Today you’ll meet Zack Clark, the lead cellist in the group Simply Three--a string trio consisting of a cellist, bassist, and violinist. They describe themselves to “have old school training but a new school sound”. A few years ago I was on the lookout for anything to do with the violin and I found Simply Three through their pop cover albums on Spotify and I was instantly hooked by their electrifying sound, impressive virtuosity, and heartfelt music. Tune in as I talk with Zack about his amazing journey from elementary school cello to now having a distinct brand, a nationally touring group, and an internationally popular YouTube channel with millions of followers all over the globe.

https://simplythreemusic.com

Check out their latest premiere!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kjJeexF-tQ

On this episode, I share my personal insights from experiencing an overuse injury and what I've learned through the process. 

This was a very fun episode to record! Today you’ll meet David “Buddy” Deshler.

Buddy was the TA for my Enterprising Musician class with Dr. Swoboda who we heard from a few episodes ago. Not only is Buddy one of the warmest and most genuine people I know, he is an accomplished trumpeter, teacher, clinician, and creative entrepreneur-- the epitome of the 21st century artist. In our discussion, you will gain some insight into the behind the scenes world of the music industry as Buddy details some of his adventures and how so much of it was because of trumpet.

https://www.buddydeshler.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BuddyDeshler

https://www.instagram.com/bdeshlermusic/

https://www.instagram.com/bud_eats/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwE4QM2lxe5QxmQLa3Q5pWQ

Today you will hear my conversation with Dr. Austin Thorpe who recently published a PhD dissertation titled, “An Achingly Glorious Beauty: Ronald Staheli and His Philosophies”. 

I met Dr. Thorpe 8 years ago as a vocalist and pianist in his choirs at Herriman High School in Herriman, Utah. The experiences I had in his choirs were transformative and played an important role in my deciding to become a professional musician. His friendship is something I will treasure my whole life. In our discussion, I’ve asked him to talk a little bit about parts of his dissertation as well as to share his story. I have tremendous gratitude and admiration for Dr. Thorpe but in listening to him, I experienced some genuinely moving moments that I am very pleased to share with you.

Link to full dissertation:

https://search.proquest.com/openview/6a37b42610a6253d297ce92b09c0f5f7/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

I had the opportunity to attend the Musical Instrument Museum here in Phoenix, Arizona and it was LIFE CHANGING!! 

Below is a link to an AWESOME video of Thomas Roth shredding it on the Nyckelharpa! I talk about a number of instruments in the podcast but this one is a treat! You're welcome :) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sfBcWvVUbs

I met Dr. Swoboda while taking her course “The Enterprising Musician” at Arizona State University. The thing that immediately impressed me with her classroom management was her passion for encouraging curiosity. Inviting Dr. Swoboda to open my 2021 podcast launch was the obvious choice. In our discussion, we talk about her adaptations to the challenges of COVID-19, pivotal childhood experiences, role models, her thoughts on entrepreneurship, and of course, her “why”.

The next 30 minutes will inspire you.

Hello! My name is Anna Summers and I am a musician currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona. In my lifetime, I frequently raise eyebrows when I communicate with people about my choice of career. “Music? Why?” They ask. Well, it’s an honest question. Why is music so important to so many people, musicians and audiences alike? This question never ceases to fascinate me. That is why I decided to start a weekly blog and podcast titled, “Music| Why?" devoted to exploring people’s answers to this question. On this podcast you will hear incredible stories from great artists all around the world. My mission is to connect these inspiring individuals and their experiences to a broader audience of people who are on a similar quest: to realize the value of music and its role in our lives.