The importance of focus and preparation for a conductor: A conductor's compartmentalized mind enables quick transitions between conversations and music focus. Creating the right frame of mind for each piece is crucial, and setting the tone for the audience and orchestra is a conductor's primary concern.
Learning from this conversation with Alexander Shelley is the importance of focus and preparation for a conductor, especially in the moments leading up to a performance. Shelley explained that he has a compartmentalized mind, allowing him to switch from conversations to focusing on the music quickly. He emphasized the role of creating the right frame of mind for the specific piece, whether it's a somber Requiem or a lively Carmen. When he steps onto the stage, his primary concern is setting the tone for the audience and orchestra, creating a shared experience through body language, eye contact, and silence. The journey of a piece of music, Shelley noted, can take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, and as a conductor, it's his responsibility to guide them through it.
Concert halls, religious spaces, and communal experiences bring shared beauty and connection: Conductors lead orchestras in shared experiences, focusing intensely to adapt and coordinate musicians while audience focus impacts performance.
Both concert halls and religious spaces, as well as other communal experiences like sports events, provide a sense of shared beauty and connection. Conductors play a crucial role in this, leading the orchestra and maintaining the symbiosis between musicians. They must be prepared to adapt to the moving pulse of classical music and coordinate the actions of 80 expert musicians. The ideal state of mind for a conductor is a high focus, allowing the performance to flow while being ready to react and adjust when necessary. The focus of the audience also influences the performance, creating a dynamic relationship between the musicians, the audience, and the music.
Effective communication and coordination between a conductor and an orchestra: Balancing respect for musicians' input and maintaining musical architecture leads to harmonious performances
Effective communication and coordination between a conductor and an orchestra are crucial for producing harmonious and authentic musical performances. When both parties are in sync, the music flows naturally, allowing each player to express their interpretation while maintaining the overall structure and architecture of the composition. However, when coordination is lacking, a conductor may need to adjust their approach to accommodate individual players while respecting their unique interpretations. Ultimately, successful collaboration between a conductor and an orchestra requires a balance between respecting the musicians' input and maintaining the integrity of the musical architecture. Additionally, it's important to remember that consensus on interpretations may not always be achievable, and a conductor must be prepared to make decisions and draw lines for the sake of the group's overall performance.
Building blocks of music: Themes and their evolution: Effective use of recurring themes and ideas creates cohesion and a sense of journey in music, as seen in Beethoven's 5th Symphony and classical music's sonata form.
The use of recurring themes and the efficient development of musical ideas is a crucial aspect of creating cohesion and a sense of journey in both classical and pop music. This idea can be understood through the analogy of DNA, as these themes serve as the building blocks that grow and evolve throughout a piece, shaping the overall structure and unity. A famous example of this is Beethoven's 5th Symphony, which uses a simple interval as its recurring theme and builds the entire first movement around it. This concept is further explored in classical music through the use of sonata form, which implants these themes in the listener's mind and allows a composer to weave a narrative around them. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this compositional technique lies in its ability to create a strong sense of cohesion and intuitive understanding between the listener and the music.
Understanding the classical music structure of Sonata Form: Sonata form, a fundamental structure in classical music, consists of a main theme (A), contrasting or complementing theme (B), repetition of the main theme (A), development section (C), and a short conclusion or coda (c). This framework has influenced music composition throughout history, inspiring innovations and transformations.
Music, like other art forms, follows a structural framework known as sonata form. This framework consists of a main theme (A), a contrasting or complementing theme (B), a repetition of the main theme (A), a development section where the composer plays with and changes the themes (C), and a short conclusion or coda (c). This structure is evident in many classical compositions, such as symphonies and sonatas. By understanding this basic structure, one can appreciate how composers have built upon and transformed these early forms throughout history. For instance, Picasso's revolutionary approach to painting can be traced back to the classical forms he was inspired by, but with his unique style and techniques, he simplified and added new dimensions to the art form. Similarly, music composition has seen numerous developments and transformations, making it essential to have a foundational understanding of the underlying structures to fully appreciate the artistry and creativity of composers.
Art and Science: A Universe of Depth and Complexity: Exploring art offers opportunities for learning and creating beauty, while also reflecting human emotions and experiences. Art and science are interconnected and enrich each other.
Art and science are interconnected and each work of art, whether it's music, literature, or painting, is a universe in itself with depth and complexity. These creations reflect the human experience, including emotions and tensions, and involve both analytical and creative aspects. The arts and sciences are not separate entities but belong together, each providing opportunities for learning and creating beauty. When we engage with art, we are not just listening to a symphony or looking at a painting, but exploring the arguments and relationships within them. This interconnectedness of art and science is a fundamental aspect of being human and contributes to a balanced and fulfilling life.
The importance of arts in education and life: Embrace arts for deeper understanding of the world and self, integral parts of great cultures, engage intellectual and creative minds.
The arts, particularly music, are essential components of a well-rounded education and life experience. They require engagement of both the intellectual and creative minds, offering a unique perspective on abstract ideas and serving as a gateway to deeper philosophical and spiritual conversations. The arts are not optional extras, but rather integral parts of great cultures and civilizations throughout history. By fully embracing the intellectual and creative aspects of the arts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and ourselves. As the speaker eloquently put it, "in music, that's allowed."
A conductor's goal: Evoking emotional responses from audience: Conductors strive to connect with audiences, drawing from their musical background and passion to create transformative experiences.
A symphony conductor's ultimate goal is to evoke emotional responses from their audience, tailored to the unique qualities of each musical composition. These responses can range from awe-inspiring excitement to intimate reflection, creating a memorable and transformative experience. The conductor's passion for music often stems from a musical upbringing, with a strong foundation in both formal education and familial influence. This comprehensive background shapes the conductor's ability to connect with their audience and deliver a rich, multi-layered musical journey.
Understanding literature, history, and philosophy crucial for orchestra conductors: A well-rounded education and ability to blend in are essential for orchestra conductors during the hiring process, with the final decision based on mindset and chemistry fit.
A well-rounded education opens doors to various fields, including literature, history, and philosophy. This is particularly important for an orchestra conductor, as they rely on a deep understanding of these subjects to lead their musicians effectively. During the hiring process, technical proficiency is a given, but the final 25% comes from the ability to blend in with the orchestra and function in the unique, collaborative environment. The probationary period allows for both the hiring committee and the orchestra to assess if the candidate's mindset and chemistry fit the team. When taking over an orchestra, building a relationship beforehand is crucial for a successful transition. In the case of the speaker, they had the opportunity to meet and work with the orchestra for several years before being appointed as music director, ensuring a smooth transition.
Balancing old and new in an orchestra: Maintaining an orchestra's health and beauty while exploring new music involves collaboration between musicians, conductor, and selection of a new music director.
Conducting an orchestra is a delicate balance between maintaining the existing repertoire and extending it with new growth. It's like tending to a beautiful garden, ensuring its health and beauty while exploring new areas. The orchestra plays a significant role in the selection of a new music director, providing feedback and influencing the decision. Interactions between the conductor and musicians are essential, fostering a collaborative and conversational environment. Preparation and open dialogue are key to addressing any issues and ensuring a successful performance. The favorite part of conducting for the interviewee is the personal study and preparation involved in the process.
Impact and Responsibility in Long-Term Relationships with Orchestras: Music directors make a significant impact in orchestras, contributing to their growth and development. National orchestras, like the National Arts Centre Orchestra, should not only focus on core repertory but also promote Canadian creation and interdisciplinary collaborations.
For musicians and music directors, being part of the development and growth of an institution is a rewarding experience. Long-term relationships with orchestras allow for significant impact and responsibility. The role of an orchestra in society is multifaceted, encompassing local, regional, national, and international levels. New creation and commissioning Canadian composers is crucial for representing the nation and taking on risks that other institutions cannot. The National Arts Centre Orchestra, as a nationally funded entity, should not only fill its hall with core repertory but also offer a forum for Canadian creation and interdisciplinary collaborations. Music directors like to engage with various genres, such as jazz piano and pop music, and utilize technology like iPhones and Itunes for convenience while traveling.
Music Appreciation: Personal and Subjective: Music enjoyment is subjective and can be experienced through various means and settings, including orchestras. Orchestral musicians have unique skills and trust each other's timing.
Music appreciation is subjective and personal, and people can enjoy music through various means and settings, including on their phones with headphones. The speaker system and listening environment significantly impact the music experience, but it doesn't diminish the enjoyment. The conductor of an orchestra emphasizes the importance of experiencing the blended sound in the auditorium, which is different from the musicians' perspective on the stage. Orchestral musicians have a unique skill set, requiring trust and consciousness of their time. Lastly, the conductor's music taste is eclectic, and he enjoys various genres depending on his mood and circumstances.
Expand knowledge and foster community through sharing information: Reading, learning, and sharing knowledge with others fosters personal growth and community connection. Seek out new sources to stay informed and well-rounded.
Staying informed and sharing knowledge with others is an important part of personal growth. This can be achieved by reading articles, books, and other resources, and then sharing that information with trusted friends. By doing so, we not only expand our own knowledge base but also contribute to the learning of others. This practice fosters a sense of community and helps us stay connected to the world around us. Additionally, it's essential to continuously seek out new sources of information and perspectives to ensure that our understanding remains well-rounded and up-to-date. So, keep reading, keep learning, and keep sharing!
#9 Maestro Alexander Shelley: The Architecture of Music
Recent Episodes from The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish
The Mac and Cheese Millionaire: How I Built a Successful Business That Does Everything Differently (Erin Wade #203)
In this episode, Erin Wade discusses her journey from being a practicing lawyer to making mac and cheese...as a business. Wade shares how surfing became a personal escape while managing a busy life as a CEO and mother, and how she applied lessons from her career to build a restaurant known for its strong workplace culture. She introduces the concept of open book management, which empowers employees by involving them in the company's financials and decisions, leading to higher engagement and performance.
Erin also highlights her innovative approach to tackling sexual harassment in the workplace with the “color code of conduct,” a system now used globally in the restaurant industry. She reflects on the power of titles in shaping both external perception and self-identity, and the importance of managing for impact rather than intent. The conversation is packed with insights on leadership, culture-building, and how to create work environments where employees feel valued and empowered.
Erin Wade is a chef, author, and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and CEO of Homeroom, a restaurant in Oakland, California, known in equal parts for its unique workplace culture and incredible macaroni and cheese. She has a degree in public policy from Princeton University and a law degree from UC Berkeley.
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(00:00) Intro
(02:30) Wade's surfing obsession
(04:42) Defeating overthinking
(05:00) Wade's background in food
(06:40) Wade's law detour
(10:20) On being fired
(12:40) Early mistakes and freedom
(20:00) Employee-centric companies
(32:30) Homeroom Hard Times
(34:40) How Wade's law background helped (and hurt)
(42:40) The Color Code of Conduct
(49:30) Why Wade sold Homeroom (and how she felt)
(55:58) Impact vs. Intent
(59:00) Why titles are important
(01:04:00) On success
The Storytelling Expert: How to Speak so That Everyone Listens (Matthew Dicks #202)
Shane Parrish sits down with Matthew Dicks, a renowned storyteller, author, and teacher, to explore the nuanced art of storytelling. They go deep into the techniques that turn mediocre stories into masterful ones.
You’ll learn what makes a story truly resonate with an audience, how to identify and highlight the pivotal moments that create emotional impact, the architecture of compelling stories, how to structure narratives for maximum engagement and how to use techniques like suspense, stakes, and humor to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. This conversation covers broad frameworks, like how to structure a great story—and the granular details, like when you should talk quietly to refocus the audience.
Matthew Dicks is novelist, storyteller, columnist, playwright, blogger, and teacher. He’s published fiction and non-fiction books, the latter of which include: Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling and Someday Is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life.
(00:00:00 Intro
(00:03:28) What makes a good story
(00:06:57) Stories vs anecdotes
(00:08:29) A Story: The Spoon of Power
(00:17:42) The art of story architecture
(00:21:28) Create compelling stories
(00:36:30) Common mistakes & how to fix them
(00:55:01) Strategic listening
(01:03:32) Can you lie in stories?
(01:05:10) 'And' stories vs. 'but / therefore' stories
(01:10:05) Finding engaging stories in everyday life
(01:20:05) Structuring a story
(01:24:00) Storytelling for an unforgettable brand
(01:31:20) Learn confidence
(01:38:40) Writing vs telling a story
(01:51:53) Teach kids to love writing
(01:55:15) Define success
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#201 April Dunford: Perfecting Your Product's Positioning
What if people aren’t buying your product or service because their idea of what it does is wrong?
In this episode, Shane asks April Dunford to reveal all her secrets about what makes good and bad product positioning, how a startup should differ in its communications from a big company, and the difference between B2B and B2C positioning. Dunford also shares how a startup can better identify pain points their customers face, how to write the best sales page copy, and the best way to objectively evaluate a product’s positioning.
If you’re an executive at a company, this episode will make you reflect on your current marketing and sales pipelines and ask, “Are we doing this right?” If you’re a designer, engineer, or marketer at a company, this episode will teach you the secrets to selling a product that will help get you promoted and earn trust within your organization.
Dunford spent the first 25 years of her career as a startup executive running marketing, product, and sales teams positioning products acquired by companies like IBM and Siebel Systems. Since then, she’s worked with over 200 companies as a consultant, developing a system to better position technology products and companies. She studied Engineering at the University of Waterloo and is most recently the author of Sales Pitch.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theknowledgeproject/videos
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(00:00) Intro
(02:07) Positioning, explained
(16:47) Why is positioning important?
(20:40) B2B vs. B2C positioning
(29:03) When re-positioning a product failed
(32:31) How to identify customer's pain points
(34:35) How to position a product on a sales page
(38:06) How technology has changed positioning
(41:40) How to evaluate product positioning
(45:43) Who's in charge of positioning at a company?
(50:27) On storytelling
(56:35) Should a company have a point of view on the market?
(1:00:21) Dealing with gatekeepers in B2B marketing
(1:03:02) Mistakes people make with positioning
(1:05:21) What schools get wrong about marketing
(1:08:59) Secrets of B2B decision-making
(1:11:18) On success
#200 Brian Halligan: Scaling Culture from Startup to IPO
Brian Halligan, co-founder and former CEO of HubSpot, discusses the journey of leading a company from the startup phase to IPO. Halligan shares his personal and professional experiences, including a snowmobiling accident that altered his life trajectory, the importance of company culture, the nuances of hiring the right people, and the complications involved in running a growing organization.
This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and anyone interested in the intersection of personal growth and professional success.
Brian Halligan is currently a Senior Advisor at Sequoia Capital. In 2006, he co-founded HubSpot and served as its CEO until 2021. He is also a senior lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
(00:00) Intro
(02:36) Halligan's life-changing snowmobile accident
(09:38) Shane's life-changing medical mystery
(14:38) The different phases a CEO goes through while growing companies
(20:44) Lessons learned from Steve Jobs
(23:18) How to hire and fire people (and when)
(27:55) The problems with "Best Practices" in business
(31:11) The most underrated public CEOs (and why Jerry Garcia from The Grateful Dead is on this list)
(43:38) The history and future of inbound marketing
(51:08) On decision making
(55:18) On work-life balance
(58:28) On success
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theknowledgeproject/videos
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#199 Esther Perel: Cultivating Desire (2019)
Few episodes in The Knowledge Project’s nine-year history have impacted people’s relationships and lives more than when Esther Perel shared her infinite wisdom for the first time in 2019.
Shane and Esther discuss how the stories you tell yourself shape how you see the world (and what to do about that), the important conversations to have at the beginning of a relationship, the most common arguments couples have and how to prevent them, what to say to a partner if the relationship isn’t working out, the relationship between desire, love, and pleasure, and so much more. Plus, the conversation starts out on an interesting note: Esther Perel shares stories about her parents surviving the Holocaust and how their experiences shaped her childhood and continue to shape her life today.
(00:00) Intro
(02:38) Coming back to life after the war
(08:09) The myth of stability
(11:30) The power of reflections
(19:48) Important conversations for early relationships
(24:20) Can values change in relationships?
(27:20) Being secure in a relationship
(30:40) Better conversations with your partner
(33:00) What's behind every criticism
(36:52) Too much honesty
(39:37) What happens if I don't love my partner
(47:12) Why does good sex fade in relationships?
(50:59) Love vs. desire
(55:38) How to have difficult conversations with your partner
(01:05:13) Conscious uncoupling
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theknowledgeproject/videos
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#198 Maya Shankar: The Science of Identity
Shane Parrish and Maya Shankar dive into the complexities of identity and personal transformation. They explore how significant life changes can reshape one's sense of self and explain how to navigate these transitions. Maya shares her personal stories and tips on making proactive choices and keeping a flexible, layered sense of self. They also discuss the psychological and philosophical aspects of identity, offering practical advice on goal-setting and personal growth.
Maya Shankar is a cognitive scientist and the creator, executive producer, and host of the podcast, A Slight Change of Plans. Shankar was a Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, where she founded and served as Chair of the White House Behavioral Science Team. She holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Oxford and a B.A from Yale.
(00:00) Intro
(02:40) Shankar's "almost unbelievable" story of getting into Julliard
(05:30) Why Shankar studied identity
(11:38) What is identity?
(14:52) Using your identity to accomplish your goals
(18:00) Using anti-identities to accomplish your goals
(18:51) What to do when your identity is "attacked"
(26:30) How to re-establish trust in institutions
(32:30) Use identity to start a positive habit
(35:35) How to debunk myths with stories and facts
(37:18) How does how we frame our goals help (or prevent) us from accomplishing them
(43:11) The one motivational technique Shankar uses every day
(45:15) On success
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theknowledgeproject/videos
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#197 Michaeleen Doucleff: TEAM Parenting
It's surprising how often we give our kids orders: "Do this!" "Don't do that!" But if we want to raise resilient and independent kids, is this the right approach? Michaeleen Doucleff argues there's a better way, and in this conversation, she explains why and shares practical strategies for solving the parenting "crisis" in the modern world.
In this conversation, Doucleff reveals four parenting principles that will help foster resilience and independence in your kids while protecting and enhancing their emotional well-being. Shane and Doucleff discuss her observations on how different cultures approach parenting and how their practices can help alleviate the burdens we place on ourselves and our children. We also explore the role of technology and its impact on our parenting and our children's development and maturity.
Michaeleen Doucleff is the author of Hunt, Gather, Parent. Her work has taken her all over the world to explore, observe, and learn from the parenting practices of various cultures. She is also a correspondent for NPR's Science Desk.
(00:00) Intro
(04:12) How (and why) we've lost our way as parents
(08:02) The rise of the nuclear family
(13:46) TEAM Parenting: T
(17:20) TEAM Parenting: E
(23:01) Why you don't need to praise your child
(26:12) TEAM Parenting: A
(36:42) TEAM Parenting: M
(38:34) "Kids do not need to be entertained"
(39:12) Technology, parenting, and transmitting values
(1:02:59) Resources parents can use to educate kids about technology
(1:04:50) How you can use the environment to give kids autonomy
(1:09:56) Success and parenting
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#196 Brent Beshore: Business Brilliance and Happiness at Home
Succeeding in both life and business is very difficult. The skills needed to scale a company often clash with those required to cultivate a thriving home life. Yet, Brent Beshore seems to have cracked the code—or at least he's actively working on it. In this conversation, he spills his secrets on excelling in both arenas.
This episode is split into two parts: the first 45 minutes covers life and how to be a better person. Brent opens up about the evolution of his marriage, physical health, and inner life.
The rest of the episode focuses on business. Shane and Beshore discuss private equity, how to hire (and when to fire) CEOs, incentives, why debt isn’t a good thing in an unpredictable world, stewardship versus ownership, and why personality tests are so important for a functional organization.
After beginning his career as an entrepreneur, Brent Beshore founded Permanent Equity in 2007 and leads the firm as CEO. He works with investors and operators to evaluate new investment opportunities.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theknowledgeproject/videos
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(00:00) Intro
(05:08) Why Brent examined his life
(09:44) How Brent "fixed" his relationships
(20:04) How helping hurts
(32:13) How Brent was subtly controlling relationships
(40:36) Why Brent stopped drinking (mostly)
(50:29) How to run a business with love yet competitively
(01:00:34) Win-win relationships
(01:05:34) On debt
(01:19:28) On incentives
(01:29:08) How to hire and fire CEOs
(01:34:18) What most people miss about hiring
(01:44:19) Brent's playbook for taking over a company
(01:51:20) On projections
(01:55:52) Revisiting investments
(01:58:44) How "hands-off" is Brent?
(02:08:34) Where people go wrong in private equity
(02:14:07) On success
#195 Morgan Housel: Get Rich, Stay Rich
The skills it takes to get rich are drastically different from the skills it takes to stay rich. Few understand this phenomenon more than Morgan Housel. He's identified unique lessons about wealth, happiness, and money by studying the world's richest families and learning what they did to build their wealth and just how quickly they squandered it all.
In this conversation, Shane and Housel discuss various aspects of risk-taking, wealth accumulation, and financial independence. Morgan explains the importance of understanding personal financial goals and the dangers of social comparison, lets everyone in on his personal financial “mistake” that instantly made him sleep better at night, and why the poorest people in the world disproportionately play the lottery—and why it makes sense that they do. They also touch on the influence of upbringing on financial behaviors, the difference between being rich and wealthy, and the critical role of compounding in financial success. Of course, we can’t have a writer as good as Morgan Housel on the podcast and not ask him about his process, so Housel concludes with insights into storytelling, his writing processes, and the importance of leading by example in teaching financial values to children.
Morgan Housel is a partner at Collaborative Fund. Previously, he was an analyst at The Motley Fool. He is a two-time winner of the Best in Business Award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and was selected by the Columbia Journalism Review for the Best Business Writing anthology. He's the author of two books: The Psychology of Money and Same as Ever.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theknowledgeproject/videos
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(00:00) Intro
(04:46) Risk and income
(07:40) On luck and skill
(10:10) Buffett's secret strategy
(12:28) The one trait you need to build wealth
(16:20) Housel's capital allocation strategy
(16:48) Index funds, explained
(20:59) Expectations and moving goalposts
(22:17) Your house: asset or liability?
(27:39) Money lies we believe
(32:12) How to avoid status games
(35:04) Money rules from parents
(40:15) Rich vs. wealthy
(41:46) Housel's influential role models
(42:48) Why are rich people miserable?
(45:59) How success sows the seeds of average performance
(49:50) On risk
(50:59) Making money, spending money, saving money
(52:50) How the Vanderbilt's squandered their wealth
(1:04:11) How to manage your expectations
(01:06:26) How to talk to kids about money
(01:09:52) The biggest risk to capitalism
(01:13:56) The magic of compounding
(01:16:18) How Morgan reads
(01:22:42) How to tell the best story
(01:24:42) How Morgan writes
(01:35:42) Parting wisdom and thoughts on success
#194 Abigail Shrier: The Parent-Therapy Trap
But instead of helping kids work through difficult circumstances, what if it's just making the problems worse? That's what Abigail Shrier thinks is happening, and in this conversation, she reveals some surprising reasons why.
Shane and Shrier discuss the real reason therapy is "bad," how we got to this point of acceptance as a culture, and what you can do as a parent to get back to normalcy. Shrier also shares her experiences with lifelong therapy patients, who should actually be in therapy, and the one thing that makes someone a successful parent.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theknowledgeproject/videos
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(21:35) Is this all the parents' fault?
Related Episodes
Episode 18: Supermodel Standards?!
The Pivoting Musician | Episode 18: Supermodel Standards?!
Are you tired of the expectations that the music industry has put on you?
When you look at the job postings for an academic job, it almost seems like they are looking for a unicorn that has all the bells and whistles. They want you to be an expert, not only in your main niche, but to teach practically anything under the sun, while leaving time for research, recruitment, and more. And the best part is (insert sarcasm here…), the institution will pay you an unfitting wage and rarely offer you zero health benefits.
This standard is the same that the fashion and beauty industry has on its consumers. Women often feel an immense pressure to look like the supermodels who are the mystical unicorns within the industry. This is unrealistic and we are encouraging you to celebrate what makes YOU unique. Listen to today’s episode to hear more!
E18 – Resources Mentioned:
- Join our mailing list via our website! This is the best way to stay in-touch during our short podcasting break. Thanks!
- If you have specific pivoting needs, please email us – here!
Follow The Pivoting Musician!
...with the Role the Arts Play (Ep. 12)
What is the role of art and music in our society? Is art supposed to effect change or simply represent it after the fact? Is all good art subversive, and is all subversive art good? What does it mean for an arts organization to be responsible to its audience: give them what they want, or help them develop newer, deeper, unexpected tastes? How do you nurture art and artists who work on a cutting edge that is not always popular or immediately accessible, yet still keep it commercially viable?
Ben chats with the award winning arts administrator, and Director of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts in Kingston, Tricia Baldwin.
About the Guest
Tricia Baldwin became the Director of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts (‘the Isabel’) in December 2014, and works with a tremendously talented team at the Isabel. Tricia is responsible for its programming featuring top diverse emerging and established artists, education, student and community engagement resulting in significant increase in audience participation, socially engaged art, and facilities management. She established the Isabel as an arts incubator for new works, the Ka’tarohkwi Festival of Indigenous Arts with curator Dylan Robinson, the Isabel Human Rights Arts Festival, and the Isabel Overton Bader Canadian Violin Competition. Tricia is the co-creator of Queen’s University’s new M.A. in Arts Leadership program with Queen’s Dan School of Drama and Music, and is the course developer and instructor of the program’s Contract Negotiations in the Arts graduate course. A champion of training the next generation of arts leaders, Tricia has been a mentor with the Canadian Heritage Talent to Lead Program and the Cultural Career Council of Ontario Mentor Program. Tricia recently served on the International Association of Venue Managers Association conference panel on arts management education.
Prior to the Isabel, Tricia Baldwin was the Managing Director of Tafelmusik from 2000 to 2014. During this period, Tafelmusik doubled its operating revenues and increased its endowment seventeen fold. The orchestra undertook over 50 national and international tours, created 20 recordings and films that garnered significant industry awards and nominations that led to the launching of its recording label and digital concert hall, established artist training programs attracting pre-professional musicians from around the world, and undertook a successful $3M venue renovation. Tricia also headed up Tafelmusik’s expansion of venues within Toronto that contributed to the doubling of earned revenues and significant audience development. Prior to Tafelmusik, she was the Executive Director of Ballet British Columbia and General Manager of the Kingston Symphony. Tricia received her Bachelor of Music (University of Toronto) and her MBA (York University), and has continued her education with courses from Harvard Business School, University of Oxford School of Continuing Studies, the Harvard Kennedy School, and Boston University.
Tricia Baldwin has been awarded the Canada Council for the Arts’ John Hobday Award in Arts Management, a scholarship to attend Harvard University’s Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management program, First Prize for Student Philosophy Essay from the University of Oxford School of Continuing Studies, and the Queen’s Human Rights Initiative Award. As a volunteer, she currently serves on the Advisory Board of the York University Schulich School of Business Arts, Media, and Entertainment Management program, the City of Kingston Arts Advisory Board and Professional Development Working Group, and St. Lawrence College Music and Digital Media Program Advisory Committee. She has been a panel advisor/juror/assessor for the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Manitoba Arts Council, City of Toronto Cultural Services, City of Barrie Department of Culture, and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Katie Velasquez and the Virtual Flute Music Festival
Katie Velasquez is another flutist with Texas connections! Originally from Austin, Katie is now the principal flutist of the Missouri Symphony, and the Artistic Director of the Virtual Flute Music Festival! Katie has a very impressive background in orchestra performance and has killed it in many national competitions. Perhaps one of her most impressive feats is starting her own VIRTUAL flute and piccolo festivals featuring top names in the flute world. The truly unique aspect of this festival is the strong focus on empowering the artist through courageous thinking and mindset training. I wanted to get Katie on the podcast to talk more about her festival because the application will be closing MAY 1ST! That’s coming up! So non-flutists, maybe put your cross-disciplinary hats on for this convo about all the mental work behind bringing your most inspired self to your performances.
In this episode:
- How Katie has been able to stay inspired during the pandemic
- The inspriation behind the festival
- How and why mindset is a key part of the festival
If you are looking for my interview with Katherine Emeneth, that episode will be airing next week-- stay tuned!
LINKS:
Virtual Flute Music Festival website
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Send Tori an email tori@torilupinek.com
Mindset for Musicians
"Mindset is everything." Is it really? This week we unearth some mindset and self-talk habits that sabotage musicians--especially recent music grads.
In this episode:
- Pessimism, realism, optimism
- Self-talk
- Judgement
- Compassion and empathy
- Reacting versus responding
- Abundance versus scarcity
- Gratitude
"Mindset is everything" poster
Jen Sincero's self-help book "You Are a Badass"
Chelsea Tanner on Mindset
Join us this week for our first conversation episode! Dr. Chelsea Tanner is a flutist and mindset coach. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Chelsea started two online Flute Bootcamp courses, launched her self-image coaching business, AND her very own podcast called Align Your Mind. If you enjoy our conversation today, you'll definitely want to listen to Align Your Mind next!
Gold nuggets in this episode:
~What a mindset coach does and what a coaching session looks like
~Practice room empowerment: give yourself the authority to love the way you play.
~Mindset in the moment: things to consider onstage in order to perform the way you want to
~Intentional and unintentional thought models
Links:
Follow Chelsea Tanner on Instagram
Listen to Align Your Mind podcast
Blog post on practice room empowerment by Chelsea
Winning Mindset Academy signup
Stay tuned next week for a conversation with Austin Pancner, The Functional Musician!
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