In this episode, ESM faculty Lisa Caravan and Alden Snell discuss their project "Expanding the Curriculum: Commissioning Diverse Repertoire for Intermediate Band and Orchestra," along with the commissioned composer, Brittany Green.  This project was funded in part by a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant, and highlights how a composer can engage with young musicians to create a relevant and impactful learning experience.

S3E9 - Creating a More Inclusive School Music Program

In this episode, IML Associate Director Blaire Koerner chats with ﻿Eastman alumna, English harpist, educator, and actor Dr. Rosanna Moore.  Moore talks about the challenges, opportunities, and suggestions for international musicians who aim to study and work in the United States. She will discuss the steps she took to gain her positions and visa status in America, such as becoming tenured second harpist at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, to the transition back over the pond and starting anew in yet another country as the recently appointed Assistant Lecturer in Harp at the Dublin Conservatoire at TU in Ireland.

S5E11 - International Journeys for Musicians with Rosanna Moore '14E (MM) '19E ﻿(DMA)

In this episode, Jeff chats with Alexander Davis, founder and Artistic Director of Sugar Hill Salon, and Brianna Garcon '23E, the Director of Development, about their organization and a series of concerts in Jackie Robinson Park funded in part by a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant. Sugar Hill Salon is one of the first chamber music series and artistic collectives that centers on black and brown woodwind artistry in classical music. Sugar Hill Salon is a black and queer-owned organization that offers free public concerts in Harlem that showcase wind repertoire that lacks representation within traditional chamber programming along with uplifting black and brown musicians performing them. Through commissioning chamber works and monthly concerts featuring artists on the scene, Sugar Hill Salon is decolonizing classical music for a more equitable future for black and brown communities.

S5E10 - Decolonizing Classical Music with Sugar Hill Salon

In this episode, Jeff chats with Chad Smith '98E (MM), saxophonist and woodwind artist.  Chad discusses his varied experiences touring, performing on Broadway for shows such as Wicked and Threepenny Opera, among other live performance and recording in both New York and Los Angeles.  Additionally, Chad speaks about his teaching and development of a multi-woodwind degree, and offers advice for those exploring opportunities in musical theater.  

S5E12 - Breaking into Broadway with Chad Smith '98E (MM)

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Rick McRae, Catalog/Reference Librarian at the Sibley Music Library, where he primarily catalogs Eastman-related materials such as dissertations, concerts, and recital recordings. Rick shares his journey to becoming a music librarian, as well as insights on the value of staying open to new career opportunities while keeping a creative outlet alive. He also discusses the resources available to those interested in the field, the challenges of librarianship in the digital age, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the Sibley Music Library, the largest university music library in the U.S.



S5E13 - Behind the Stacks of the Sibley Music Library with Rick McRae

This episode features Vincent Huang '22E (MM), recipient of an IML Mentorship Grant for his project, the China International Low Brass Elite Seminar. Hear about Vincent's decision to study abroad in the US and his creation of the Seminar, offering masterclasses, lectures, and concerts for all levels of students in Nanjing, China. Joined by Professors Mark Kellogg, Professor of Trombone and chair of the Winds, Brass and Percussion Department and Larry Zalkind, Professor of Trombone, the seminar took place in the summer of 2024. Tune in to hear their experiences abroad and to discover why gaining experience beyond the classroom is crucial for personal and professional growth.

S5E14 - Global Impact with the China International Low Brass Elite Seminar and Vincent Huang

In this episode, Jeff chats with members of District5, a DC-based wind quintet unafraid to program the seemingly impossible, and winners of a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research Grant. District5's grant funded "The QUEEN-tet Project: A Symphonic Drag Story Hour," a collaboration including Tara Hoot, an award-winning DC-based drag queen, and composer Christen Taylor Homes. Tara Hoot and Christen join the conversation to discuss the creation and impact of these performances, and long with conversations about all these musicians' journeys.

S5E15 - Unconventional Storytelling with District5 and Tara Hoot

In this episode, Jeff chats with members of Blacktop Percussion, Brandon Berlanga, Michael-Lee Smith, and John Dawson, about their project "Scintillations," which was funded in part by an IML Mentorship Grant.  The percussionists discuss creating their group, their first project, and the challenges in creating a new commission.  Scintillations composer Sebastian Zhang joins the conversation to share his role in the project, and advice for those looking to create similar works. 

S5E16 - Sparking Scintillations with Blacktop Percussion

In this episode, graduate students Uday Singh and Julian Stuart-Burns chat with team members of Eighth Blackbird about the ensemble's history, growth, and initiatives.  Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the GRAMMY award-winning ensemble, Matthew Duvall shares the evolution of the group and how the organization's mission has evolved.  Garrett Obrycki '13E expands by adding his journey and perspective as the Director of the Creative Lab, an immersive residency that brings together composers, performers, and technologists to develop and perform new works.

S5E17 - Creating a Visionary Ensemble with Eighth Blackbird

In this episode, Jacob Rose '24 chats with Dr. Mark Powell '19E (DMA), Director of Orchestral Activities and Senior Lecturer at the Arthur Satz Department of Music on the University of Rochester's River Campus. Dr. Powell speaks about his musical journey - from his early inspirations and experiences as a conductor to his time at the Eastman School of Music, his teaching philosophy, and future plans for his ensembles.

S5E18 - Behind the Baton with Dr. Mark Powell

In this episode, Jeff chats with guitarist, educator, and author Adrian DiMatteo '12E about his unique journey.  Adrian is the founder of the Sonic Institute, which offers experiential workshops, training programs, music lessons, healing sessions and events designed to help people connect with sound and music as a tool for meditation and healing.  Adrian also discusses his experiences performing across the world, experiencing music making in different cultures, and his mindset that has enabled his journey as a professional musician.  

S3E9 - Creating a More Inclusive School Music Program

Careers in Crescendo: Lessons for Musicians