Sway Songs with Suzi suzimccourt

After interviewing Sophie Mathieu, I was grateful to be friends with her family and excited to follow her career going forward. She made me feel like the world is in good hands with Gen Z-ers (and others). I sent her the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), hoping she’d compose music I can use in my teaching. I was inspired by her varied musical interests and ideas were running through my head about new ways to incorporate music in the teaching of science (or anything else for that matter.)
Am I gushing? I guess so. I’m friends with her mom, so some of my gushing is connected with her pride. (It is Mother’s Day Weekend, after all!) But I think I would have gushed anyway. If you know anyone considering a career in music, you’ll realize the diversity of opportunities for musicians to create while making a living.
This playlist combines Sophie’s early 2010’s pop favorites, classical cello pieces, music her parents loved, and music she has heard and made that combine classical and pop sensibilities. Even Kanye. No canceling here.
You can check out her masters thesis composition and more links below.
This photo is from Sophie's website


Get full access to Suzi Rambles On at suzimccourt.substack.com/subscribe

I was not sure how it would go talking to a complete stranger for this episode. And I was still figuring out my tech platform. Pleasant surprises on both fronts!
James and I had exchanged a few emails that resulted in this episode, but I had no idea what would happen. I figured he’d be enthusiastic because he agreed to be on the podcast. And he was so joyous and passionate about his music! He was also patient as we dealt with the fact that I had forgotten that my earbuds wouldn’t connect to my Mac. I had been running through the house 30 minutes before the interview looking for an adapter or anything to help prevent feedback! So we had to deal with a couple of experiments and he was so kind and cooperative. I’m pleased to say that the volume level is better matched in this episode and that I have a podcast microphone on the way, funded by early subscriber donations.
This episode gets a bit technical at times, but James explains the concept of microtones in such an accessible way and introduces us to its use in popular music. We also get to hear about Rush, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, and Bach. What’s not to love?
You can find James’ “Between the Frets” album in this link.
Thanks again to James for your passion, patience, time, and knowledge.




Get full access to Suzi Rambles On at suzimccourt.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, my friend Jim and I talk about our musical touchpoints at the age of 15 and beyond. How have our tastes evolved? What inspires us now? Unfortunately, my Mac fan joined our conversation as a third guest soon after we started. I’ll shore up my tech for the next episode.
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting up at Jim’s house to ramble on about our favorite music and its effect on us. Hope you enjoy the discussion and the songs/artists we discuss. Jump right into the playlist if you want to hear the songs first!
Below are pictures of some of Jim’s musical memorabilia.
At what age did you first connect to an artist who is still important in your life today?


Get full access to Suzi Rambles On at suzimccourt.substack.com/subscribe

I love talking music and decided to try the podcast format. Episode 0 is just me introducing the series. The remaining episodes will be discussions with other people. Those of you who are readers are on my list as potential guests. Please post here, reply, or post on the socials what you think. Also, is it easy to access this on substack? Should I move it to a podcast platform? I just don’t want ads.
Here is “Fly on a Wall.” You can also find it on YouTube, Spotify, and other music streaming platforms. The album is called “Happy Ride.”






Get full access to Suzi Rambles On at suzimccourt.substack.com/subscribe