Violinist on a Bicycle Suzy McKenzie-Sutter

In this episode, I chat with Julianne Meaney, a classically trained singer, music educator, and lifestyle blogger from St. John’s NL. We discuss the ways in which classical music is not accessible to musicians with learning disabilities at the early stages of learning and in higher level colleges and universities, I share my own experience with dyslexia as a musician and music student in university. We go on to talk about the progression needed in classical music institutions regarding body image and mental health and how it all ties together, with Julianne's expertise as music director and counsellor at Easter Seals, a non profit program for individuals with disabilities. 

There is a crisis on Mi'kma'ki right now. I chat with Arlene Johnson, a Mi'kmaw flutist from Dartmouth Nova Scotia, about what's going on and what we can do better. We also go on to chat about how she brings her Indigenous identity into her life as a musician and teacher. 


You can use this email template to write to those in power about the fishery crisis on Mi'kma'ki
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18wryTWsvej_Lcc9ivmtHvPiY4TgPZGDpMFebfTLehJw/edit

You can also donate directly to the Sipekne'katik First Nation or email to ask what can be done monicah@sipeknekatik.ca

This is the link to the First Light Native Friendship Centre which Arlene mentions in the episode.
https://firstlightnl.ca

This episode features Kendra Jacque, violinist and music educator. Originally from Makkovik Labrador, Kendra currently lives in St. John's NL and studies at the MUN School of Music. We have a conversation revolving around the restrictions that classical music poses on Indigenous Canadians, and Kendra describes her journey in academic music, the barriers along the way, the intergenerational trauma common within her community, and much more.

In this episode, I chat with Julia Monaco: a classical flutist, music educator, and all seasons urban and mountain biker living and working in Saint John NB. Julia shares her story of how cycling reinforced her identity and love for classical music and how it became an integral part of her life and values. We chat about going carless in a Canadian city, the cultural difference between cycling in Canada vs. Latin America, and the day to day realities of cycling in Atlantic Canada.

This episode features LD McKenzie: a journalist, artist, and all seasons cyclist living in Halton Hills Ontario (she also happens to be my mom!) We discuss topics ranging from ebikes, the COVID-19 cycling resurgence, issues & solutions for cyclists with mobility challenges, how to navigate cycling elitism and vehicles that just don't get it, and more on making cycling accessible to all.

This pilot episode features Chanel Rolle, a classical singer and musicologist from Nassau Bahamas, currently a masters student at the MUN School of Music in St. John's NL. We discuss the ways that academic classical music (and classical music at large in Canada) could become a more inclusive space by showcasing composers/artists outside of our standard Western musical canon.