Successful Musicians

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

    MAY 5

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

    APR 19

    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

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

    APR 12

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

    MAR 30

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

    MAR 16

    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
  6. Anne Britt on Piano Duets and Hymn Arrangements | SMP 77

    MAR 4

    Anne Britt on Piano Duets and Hymn Arrangements | SMP 77

    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 pianist, composer, and arranger Anne Britt. With nearly 15 piano books, multiple album recordings, and a growing catalog of intermediate-level piano duet arrangements, Anne shares how she built a publishing career rooted in collaboration and communication, and how she builds meaningful piano duets and hymn arrangements that connect with listeners. From earning a math degree to studying composition later in life, Anne’s journey proves that it’s never too late to develop your creative voice. This episode is especially relevant for pianists, hymn arrangers, and musicians who want to publish their own sheet music but struggle with self-doubt. What You’ll Learn - Why Anne believes music is a language - How to define success as communication rather than comparison - Why starting composition later in life is not a limitation - The power of mentorship in developing musical confidence - How to overcome the belief that you are “not creative enough” - Why intermediate-level piano music fills an important need - What makes piano duets uniquely collaborative - How sharing your music builds courage over time - Why feedback from listeners matters more than online criticism - How small, meaningful moments define real musical success Topics Covered in This Episode - Growing up in a musical family - Studying math at BYU while continuing piano performance - Becoming a collaborative pianist and staff accompanist -The turning point during a high school production of Guys and Dolls - Studying music theory and composition in her 30s - Publishing her first CD and songbook - Writing and publishing hymn arrangements - Creating intermediate piano duet collections - Contributing to the Hymn Sampler collaboration - Upcoming holiday piano duet projects Who This Episode Is For - Pianists who want to publish sheet music - Church musicians and hymn arrangers - Intermediate-level piano players - Musicians who feel like they started late - Creative professionals overcoming self-doubt - Piano teachers looking for duet repertoire - LDS musicians building niche catalogs - Collaborative pianists - Arrangers developing their own voice - Anyone who believes music should communicate meaning Connect with Anne Britt Website Facebook YouTube Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    18 min
  7. Mastering the Game: Business Structuring and Tax Strategies for Musicians with Ross Brunson | SMP 76

    FEB 13

    Mastering the Game: Business Structuring and Tax Strategies for Musicians with Ross Brunson | SMP 76

    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 Ross Brunson, a longtime business consultant who has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs structure their businesses correctly, reduce unnecessary taxes, and build long-term stability. Ross is also the father of Russell Brunson, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from both his own career and Russell’s early entrepreneurial journey. This is a longer, in-depth conversation focused on business fundamentals, mindset, and defining real success. It is especially relevant for musicians and creative professionals who often avoid the business side of their careers. What You’ll Learn - Why most musicians and creatives overpay in taxes - How the business structure directly affects financial freedom - The dangers of ignoring bookkeeping and accounting - Why do many CPAs avoid a proactive tax strategy - How understanding the IRS code can legally reduce taxes - Why time freedom is a better measure of wealth than income - When to stop doing everything yourself and hire help - How long-term thinking creates sustainable success Topics Covered in This Episode - Ross Brunson’s early career and first business ventures - Lessons from insurance, restoration, and entrepreneurship - Why business is a game with rules - Common tax mistakes creative professionals make - Real stories of entrepreneurs who ignored structure - Why compliance and strategy must work together - Russell Brunson’s early marketing journey - The importance of focusing on strengths - Residual income versus earned income - Redefining success as time, service, and impact Connect with Ross Brunson Website Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    1h 5m
  8. How Cellist Marc Christian Built a Successful Wedding Music Business | SMP 75

    JAN 28

    How Cellist Marc Christian Built a Successful Wedding Music Business | SMP 75

    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 professional cellist Marc Christian to explore how musicians can build a profitable and deeply fulfilling career in the wedding and special events space. Marc shares how he transitioned from classical cello training and large-stage performances into a thriving wedding music business—one that provides both financial stability and meaningful service through music. Marc Christian is a professional cellist who began playing cello at the age of nine and pursued formal classical training through college at Cal State Northridge. While originally on a traditional orchestral path, Marc realized he wanted a more creative and personal approach to music. After performing with bands, singer-songwriters, and high-profile events in Los Angeles, including Grammy-related work, Marc shifted his focus to weddings and special events. Over the past five years, he has built a highly successful wedding music business, becoming a preferred vendor at more than 20 venues and performing hundreds of events. Marc is known for tailoring each performance to the couple and the moment, creating emotionally powerful experiences that elevate life’s most important milestones. What You’ll Learn - How Marc transitioned from classical music to a profitable wedding music career - Why tailoring music to each event creates unforgettable experiences - How musicians can grow confident in pricing and value over time - Why small gigs can lead to big opportunities - How service and emotional impact support long-term fulfillment - Why success as a musician should include both income and purpose Topics Covered in This Episode - Starting cello at a young age and classical training - Leaving the orchestral path for creative freedom - Building a wedding and special events music business - Tailoring music for ceremonies and guest experiences - Pricing confidence and turning down low-paying gigs - Building reputation through referrals and venues - The emotional impact of music in weddings, funerals, and hospitals - Defining success as service and financial stability If you’re a musician searching for a career that combines creativity, service, and sustainability, this episode offers powerful insight into how music can become both a calling and a livelihood. Connect with Marc Christian Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Connect with Jason Tonioli Website  Facebook YouTube  Instagram Spotify Pandora Amazon Music Apple Music

    22 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Tonioli
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jason Tonioli
  • Show Website
    Successful Musicians

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