Chamber Music America's Podcasts Chamber Music America

In the past decade, streaming has erupted as a preferred method of music listening for hundreds of millions of people. Under this model, music has never been cheaper or easier to access, but many argue independent musicians have been left out of the equation.

This episode discusses the work of two organizations that aim to coalesce musicians towards collective action, engage in legislative pushes, and seek a more equitable music industry. CMA conducted interviews with United Musicians and Allied Workers’ Zack Nestel-Patt and Music Workers Alliance’s Aaron Edgcomb about streaming, current initiatives and more. Also featured is Thistle Jemison, who shares thoughts about the state of the industry, streaming, and what it has meant for her career as a musician.

Music Workers Alliance: musicworkersalliance.org
United Musicians and Allied Workers: weareumaw.org
Thistle Jemison: musicofthistle.com

This episode of CMA Talks is supported by the Wallace Foundation:
wallacefoundation.org

Produced for Chamber Music America by Orchid McRae
Hosted by Larry Blumenfeld
Guests: Aaron Edgcomb, Zack Nestel-Patt, Thistle Jemison
Music by Orchid McRae
Cover Art by Ben Schonhorn

What are the tools and best practices for creating thoughtful and lasting work? How can we use our talents and platforms to build arts equity that lasts? This episode of CMA Talks, "Confronting Marginalization through the Power of the Creative Life," features a discussion between artists and arts administrators about what's missing in the equity conversation. We also listen to a selection from Amina Figarova’s "If Barrels Could Talk"—the score of which appears in the spring issue of Chamber Music magazine.

The conversation, which has been edited for clarity, was held originally recorded at CMA's 2023 Chicago Chamberfest, held on June 2 at Pianoforte Chicago.

Featured panelists:

- Alejandra Valarino Boyer, Director of Steans Music Institute, Ravinia Festival
- Caitlin Edwards, Violinist and Educator, D-Composed and Ensemble Dal Niente
- Blake-Anthony Johnson, President & CEO, Chicago Sinfonietta
- Jennie Oh Brown, Flutist and Board Member, Chamber Music America (Moderator)

This podcast, and the panel held on June 2, 2023, are presented in partnership with The Wallace Foundation.

Produced for Chamber Music America by Nichole L. Knight and Orchid McRae. Theme music by Orchid McRae.

“If Barrels Could Talk” was created with support from CMA’s New Jazz Works program with generous funding from the Doris Duke Foundation. The recording was provided courtesy of the artist.

In this episode, we speak with Melody Buyukozer Dawkins from Slover Linett Audience Research (https://sloverlinett.com/) on the new qualitative report, “A Place to Be Heard, A Space to Be Held: Black Perspectives on Creativity, Trustworthiness, Welcome, and Well-Being” (https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/pages/a-place-to-be-heard-a-space-to-feel-held-black-perspectives.aspx) The wide-ranging discussion includes background information on the creation and execution of the study as well as key takeaways for ensemble music professionals to use in their own work.

We also listen to a selection from "Pillar III" from Andy Akiho’s Seven Pillars performed by Sandbox Percussion.

Program Notes:
The article “Close Listening,” is featured in the Spring 2022 issue of Chamber Music Magazine. Read the article online: https://www.chambermusicamerica.org/close-listening
The score from the featured Pillar III selection is featured in the Summer 2022 issue of Chamber Music Magazine.

Produced for Chamber Music America by Nichole L. Knight and Orchid McRae. Theme music by Orchid McRae.
Melody Buyukozer Dawkins appears courtesy of the Wallace Foundation.
Seven Pillars was created with support from CMA’s Classical Commissioning Program with generous funding from the Mellon Foundation.

In this episode, we hear from pianist, music educator, and researcher, Rod Vester, whose recent article in the Summer 2021 issue of Chamber Music Magazine urges ensembles and organizations not to abandon the racial equity commitments they made during 2020’s public reckoning. He talks about his personal connection to this work, highlights the importance of culture and belonging in D.E.I. initiatives, and gives tangible tips on how we can all know better, do better, and be better.

Program Notes:
Read “The Dangers of Returning to a Monochromatic Arts World” online: https://www.chamber-music.org/mag/2021/summer/index.html?page=28

The term BIPOC is used throughout this episode. It stands for Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color and it is used to center those who have been most severely impacted by systemic racial injustices.

Produced for Chamber Music America by Nichole L. Knight and Orchid McRae
Additional production assistance provided by Anna Nordmoe
Theme music by Orchid McRae

Music featured in this episode:
"It is Well Within My Soul" performed by Rod Vester, hymn by Horatio Spafford, and composed by Philip Bliss. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGoDPZUPJGE

Follow Rod
Instagram | YouTube: @RodVester
Website: www.rodvester.com

This episode features a conversation between Chamber Music America CEO, Margaret M. Lioi, and composer, pianist, and educator Joan Tower. Listen in as they discuss Tower's life and work that has made her one of the most important American composers living today.

Joan Tower will receive the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award Visionary Award as part of CMA’s 2020 Conference, Music, Equity, and Our Future. For more information, visit http://conference.chamber-music.org.

Music featured in this podcast:
Joan Tower "Night Fields" performed by participants in the Britt Institute's String Quartet Academy.

This episode features a conversation between Chamber Music America CEO, Margaret M. Lioi, and pianist, composer, and vocalist Samora Pinderhughes. Listen in as they cover a wide range of topics including Samora’s musical history, mentors, and social justice activism.

Samora will receive CMA’s Visionary Award as part of CMA’s 2020 Conference, Music, Equity, and Our Future. For more information, visit http://conference.chamber-music.org.

Music featured in this podcast:
"Transformation" from The Transformations Suite by Samora Pinderhughes https://samorapinderhughes.bandcamp.com/album/the-transformations-suite
"Inertia" featuring Jack DeBoe by Samora Pinderhughes
https://samorapinderhughes.bandcamp.com/track/inertia-ft-jack-deboe