Successful Musicians

Jason Tonioli
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  • Musikinterviews
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How do musicians define success? Achieving success and finding fulfillment with music is different for everyone. This podcast features stories of musicians who have found their own personal version of success and fulfillment in both music and life. This podcast is meant to inspire musicians and help them believe in their abilities and motivate them to share their talents with others.

  1. Why Mark Winters Left Aerospace Engineering to Pursue Music Full Time | SMP 85

    19. Juni

    Why Mark Winters Left Aerospace Engineering to Pursue Music Full Time | SMP 85

    What would happen if you walked away from a successful aerospace engineering career to chase a dream you discovered later in life? In this episode, Jason sits down with singer-songwriter Mark Winters to discuss his journey from aerospace engineer to full-time touring musician. Influenced by artists like John Mayer, Tom Petty, and Jason Mraz, Mark combines poetic storytelling with what he calls his "rocket-scientist brain," using creativity and structure to turn complex emotions into songs that connect with audiences. Mark shares how a simple anniversary gift sparked his passion for music, eventually leading him to leave a successful engineering career behind. Today, he performs more than 100 shows each year, building a growing fanbase through authentic storytelling, relentless touring, and a commitment to spreading positivity wherever he goes. This conversation is filled with practical advice for musicians, creators, and anyone considering a major life change. To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ What You'll Learn - How Mark transitioned from aerospace engineering to professional music - Why learning music as an adult can be an advantage - The anniversary gift that unexpectedly changed his life - How songwriting became a creative outlet and career path - What it takes to perform more than 100 shows per year - How to build a sustainable touring strategy - Why setting measurable goals matters - The importance of mentorship and continuous learning - How independent artists can grow an audience today - Why email lists still matter for musicians - How to stay motivated when progress feels slow - The mindset required to reinvent yourself later in life Topics Covered - Aerospace engineering and music - Learning guitar as an adult - Songwriting and creativity - Independent touring - Building a fanbase - Music marketing - Email marketing for musicians - Goal setting and accountability - Mentorship - Career transitions - Creative entrepreneurship - The business side of music - Finding purpose through creativity Who This Episode Is For - Independent musicians - Songwriters - Performing artists - Adult beginners learning music - Touring musicians - Creative entrepreneurs - Anyone considering a career change - Music students - Artists building an audience - Musicians interested in touring - Creators balancing passion and practicality Connect with Mark Winters Website Facebook Instagram Spotify Apple Music YouTube  Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    33 Min.
  2. Why Musicians Must Evolve: John von Seggern on AI, Creativity, and the Future of Music Education | SMP 84

    8. Juni

    Why Musicians Must Evolve: John von Seggern on AI, Creativity, and the Future of Music Education | SMP 84

    What happens when a touring jazz bassist, electronic music pioneer, film composer consultant, and music educator decides to reinvent music education using AI? John von Seggern joins Jason Tonioli for a fascinating conversation about adapting to constant change in the music industry, building a long-term creative career, and why musicians who refuse to evolve often get left behind. John shares stories from launching his jazz career in Tokyo, touring the world with massive Hong Kong pop stars, working with Disney and Thomas Newman’s team on WALL-E, and eventually moving into online music education long before it became mainstream. The conversation also dives deep into the future of AI in music. Rather than replacing musicians, John explains how AI can become a powerful creative assistant that helps artists learn faster, market themselves better, and remove technical roadblocks without sacrificing creativity. If you’ve ever wondered where music education, production, and the music industry itself are heading next, this episode is packed with insight. To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ What You’ll Learn - Why musicians must evolve as technology changes - How John built an international music career in Asia - The realities of touring professionally for major pop artists - Why passion matters more than chasing trends - How AI can help musicians without replacing creativity - The future of personalized music education - Why information overload is hurting modern learners - How AI can accelerate music production workflows - The difference between making “mid” music and meaningful art - Why musicians should still learn instruments in the AI era - How online music education has evolved since 2010 - The importance of adapting your career over time - How AI can help musicians with marketing and business - Why many successful musicians eventually pivot creatively - How technology is reshaping the future of learning Topics Covered in This Episode - Studying jazz at the New School in New York - Launching a jazz career in Tokyo - Touring internationally with Hong Kong pop stars - Playing venues like Wembley Arena and Madison Square Garden - Becoming one of Asia’s first computer DJs - Transitioning into electronic music production - Studying ethnomusicology and internet music culture - Working with Native Instruments - Consulting for film composers in Los Angeles - Working on WALL-E with Disney collaborators - The evolution of online music education - Zoom and the transformation of remote learning - Building Future Proof Music School - Developing AI-powered music coaching tools - Using AI inside Ableton Live - AI-assisted coding and plugin creation - Music marketing with AI - The dangers of losing passion in your music career Who This Episode Is For - Music producers - Electronic musicians - Touring musicians - Jazz musicians - Independent artists - Music educators - Ableton users - Film composers - Songwriters - Artists interested in AI tools - Musicians exploring online education - Creators building long-term careers - Producers overwhelmed by information overload - Artists trying to adapt to industry changes Connect with  John von Seggern  Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Instagram (Future Proof Music School) TikTok Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    30 Min.
  3. From Sold-Out Shows to Starting Over: Mark Roberge of Prospect Hill | SMP 83

    17. Mai

    From Sold-Out Shows to Starting Over: Mark Roberge of Prospect Hill | SMP 83

    He built a band from scratch, sold out shows, landed radio play, and still watched everything fall apart overnight. Mark Roberge has lived on both sides of the music industry. The highs of momentum and the crash that follows when things go wrong. What makes this conversation different is that he didn’t stop there. He stepped back, studied what actually works, and built systems to help artists succeed long-term. This episode is not about theory. It is about what happens when you take control of your career and treat music like a real business. To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ What You’ll Learn - Why great music alone is not enough to succeed - How Mark built a regional band into a major force using strategy - What actually went wrong when signing a record deal - Why no one will care about your project as much as you do - How to think about music as a system, not just creativity - Why owning your fan data is critical for long-term success - How to turn listeners into real fans instead of losing them on platforms - The importance of consistency in releases and marketing - Why most artists struggle with marketing and how to fix it - How to build a team without losing control of your vision Topics Covered in This Episode - Starting a band from scratch and building a local following - Using MySpace strategically to grow an audience early on - Selling out shows and building momentum independently - Landing radio play, licensing deals, and national exposure - The reality of signing a record deal and losing control - How one failed deal derailed momentum - Transitioning into producing and helping other artists - The three pillars: product, branding, and marketing - Why most artists ignore fan capture and lose their audience - Building systems to grow fans consistently - Lessons from years in both artist and business roles Who This Episode Is For - Independent artists trying to grow their audience - Musicians frustrated with lack of traction - Artists who want to understand the business side of music - Creators struggling with marketing and consistency - Musicians considering signing a record deal - Artists who want to build a long-term career, not just short-term success Connect with Mark Roberge Community Website Tech Platform Band website LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Spotify Apple Music Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    34 Min.
  4. From Juilliard to the Grammys: ARKAI’s Bold Leap Beyond Classical Music | SMP 82

    5. Mai

    From Juilliard to the Grammys: ARKAI’s Bold Leap Beyond Classical Music | SMP 82

    Two classically trained musicians meet at a party, start improvising, and end up building a Grammy-winning duo. That moment became the start of ARKAI. What began as a simple jam turned into something much bigger. A new sound, a new path, and a reminder that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when you step outside the rules. This conversation is about taking risks, trusting your instincts, and building something from nothing. To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ What You’ll Learn - Why many classically trained musicians struggle with improvisation - How a single jam session turned into a long-term collaboration - Why waiting for permission can hold you back - How to start creating even without formal composition training - What actually goes into building a Grammy-winning project - Why great music alone is not always enough - How visuals and storytelling help your music reach more people - The difference between being a musician for passion vs career - Why self-belief often matters more than talent - How taking risks shapes your identity as an artist Topics Covered in This Episode - Early musical influences and beginnings - Life at Juilliard and structured training - The moment ARKAI was formed - Learning to improvise and compose outside the system - Finding a sound beyond classical music - Using modern platforms to reach an audience - Letting go of fear and overthinking - What the Grammy process looks like - Building a brand around your music - Defining success on your own terms - Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them Who This Episode Is For - Classically trained musicians who want to try something new - Artists who feel stuck or unsure where to go next - Musicians interested in composing or improvising - Creators building their own identity - Anyone curious about how real music careers are built - Artists balancing passion and income - Musicians who want to take more risks Connect with ARKAI Website Instagram Spotify TikTok YouTube Facebook Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    35 Min.
  5. Why Making It Big Isn’t Enough: Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys on True Success | SMP 81

    19. Apr.

    Why Making It Big Isn’t Enough: Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys on True Success | SMP 81

    What if success isn’t about fame, numbers, or perfection—but about serving, creating, and trusting the process? From selling cassette tapes at small school fundraisers to reaching billions of views with The Piano Guys, Jon Schmidt shares a deeply personal journey of faith, persistence, and purpose. This conversation goes beyond music. It uncovers the real story behind “overnight success,” the power of saying yes to small opportunities, and why some of the biggest breakthroughs come from moments that don’t go as planned. There’s honesty here about the industry, the creative process, and even the illusion behind recording perfection. But more than anything, this episode is a reminder that impact isn’t measured in millions—it’s measured in meaning. To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ What You’ll Learn - Why success should be defined by impact, not recognition - How small opportunities can lead to major breakthroughs - What “fake it till you make it” really means in practice - The importance of collaboration and surrounding yourself with the right people - Why perfection in recording is often an illusion—and how to approach it - How setbacks can redirect your path toward something better - The role of faith and purpose in sustaining a long-term creative career - Why focusing on serving others can transform your work and fulfillment Topics Covered in This Episode - Early musical development and discipline through piano - Learning music by ear and developing skill over time - Performing at small events and building momentum - The viral success of The Piano Guys and its origins - Navigating copyright challenges and unexpected setbacks - The realities of recording versus live performance - Building a career through collaboration and relationships - Redefining success and finding contentment Who This Episode Is For - Aspiring musicians and composers - Artists seeking a sustainable creative career - Creators struggling with perfectionism or self-doubt - Musicians navigating collaboration and teamwork - Individuals redefining what success means in their life - Anyone looking to align their work with purpose and impact Connect with Jon Schmidt Website Jon Schmidt Instagram The Piano Guys Instagram Jon Schmidt Facebook The Piano Guys Facebook TikTok YouTube YouTube Music Spotify Apple Music Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    1 Std. 10 Min.
  6. Why Talent Isn’t Enough: Building a Sustainable Music Career with Sean Monahan of Gale Bird | SMP 80

    12. Apr.

    Why Talent Isn’t Enough: Building a Sustainable Music Career with Sean Monahan of Gale Bird | SMP 80

    What does it really take to build a music career that actually lasts—especially when real life doesn’t slow down? Sean Monahan shares the journey of continuing music alongside marriage, kids, and multiple income streams—proving that success as a musician isn’t about choosing between passion and responsibility, but learning how to navigate both. As a member of Gale Bird, a Charleston-based band known for high-energy performances and harmony-driven storytelling, Sean has experienced firsthand what it means to grow as both an artist and a person. What started as a college collaboration with Joshua Gale eventually evolved into a full band rooted in connection, authenticity, and real-life experiences. But one truth stands out in this conversation: Talent alone isn’t enough. This episode dives into the real factors that shape a sustainable music career—marketing, audience connection, storytelling, and the willingness to step beyond just practicing your craft. To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ What You’ll Learn - Why talent alone won’t sustain a music career - The role of marketing and visibility in growing as an artist - Why building a local audience matters as much as online growth - How to turn listeners into loyal fans - The importance of collecting emails and building real connections - Why music is ultimately about entertainment and emotional impact - How storytelling makes your music more meaningful - The mindset shift from “selling” to serving your audience - How to balance music, family, and financial responsibility Topics Covered in This Episode - Starting a band with longtime friends - Returning to music after marriage and kids - Managing multiple income streams as a musician - Learning business and marketing as an artist - Creating meaningful fan experiences - The difference between playing music and entertaining - Building a loyal audience beyond social media - Writing songs inspired by real-life relationships - Developing stage presence and storytelling - Redefining success as a musician Who This Episode Is For - Independent musicians building their careers - Artists balancing music with family or full-time work - Musicians struggling with marketing or promotion - Bands looking to grow both locally and online - Creators who want deeper fan connections - Songwriters focused on storytelling - Anyone building a sustainable music career  Connect with Sean Monahan Website Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Music Spotify Apple Music Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    21 Min.
  7. How Spencer Creaghan Built a Film Scoring Career Through Collaboration and Creative Fearlessness | SMP 79

    30. März

    How Spencer Creaghan Built a Film Scoring Career Through Collaboration and Creative Fearlessness | SMP 79

    To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ In this episode of the Successful Musicians Podcast, Jason Tonioli sits down with film and television composer Spencer Creaghan, whose work spans horror, sci-fi, orchestral metal, children’s programming, and epic symphonic projects. From scoring series like Slasher and Astrid & Lilly Save the World to creating a full symphonic work inspired by Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn, Spencer shares how heavy metal, film scores, and a love of storytelling shaped his career. This conversation dives deep into collaboration, ego, finishing creative work, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in film and television composition. What You’ll Learn - Why removing pride improves creative collaboration - How heavy metal influenced Spencer’s orchestral film scoring style - Why relationships matter more than transactional networking - How to approach directors with creativity and flexibility - Why artists should not fear AI replacing composers - The importance of creating deadlines to finish passion projects - How to manage perfectionism and avoid overthinking - Why loving film is essential to a career in scoring - How to develop your voice without forcing uniqueness - Practical strategies for staying productive under deadlines Topics Covered in This Episode - Discovering film scoring through symphonic metal - Studying music at York University and building filmmaker relationships - Scoring projects from day one of college - Long-term collaboration with directors - Working on horror, sci-fi, and children’s television - Blending orchestral, Celtic, and metal influences - Writing music as an unseen character in a film - The creative process from concept meetings to final score - Collaborating with live musicians around the world - Spencer’s upcoming Mistborn symphony project Who This Episode Is For - Aspiring film and television composers - Musicians wanting to break into media scoring - Creative professionals struggling to finish projects - Artists navigating collaboration and creative ego - Composers balancing artistic voice with client needs - Musicians curious about orchestral metal fusion - Students considering music school for film scoring - Producers and directors wanting better composer relationships - Creators worried about AI in the music industry - Anyone building a long-term creative career Connect with Spencer Creaghan Website LinkedIn Instagram IMDb Spotify Apple Music Connect with Jason TonioliWebsite  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    39 Min.
  8. Stop Overpaying Taxes as a Musician: Write-Offs and IRS Rules with Hannah Cole | SMP 78

    16. März

    Stop Overpaying Taxes as a Musician: Write-Offs and IRS Rules with Hannah Cole | SMP 78

    To read the complete transcript and watch the podcast video, visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Are you overpaying taxes as a musician without even realizing it? Many independent artists miss valuable write-offs, misunderstand IRS rules, or treat their music like a hobby instead of a business, and it ends up costing them thousands. In this episode of the Successful Musicians Podcast, Jason Tonioli sits down with artist, accountant, and tax educator Hannah Cole to break down the tax write-offs musicians often overlook and explain how the IRS actually views creative work. From business vs hobby rules to startup losses, home studio deductions, and quarterly taxes, this conversation brings clarity to what can feel like a confusing system. Hannah began her career as a working artist before going back to school for accounting after being failed by the financial system herself. Now she helps musicians and creatives understand how to run their work like a real business, take full advantage of tax deductions, and avoid costly mistakes. Her book, Taxes for Humans, was written specifically for people who feel overlooked by traditional financial advice and need practical, visual tools instead of intimidating number crunching. If you have ever felt confused, stressed, or overwhelmed by taxes, this episode will give you clarity and confidence. What You’ll Learn - Why musicians must think like business owners, not hobbyists - The difference between a hobby and a business in the eyes of the IRS - What “profit motive” really means and how to prove it - How startup losses can benefit you tax-wise - Why bookkeeping should never be done from a shoebox of receipts - How a separate business bank account simplifies everything - What counts as ordinary and necessary business expenses - How education, software, gear, and studio upgrades become deductions - Why Kickstarter income is taxable and how to offset it - When and how to hire the right tax professional Topics Covered in This Episode - Hannah’s journey from painter to accountant - Why money is an amplifier, not the enemy - The mindset shift around artistic integrity and income - Common tax mistakes musicians make - Startup deductions most creatives miss - Home studio and home office deductions - Business mileage for gigs and sessions - Client meals and collaboration expenses - Quarterly taxes and self-employment basics - Building simple systems that reduce stress every year Who This Episode Is For- Musicians running their own business - Independent artists and creators - Touring performers - Songwriters and producers - Crowdfunding musicians - Creative entrepreneurs - Artists overwhelmed by bookkeeping - Musicians wanting financial confidence - Creators building long-term sustainability Connect with Hannah Cole Website TikTok YouTube Visual Guide to Performer’s Deductions (Free Resource) Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    30 Min.
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Info

How do musicians define success? Achieving success and finding fulfillment with music is different for everyone. This podcast features stories of musicians who have found their own personal version of success and fulfillment in both music and life. This podcast is meant to inspire musicians and help them believe in their abilities and motivate them to share their talents with others.

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Jason Tonioli
  • Jahre aktiv
    2022 - 2026
  • Folgen
    86
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Jason Tonioli
  • Sendungswebsite
    Successful Musicians

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