had on his relationship with his social environment.

When their son, Jasper (featured on Episode 3 of the podcast), decided to become a film composer, Esther and Tom van Dijk had lots of questions. In our conversation, they discuss how they each supported Jasper in his artistic pursuits and the unique ways in which each of them processed their own feelings about the hurdles, struggles, and prospects that lay before their son.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Arts Management program, André Solomon supports the programs of two arts advocacy organizations. In our talk, André discusses how his desire to advocate for Black musicians shows up in his professional life, what his work as an ‘entry-level’ arts management professional looks like, and how he works to maintain his practice as a performer.

Dancer-choreographer Dr. Ayisha Morgan-Lee is the Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director of Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT). When Ayisha was growing up, she was often the only Black student in her dance classes. After earning her BFA in Dance at Howard University, at the age of 22 she started HDAT as a place where Black youth could develop a belief in their ability to enter the dance world, learning Black dance traditions from Black instructors. In this interview, Ayisha discusses the joys and challenges of being a Founder and CEO and offers encouragement to those with big dreams.

From running lights in a small college auditorium to producing concerts for artists of international acclaim, David Whitnack has over 25 years of experience in event production and artist management. The development of his career is a serendipitous tale studded with crucial decisions - a testament to the value of recognizing an opportunity and having the courage to pursue it. Dave discusses the nature of his work and the importance of how you treat the other people in your professional sphere.

Jason Cook is a trusted luthier and the owner of Backstage Guitars in Pittsburgh. As he navigated his post-college years, he dedicated himself to building an innovative, customer-centered guitar store while learning the art and science of guitar repair. He’s now the go-to guy for repairs among many local players. Jason discusses the challenges and payoffs of owning your own business, as well as the important role artists play in society - a mandate to do what brings you alive!

In her nearly three decades as a music educator, Kim Councill has worked in the public schools, taught as a college professor, started a summer camp for middle schoolers, and serve as a dean of faculty. Kim and I discuss the variety of her work as a dean and the dilemma facing many musicians who become teachers and/or administrators: how to find personal fulfillment in being musically active on a regular basis.

In addition to his full-time work as a music educator, Gerald Savage is a practicing sound therapist. In our talk, Gerald talks about the concepts behind his practice, shares examples of how he’s been able to help others, and discusses how his life journey led him to this work.

Emily Wertz is active as a performer, a teacher of singing, a children’s choir director, and a health & fitness coach. Her journey is a great example of wayfinding in earnest, and in our conversation, she shares her approach to maintaining a life that honors her values, as well as practical advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a vocalist.

Before becoming a music merchandiser for Yamaha and then Conn-Selmer, Walt Straiton taught instrumental music in the public schools for over two decades. His story is a testament to the opportunities that can present themselves to a person who has flexibility in the way they view themselves as a professional, and who values networking as a driver of their vocation.

Dig into Kendra Ross’s work history, and you'll find her in the recording studio, on stage with a touring show, behind a departmental director's desk at Universal Music, in the classroom as a professor, and in the community as a consultant, activist, and storyteller. She has a great deal of wisdom and advice to share, including the importance of knowing the driving purpose behind the work you do.

Before making the choice to stay at home with her children, Meg McQue taught elementary music in the public schools for several years. Her experience is a great example of finding work-life balance, and allowing your professional work to serve your desired lifestyle (rather than the other way around!).

As a tradesman, John Panaccio occupies an often overlooked role with the performing arts world. He shares his passion for the craft, explains how he came across the profession, and offers great advice for anyone interested in exploring this age-old art form.

Kory Antonacci is the Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy Program Coordinator at Children’s Hospital Pittsburgh. She discusses what it was like to discover her life passion in high school after considering other career options that didn’t seem like quite the right fit. Kory explains the scope and nature of the work of a music therapist and details the necessary steps for getting started on this path.

Aaron White has worked as a theatre professional in multiple cities and states, doing everything from acting in classical Shakespeare in professional productions to designing scenery for high school musicals. He reveals the challenges of receiving feedback as a professional actor and shares what it’s like to be a husband and father while working as a performing artist.

Jasper van Dijk studied film music and sound design at Berklee College of Music. He lives and works in LA. Jasper talks about finding clarity in career-based decisions, getting started in the film music industry, the role of parent and family support, and the importance of doing what you love.

Tess Marshall has worked across Manhattan and the US, performing in musicals and other live productions. She shares a clear-headed look at making a career as a performer and a perspective on life all will find inspiring.

Chris Leidhecker is a gigging/touring Nashville-based drummer. As the first guest on the show, he discusses finding work-life balance as a gig-worker and why where you go to college isn’t as important as what you do while you’re there. Plus, he has great words of encouragement for anyone looking to go into music or the other performing arts.