56 episodes
The High Point podcast - Atelier Crescendo's podcast Atelier Crescendo
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- Music
Welcome to High point, Atelier Crescendo's podcast where we talks about public places, performing arts venues, acoustics, instruments, and music in general.
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EP22: Ben Morales Frost | From Computer science to film music
Marc sits down with Ben Morales Frost, film composer, theatre composer, orchestrator and arranger with credits on blockbuster projects Wonka, Argylle, Mission:Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, and Kuther.
The conversation delves into the mental health benefits of hobbies necessitating concentration, such as playing instruments, alongside the cognitive advantages of engaging in music from a young age, and how he now balances his passion with the busyness of modern life and the necessity of creativity in professional growth, advocating for consistent practice over natural talent in a career in music.
Ben shares his trajectory from computer science to film and theatre composition, underscoring the importance of curiosity in musical development.
Abbey Road Studios' legendary status and the intricacies of orchestrating music for films are explored, as well as uncovering a never before heard Beatles song, and how the emerging role of AI in music production allowed them to bring it to life.
Reflecting on London's classical music scene, they
contemplate its cultural footprint and the need for accessibility and rebranding to engage modern audiences, and what the UK as a whole can do to ensure that the quality buildings and venues reflects that of it’s orchestras and historical musical importance.
They also discuss:
The role of curiosity and exploration in learning music
Ben’s Formal Musical Education
The Importance of Grit
How accessible is it to write music?
Creativity and deviating from Rules
From theatre stage management to music
composition
Having the courage to switch career paths multiple times
Productivity within a creative industry
Talent vs. Determination
Song writing and different interpretations
The state of concert halls in London
Learn more about Ben on his website.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Episode Introduction
00:01:10 - Who is Ben Morales Frost?
00:04:46 - The Role of Curiosity and Exploration in Learning Music
00:14:07 - Formal Musical Education
00:16:27 - The Busyness of Modern Life and its Impact on Pursuing Passions
00:23:18 - The Importance of Grit
00:28:07 - How Accessible is it to write music?
00:32:29 - Creativity and Deviating from Rules
00:36:25 - From Theater Stage Management to Music Composition
00:44:22 - Having the courage to switch career paths multiple times
00:52:00 - Productivity within a creative
industry
00:57:58 - Talent vs. Determination
01:03:34 - The Significance of Abbey Road Studios
01:11:54 - Working on Film Soundtracks
01:17:28 - Film Scores and Orchestration
01:22:41 - A NEW Beatles song?
01:23:28 - Song Writing and Different Interpretations
01:25:58 - AI in Music Production
01:28:32 - Venues
01:31:33 - The State of Concert Halls in London
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EP21: Gavin Higgins | Using music as a self therapy
Marc delves into the extraordinary career of composer Gavin Higgins, hailed by critics as "boldly imaginative,"
"a talent to watch," and "one of the most interesting voices of his generation."
Born in Gloucestershire in 1983, Higgins' musical journey began at Chetham’s School of Music and continued through prestigious institutions like The Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal College of Music.
His portfolio boasts remarkable compositions, including the acclaimed "Der Aufstand" and "Velocity" premiered at the BBC Proms, and the Ivor Novello Award-winning trombone concerto, "The Book of Miracles." Notable for his diverse range, Higgins' works span from operas like "The Monstrous Child" to dynamic brass pieces deeply rooted in his working-class brass band heritage.
As the inaugural Music Fellow for the Rambert Dance Company, Higgins crafted mesmerising ballet scores, earning accolades for works like "Dark Arteries." His debut album, "Ekstasis," showcases his chamber music prowess, described as "seductively sinewy" and "sensuously gritty."
Gavin talks about how being diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and OCD as a child helped him use music a self therapy, as well as the challenges around general misconceptions of Tourette’s.
With the UK's arts and culture sector facing mounting challenges, including funding constraints and limited opportunities, Marc and Gavin explore the imperative need for broader conversations, particularly surrounding diversity and class representation within the arts.
They explore the personal growth and development fostered by music engagement, regardless of proficiency level or instrument choice. While underscoring the pressing need for increased funding, support, and investment in both music education and accessible venues, we also spotlight the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives.
00:00:00 - Episode Begins - Intro to Gavin
00:05:21 - Musical Education
00:07:41 - Brass Bands
00:10:59 - Chetham Music School
00:15:15 - Royal Northern College of Music
00:17:45 - Early Compositions
00:22:44 - Moving to London
00:27:31 - Financial challenges of pursuing a career in music
00:33:44 - Class representation in the arts
00:41:00 - What can be done to get kids more musically engaged?
00:47:12 - Tourette Syndrome
01:02:06 - Venues
01:07:17 - Finding Inspiration and Creative Process
01:14:19 - How do you compose for a whole orchestra?
01:20:26 - Awards
Find out more about Gavin on his website.
For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow this link or this one for Youtube.
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Following Atelier Crescendo or the High Point podcast
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To follow the High Point podcast on Instagram, follow this link. We try to share as many pictures as possible of the places we visit.
To follow the Atelier Crescendo on Linkedin, follow this link.
To follow the High Point podcast on Linkedin, follow this link.
To follow the Atelier Crescendo and the High Point podcast on Twitter, follow this link.
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More tips and guidance on acoustic design of performing arts facilities
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EP20: Vincent Jamal Hooper | Making my broadway debut as Simba (full episode)
We speak with Vincent Jamal Hooper, star of Broadway’s The Lion King as he shares his journey from a small town in Texas to the Broadway stage.
He recounts his early experiences in regional theatre and the pivotal moment when he declared his Broadway ambitions.
Vincent discusses his background, including his upbringing and his initial involvement in sports before discovering his passion for musical theatre.
He reflects on the discipline and hard work required to pursue his dreams, drawing parallels between his approach to acting and his past experiences in football and basketball. Vincent's determination leads him to audition for.
In the Heights, catching the attention of the Hamilton production team (including show creator Lin-Manuel Miranda), and going on to his current role as Simba in the Broadway production of The Lion King.
In this episode we discuss:
Vincent's upbringing in Texas and his early involvement in football and basketball.
Discovering a love for theatre in high school and how his athletic background influenced the transition.
Navigating the challenges of pursuing a career in the performing arts without formal training.
Landing roles in regional theatre productions and honing his craft through dedication and hard work.
The pivotal moment when Vincent sets his sights on Broadway, leading him to audition for The Lion King.
Overcoming setbacks and rejections in the audition process and ultimately securing the role of Simba.
The exhilarating experience of joining the cast of The Lion King and working alongside Broadway professionals.
Vincent's reflections on the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and seizing opportunities in the pursuit of his dreams.
00:00:00 - Episode Begins
00:01:27 - How Vincent got into Musical Theatre
00:11:39 - Innate talent and deliberate practice
00:17:41 - Vincent's sporting background
00:26:20 - Auditioning for Hamilton
00:33:10 - Working with Lin-Manuel Miranda
00:37:16 - How COVID affected the industry
00:40:23 - Landing the role of Simba
00:50:23 - Staying grounded
00:57:23 - Different dialects in the show
00:58:05 - Training for the role
00:59:59 - How hard is it to sing in tune under physical exertion?
01:05:21 - Bringing personal expression to the role
01:11:35 - Lessons from The Lion King
01:19:00 - What is it like backstage?
Learn more about The Lion King
broadway production and follow Vincent on Instagram.
For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow this link or this one for Youtube.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following Atelier Crescendo or the High Point podcast
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To follow the High Point podcast on Instagram, follow this link. We try to share as many pictures as possible of the places we visit.
To follow the Atelier Crescendo on Linkedin, follow this link.
To follow the High Point podcast on Linkedin, follow this link.
To follow the Atelier Crescendo and the High Point podcast on Twitter, follow this link.
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More tips and guidance on acoustic design of performing arts facilities
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EP019: Victoria Williamson | Music is a Super Skill (full episode)
We chat with Dr. Victoria Williamson, a leading expert in the psychology and neuroscience of music, as she takes us on a journey through the pages of her book, 'You Are the Music,' where she unravels the intricate relationship between music, education, and human development.
00:00:00 - Episode Begins
00:01:13 - Intro to Victoria
00:01:31 - Writing the book 'You are the Music’
00:11:45 - Musical Background
00:13:50 - Stress Hormones in Parents when Babies Cry
00:19:15 - The Mozart Effect
00:25:17 - Screentime for Children
00:29:25 - The Influence of Music on Processing Words
00:36:39 - Importance of Diverse Exposure to Instruments
00:46:58 - Benefits of Music on Motor Skills
00:49:48 - The Developmental Link between Music and Sports
Drawing from her extensive expertise, Dr. Williamson shares insights into the profound impact of music education and its far-reaching effects on cognition, emotion, and social interaction. Through personal anecdotes and research findings, she illuminates the motivations behind her exploration of this multifaceted subject, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with both scholars and enthusiasts alike.
From the disputed Mozart effect to the modern-day challenges posed by excessive screen time, Dr. Williamson sheds light on the nuanced interplay between music, technology, and child development and explores the diverse benefits of musical engagement, from enhancing motor skills to fostering creativity and resilience, emphasising the pivotal role of educators in nurturing these talents.
We also delve deeper into the parallels between music and sports, examining their respective impacts on individual performance and overall wellbeing. Engaging in the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, she unpacks the complex dynamics at play, offering fresh perspectives on how these disciplines shape our identities and trajectories as well as the profound emotional and social benefits of musical and athletic pursuits, particularly during the formative years of childhood.
Dr. Williamson sheds light on the therapeutic potential of music, its ability to regulate mood, and its unique capacity to evoke memories and emotions, especially during the tumultuous adolescent years.
Dr. Williamson leaves us with a powerful message: that music isn't just a pastime or a form of entertainment but a fundamental aspect of human experience, essential for our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Whether as a form of mental training or a source of solace and support, music has the transformative power to enrich our lives in ways we never imagined.
Buy ‘You Are the Music’ on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Are-Music-Reveals-Means/dp/1848316534 -
EP018: Dame Evelyn Glennie | Developing our sense of curiosity
“My career and my life have been about listening in the deepest possible sense. Losing my hearing meant learning how to listen differently, to discover features of sound I hadn’t realised existed. Losing my hearing made me a better listener.”
Dame Evelyn Glennie is the first person in history to create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist, performing worldwide with the greatest orchestras and artists. Evelyn has commissioned over 200 new works for solo percussion and has recorded over 40 CDs. She regularly provides masterclasses and consultations to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Leading 1000 drummers, Evelyn had a prominent role in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games which featured a new instrument, the Glennie Concert Aluphone.
Evelyn was awarded an OBE in 1993 and has over 100 international awards to date, including 2 GRAMMY’s, the Polar Music Prize, the Léonie Sonning Music Prize and the Companion of Honour. She was appointed as the first female President of Help Musicians. Since 2021 she has been Chancellor of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Evelyn curates for The Evelyn Glennie Collection which includes in excess of 3,800 percussion instruments. The film Touch the Sound and TED Talk are key testimonies to her unique and innovative approach to sound-creation. She continues her life-long mission to Teach the World to Listen through her charity The Evelyn Glennie Foundation, which aims to improve communication and social cohesion by encouraging everyone to discover new ways of listening in order to inspire, to create, to engage and to empower.
Evelyn explains how she discovered her Impairment, goes in depth on how it affects her hearing, and how she’s been able to excel as a musician despite it.
Discover the fascinating story behind Evelyn's musical education and the rigorous audition process that propelled her into the spotlight. Learn why she was drawn to the path of solo percussion and how she balances the pursuit of musical excellence with pure enjoyment.
Explore the significance of scales and rudiments in Evelyn's practice routine, and gain insight into her unique approach to deliberate practice, honing her craft with precision and dedication. Delve into an in-depth explanation of Evelyn's impairment, and uncover how she navigates the world of sound by reading people's faces to better understand their words.
Checkout Evelyn’s podcast and learn more about her and The Evelyn Glennie Collection on her website.
For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow this link or this one for Youtube.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following Atelier Crescendo or the High Point podcast
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To follow the High Point podcast on Instagram, follow this link. We try to share as many pictures as possible of the places we visit.
To follow the Atelier Crescendo on Linkedin, follow this link.
To follow the High Point podcast on Linkedin, follow this link.
To follow the Atelier Crescendo and the High Point podcast on Twitter, follow this link.
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More tips and guidance on acoustic design of performing arts facilities
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EP017: Annie Pye | When do we develop our musical senses? (full episode)
When do we Develop our Musical Senses?
Annie Pye, lecturer in the psychology of music at Manchester University joins us in this episode, where we unravel the nuances of prenatal and newborn musical development. Delving into the age-old tradition of singing to babies and children, we explore the profound impact it has on their cognitive and emotional growth.
We deep dive into the intricacies of voice perception in babies, shedding light on how infants tune into the unique cadences that surround them. We also examine the age-old question: Does exposing children to Mozart's compositions truly enhance their intelligence?
Our exploration extends to the fascinating realm of pitch perception, demystifying why some individuals find it challenging to sing in tune. Uncover the secrets of perfect pitch and understand the mechanisms that underlie this remarkable ability. As we navigate through the tapestry of musical development, we shine a spotlight on temporal perception, exploring how children interpret rhythm and timing.
Venturing into the emotional landscape of infancy, Annie discusses the development of emotional responses to music, showcasing the power of melodies to evoke profound feelings in the youngest listeners. Our exploration also touches upon the phenomenon of spontaneous singing in children, highlighting the natural inclination for self-expression through song.
The joys and challenges of parenthood take centre stage as we examine the delicate balance between nature and nurture in shaping a child's musical aptitude.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or a curious soul intrigued by the harmonious interplay between music and child development, this episode promises a rich tapestry of knowledge and insights.
00:00:00 - Episode Begins
00:01:13 - Intro to Annie
00:05:37 - Annie's Course
00:07:34 - Prenatal and Newborn Musical Development
00:11:53 - Why is it Important to Sing to Babies and Children?
00:17:52 - Voice Perception
00:19:21 - Does Mozart Increase Intelligence?
00:21:50 - Pitch Perception
00:30:28 - Why Can't Some People Sing in Tune?
00:32:24 - Perfect Pitch
00:35:29 - Temporal Perception
00:38:42 - Sensitivity to Rhythm
00:40:18 - Development of Emotional Response to Music
00:46:22 - Spontaneous Singing
00:51:28 - Challenges of Parenthood
00:58:51 - Nature vs Nurture
Links to follow up after:
Northern Network for Empirical Music Research
Email Annie: annie.pye@manchester.ac.uk
For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow this link or this one for Youtube.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following Atelier Crescendo or the High Point podcast
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To follow the High Point podcast on Instagram, follow this link. We try to share as many pictures as possible of the places we visit.
To follow the Atelier Crescendo on Linkedin, follow this link.
To follow the High Point podcast on Linkedin, follow this link.
To follow the Atelier Crescendo and the High Point podcast on Twitter, follow this link.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More tips and guidance on acoustic design of performing arts facilities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
visit Atelier Crescendo's blog here