Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters

Lisa's Clarinet Shop
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On Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters, guests share funny, heartwarming, and interesting stories about their first musical experiences and why they continue to play a woodwind instrument.

  1. 12/24/2025

    Toot Your Own Horn with Brian Fletcher (Episode 60)

    Welcome to another amazing episode of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters, hosted by Lisa Canning from Lisa's Clarinet Shop and Working Musicians Academy! In Episode 60, Lisa interviews Brian Fletcher, who stepped away from the clarinet after middle school before returning to it with more passion than ever. After years of collecting beautiful instruments, something clicked. Being surrounded by them sparked a deep desire to play again—not casually, but with real focus and purpose. With encouragement from his wife, Brian was introduced to the teacher he works with today, and everything changed. He began reading sheet music again, practicing regularly, and working through advanced-level books. What started as a long break from music turned into a serious and meaningful return. This episode is about rediscovery, patience, and the reminder that it’s never too late to start fresh—or take something you love more seriously than ever before. If you’ve ever stepped away from music, this conversation will resonate. To learn more about Lisa’s work, visit: https://lisasclarinetshop.com and https://workingmusiciansacademy.com 👉 Please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! 📢 Please share this episode to help us reach 3,000 subscribers. 🗣Please also like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #LisaCanning #BrianFletcher #TootYourOwnHorn #MusicMatters #LisasClarinetShop #Inc500FemaleFoundersList2025 #Inc2025MidwestRegionalFastestGrowing #BestSmallBusinessesInAmericaTop100 #BetterYourBest #GetSeriO #Clarinet #Flute #Saxophone #WindPlaying #WindRepairTrainingAcademy #IAEOU #MusicJobs #MusicIndustry #CO100SmallBusinessHonorees #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClarinetCommunity #MusicEducation #WorkingMusiciansAcademy #CultureShift #MusicBreakthrough

    22 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    Toot Your Own Horn with Sue Wills (Episode 59)

    Welcome to another amazing episode of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters, hosted by Lisa Canning from Lisa's Clarinet Shop and Working Musicians Academy! In Episode 59, Lisa sits down with Sue Wills, whose path proves that a life in music doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be meaningful. Sue spent 34 years working for the Police Department, but her real beat was always the clarinet section. After an accident with a plastic clarinet and a 10-year break from music, Sue proves that it is never too late to pick up your instrument again. From running a rowdy German Polka band to playing alongside top military musicians, her story is the perfect reminder that music is a lifelong home. In this episode, you will learn: 1) The Origin Story: Why braces forced Sue to choose the clarinet (and why she stuck with it). 2) The Pivot: How she went from a "business major" dropout back to a first-chair musician. 3) The Community: The secret to finding your "family" in local community bands. Why she came back: Sue credits her husband—and one important conversation with a professional musician—for sparking her return to the stage after a decade of silence. Living near Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine bases, Sue found a unique community of retired military pros. This environment created a rare opportunity where high-level musicianship is part of everyday life, and Sue has been able to grow right in the middle of it. To learn more about Lisa’s work, visit: https://lisasclarinetshop.com and https://workingmusiciansacademy.com                                              👉 Please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! 📢 Please share this episode to help us reach 3,000 subscribers. 🗣Please also like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #LisaCanning #SusanWarner #TootYourOwnHorn #MusicMatters #LisasClarinetShop #Inc500FemaleFoundersList2025 #Inc2025MidwestRegionalFastestGrowing #BestSmallBusinessesInAmericaTop100 #BetterYourBest #GetSeriO #Clarinet #Flute #Saxophone #WindPlaying #WindRepairTrainingAcademy #IAEOU #MusicJobs #MusicIndustry #CO100SmallBusinessHonorees #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClarinetCommunity #MusicEducation #WorkingMusiciansAcademy #CultureShift #MusicBreakthrough

    22 min

  3. 11/26/2025

    Toot Your Own Horn with Susan Warner (Episode 58)

    Welcome to another amazing episode of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters, hosted by Lisa Canning from Lisa's Clarinet Shop and Working Musicians Academy! https://lisasclarinetshop.com/ https://workingmusiciansacademy.com/ Lisa has a special way of getting guests to open up, and Episode 58 is a perfect example. This time, she sits down with clarinetist Susan Warner, who has built an impressive career with the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra while also performing as a soloist and chamber musician. The conversation follows Susan’s path from her early days with the clarinet to performing on major stages. She talks about the teachers who shaped her, the experiences that pushed her forward, and the choices that helped her grow into the artist she is today. What stands out is how wide-ranging her journey has been. She shares stories about performing around the world, the value of travel, and how learning Mandarin opened unexpected doors in her musical life. Lisa guides the discussion in a way that feels warm, thoughtful, and focused on what matters: helping musicians understand what it means to build a meaningful, sustainable, and creative career. Susan’s advice is grounded in experience, and her passion for helping the next generation of players comes through clearly. This episode is a great listen for clarinetists, woodwind players, educators, and anyone curious about the life of a modern orchestral musician. To learn more about Lisa’s work, visit: https://lisasclarinetshop.com and https://workingmusiciansacademy.com 👉 Please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! 📢 Please share this episode to help us reach 3,000 subscribers. 🗣Please also like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #LisaCanning #SusanWarner #TootYourOwnHorn #MusicMatters #LisasClarinetShop #Inc500FemaleFoundersList2025 #Inc2025MidwestRegionalFastestGrowing #BestSmallBusinessesInAmericaTop100 #BetterYourBest #GetSeriO #Clarinet #Flute #Saxophone #WindPlaying #WindRepairTrainingAcademy #IAEOU #MusicJobs #MusicIndustry #CO100SmallBusinessHonorees #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClarinetCommunity #MusicEducation #WorkingMusiciansAcademy #CultureShift #MusicBreakthrough

    24 min

  4. 11/13/2025

    Toot Your Own Horn with Daniel Brinkley (Episode 57)

    Welcome to another amazing episode of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters, hosted by Lisa Canning from Lisa's Clarinet Shop and Working Musicians Academy! https://lisasclarinetshop.com/ https://workingmusiciansacademy.com/ In Episode 57, Lisa sits down with Daniel Brinkley—an oboist, educator, and developing repair technician. At an early age, Daniel’s parents gave him a choice: a car or an oboe. He chose the oboe, believing it would be a better investment in his future (how cool is that!). In this episode, Daniel talks about his love for science, music theory, and new music—all of which inspired his path into the world of music. His passion for history and theory later sparked his interest in instrument repair, something that came naturally to him thanks to his curiosity about how things work. Tune in to hear Daniel’s journey and enjoy this inspiring episode. 👉 Please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! 📢 Please share this episode to help us reach 3,000 subscribers. 🗣Please also like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #LisaCanning #DanielBrinkley #TootYourOwnHorn #MusicMatters #LisasClarinetShop #Inc500FemaleFoundersList2025 #Inc2025MidwestRegionalFastestGrowing #BestSmallBusinessesInAmericaTop100 #BetterYourBest #GetSeriO #Clarinet #Flute #Saxophone #WindPlaying #WindRepairTrainingAcademy #IAEOU #MusicJobs #MusicIndustry #CO100SmallBusinessHonorees #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClarinetCommunity #MusicEducation #WorkingMusiciansAcademy #CultureShift #MusicBreakthrough

    26 min

  5. 10/29/2025

    Toot Your Own Horn with Drew Favreau (Episode 56)

    Welcome to another amazing episode of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters, hosted by Lisa Canning from Lisa's Clarinet Shop and Working Musicians Academy! https://lisasclarinetshop.com/ https://workingmusiciansacademy.com/ In Episode 56, Lisa interviews Drew Favreau, a highly accomplished clarinetist who leveraged the unique skills of a music degree into a powerhouse career in technology and marketing. Drew shares his journey from being a student clarinetist with dreams of a major symphony chair to his current role as the Integrated Marketing Campaign Lead for AI Business Solutions at Microsoft. Drew discusses the pivotal moment that shifted his focus from the concert hall to the corporate world, detailing his internship experiences at institutions like the Ravinia Festival and Lincoln Center. He explains why skills honed through music—such as extreme creativity, analytical thinking, and the ability to quickly adapt—are the secret weapons that allow him to excel in explaining complex, highly technical concepts like AI in a simple way. This is a must-listen for any musician wondering how to translate their discipline and passion into a highly rewarding business career! 👉 Please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! 📢 Please share this episode to help us reach 3,000 subscribers. 🗣Please also like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #LisaCanning #DrewFavreau #TootYourOwnHorn #MusicMatters #LisasClarinetShop #Inc500FemaleFoundersList2025 #Inc2025MidwestRegionalFastestGrowing #BestSmallBusinessesInAmericaTop100 #BetterYourBest #GetSeriO #Clarinet #Flute #Saxophone #WindPlaying #WindRepairTrainingAcademy #IAEOU #MusicJobs #MusicIndustry #CO100SmallBusinessHonorees #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClarinetCommunity #MusicEducation #WorkingMusiciansAcademy #CultureShift #MusicBreakthrough

    23 min

  6. 10/15/2025

    Toot Your Own Horn with Myroslava Hagen (Episode 55)

    Welcome to another amazing episode of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters, hosted by Lisa Canning from Lisa's Clarinet Shop and Working Musicians Academy! https://lisasclarinetshop.com/ https://workingmusiciansacademy.com/ In episode 55, Lisa Canning interviews Myroslava Hagen, a dedicated clarinetist and music educator. Myroslava shares her unique musical journey, discussing how she found her passion for music and the pivotal moments that shaped her path from student to professional performer and teacher. Myroslava dives into her teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical mastery with the emotional connection to music. She highlights the valuable lessons music provides in discipline, resilience, and cultural appreciation. The conversation also explores the impact of mentorship and finding the motivation to pursue a music career in a competitive landscape. Please don't forget to FOLLOW US on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uacf0EmWE5F4Kqmmk4nEx 👉 Please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! 📢 Please share this episode to help us reach 3,000 subscribers. 🗣Please also like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #LisaCanning #Myroslava Hagen #TootYourOwnHorn #MusicMatters #LisasClarinetShop #Inc500FemaleFoundersList2025 #Inc2025MidwestRegionalFastestGrowing #BestSmallBusinessesInAmericaTop100 #BetterYourBest #GetSeriO #Clarinet #Flute #Saxophone #WindPlaying #WindRepairTrainingAcademy #IAEOU #MusicJobs #MusicIndustry #CO100SmallBusinessHonorees #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClarinetCommunity #MusicEducation #WorkingMusiciansAcademy #CultureShift #MusicBreakthrough

    28 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Toot Your Own Horn with Ashleigh Hardin (Episode 54)

    Welcome to our amazing podcast, Toot Your Own Horn, hosted by Lisa Canning from Lisa's Clarinet Shop and Working Musician Academy! https://lisasclarinetshop.com/ https://workingmusiciansacademy.com/ In Episode 54, Lisa interviews the talented Ashleigh Hardin! From first inspirations to pivotal turning points playing the saxophone for marching bands, Ashleigh shares how to build a fulfilling music life beyond just performance. Whether you're a budding musician, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and real stories that resonate with true passion and love for music. 👉 Please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! 📢 Please share this episode to help us reach 3,000 subscribers. 🗣Please also like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #LisaCanning #AshleighHardin #TootYourOwnHorn #MusicMatters #LisasClarinetShop #Inc500FemaleFoundersList2025 #Inc2025MidwestRegionalFastestGrowing #BestSmallBusinessesInAmericaTop100 #BetterYourBest #GetSeriO #Clarinet #Flute #Saxophone #WindPlaying #WindRepairTrainingAcademy #IAEOU #MusicJobs #MusicIndustry #CO100SmallBusinessHonorees #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClarinetCommunity #MusicEducation #WorkingMusiciansAcademy #CultureShift #MusicBreakthrough

    26 min

  8. 09/17/2025

    Toot Your Own Horn with Adam Brignone (Episode 53)

    Welcome to our amazing podcast, Toot Your Own Horn, hosted by Lisa Canning from Lisa's Clarinet Shop and Working Musician Academy! https://lisasclarinetshop.com/ https://workingmusiciansacademy.com/ In this Episode 53, Lisa interviews Adam Brignone, a saxophone player and band director from Buffalo, New York. Adam shares how his passion for the saxophone was sparked by his grandfather and how he developed a love for jazz in elementary and middle school. He discusses how a motivated band director and a supportive community in high school inspired him to pursue a career in music education. Adam, now a band director himself, talks about the challenges facing music education today and the importance of parental support. He also shares that he is currently enrolled in an instrument repair course to better support his students. Adam emphasizes the lifelong benefits of music, from its social aspect to the emotional release it provides. 👉 Please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters! 📢 Please share this episode to help us reach 3,000 subscribers. 🗣Please also like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes. #LisaCanning #AdamBrignone #TootYourOwnHorn #MusicMatters #LisasClarinetShop #Inc500FemaleFoundersList2025 #Inc2025MidwestRegionalFastestGrowing #BestSmallBusinessesInAmericaTop100 #BetterYourBest #GetSeriO #Clarinet #Flute #Saxophone #WindPlaying #WindRepairTrainingAcademy #IAEOU #MusicJobs #MusicIndustry #CO100SmallBusinessHonorees #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #ClarinetCommunity #MusicEducation #WorkingMusiciansAcademy #CultureShift #MusicBreakthrough

    38 min
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On Toot Your Own Horn: Music Matters, guests share funny, heartwarming, and interesting stories about their first musical experiences and why they continue to play a woodwind instrument.

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