Careers in Crescendo: Lessons for Musicians Institute for Music Leadership

In this episode, Rachel Smith chats with Alecia Lawyer, the Founder, Artistic Director, and Principal Oboe of ROCO. Based in Houston, Texas, ROCO is a dynamic and innovative professional chamber orchestra that flexes from 1 to 40 musicians from all over the US and Canada, with guest conductors from around the globe. Alecia discusses her journey to found ROCO, the philosophies that have guided and shaped the ensemble, and ROCO's initiatives to create access to their music and performances.

In this episode, Jeff chats with Tiffany Valvo '12E (MM) '16E (DMA), a devoted teacher, digital content strategist, classically trained clarinetist, and a high-energy human. Tiffany shares her story about life during and after her doctorate at Eastman, her time as a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, and her experience with the Digital Clarinet Academy. Tiffany describes her current work as a Digital Content Specialist, and shares her best tips for those seeking to build their online presence.

Daniel Pesca joins us to discuss his career as a solo pianist, chamber musician, and composer as he arrives at Eastman as an Assistant Professor of Composition. He speaks about his roles as a founding member of the Grossman Ensemble and co-director Zohn Collective; a useful listen for any musician interested in managing ensembles and premiering new composers’ works. He also mentions the importance of keeping an eye on the future while juggling practicing, performance, and composition, and that it’s okay to not do everything all at once – “things have to ebb and flow”.

Brad Lubman talks about the complex following behind new music – how some people really enjoy it, but others shun it – and how that cycle has repeated throughout history. Discussing Mahler, Stravinsky, Ligeti, Xenakis, and others, Lubman expands on the notion of what “new music” is and how it has been examined throughout history.

In this episode, Jeff chats with Joshua Conyers, a GRAMMY-nominated baritone and Assistant Professor of Voice at the Eastman School of Music. Professor Conyers discusses his journey into the worlds of opera and higher education, and his experiences telling both fictional and factual stories through opera.

In this week's episode, IML Director Rachel Roberts has a conversation with Eric Booth, a renowned teaching artist whose work has inspired thousands more across the globe to engage with students of all ages on how art impacts us in so many ways in our lives. Join them as they discuss Eric Booth's new book, "Making Change", his expansive career, and what's coming up next for him!