In this episode, Christine has a conversation with the wonderful Grant Gershon, Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Together they discuss the human aspect of music making, and how music can connect people from all different aspects of life in powerful ways. Grant shares his expertise on how, as musicians, we can garner that sense of connectedness through our performance, and how we can look forward towards the future of music and performance. As an added bonus, Grant shares some valuable advice for musicians wanting to make a career out of music.

In this episode, we continue our fascinating conversation with Lori Finlay Hamilton (and a few special guests!), about how music effects our bodies on the cellular level. This time, we dive into the science behind music's effect on the minds and bodies of children. What is the Mozart effect? Does it really exist? Does music make children better students? Better people? Should every child study music? Join us and find out!

We all know that music can help lift us out of a bad mood and reduce stress. But have you ever wondered how or why? Join Christine's conversation with Lori Finlay Hamilton, as they discuss the fascinating way music effects the body on a cellular level. They will discuss the ever-growing body of research on music and how it can be used to compliment western medicine in improving people's lives.

Most musicians feel some sort of pre-performance jitters. But what happens when it goes beyond nervousness and becomes Performance Anxiety? Is there any way to save a performing career when it strikes? Join musician and teacher, Christine Smith, as she shares 5 principles she's learned over the years to help manage the symptoms of performance anxiety.

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Maybe you are a musician interested in becoming a professional conductor. Perhaps you play in an ensemble with an orchestra, and want a better understanding of your music director. Or…Perhaps your only experience with a conductor is watching an old Bugs Bunny cartoon and you’re wondering “what exactly is that person with a baton doing up there on stage?” Maybe most importantly, you just love music, and are looking to hear a beautiful and touching story into the power of music. Well, this episode is for a person that fits into any of those categories. Dr. Jose Daniel Flores-Caraballo is the Opalka Family Artistic Director For Albany Pro Musica, is back to speak to us all about conducting! His expertise is surpassed only by his passion and love for music, and I hope that you enjoy our telephone discussion with him into the mind and the very heart of the Maestro.

Join host, Christine Smith, as she speaks with Dr. Jose Daniel Flores-Caraballo, the Opalka Family Artistic Director of Albany Pro Musica. In the first of a two-part interview, Dr. Flores-Caraballo describes his love of choral music and music education. Come celebrate with us as he also announces a wonderful surprise about his upcoming Pro Musica International Choral Festival!

Can athletics make you a better musician? Can music make you a better athlete? Join Christine as she speaks with Physical Therapist, James Wilks, about both questions, as well as diving into injury prevention. As a bonus, find out if Christine's performance preparation is actually healthy, or if she needs to find a new way to practice!

Do you have what it takes to be a professional orchestral musician? In part 3 of our Musicians vs Auditions series, Christine talks with Madelyn and Brian Blanchard, both orchestral Horn players. They share their expertise on choosing a college, auditioning, and navigating through the ups and downs of professional orchestral life.

How does repertoire choice effect the results of an audition? How important are first impressions in a piano competition? Why should repertoire performance order be different in competitions than in recitals? In this episode, Christine finishes her discussion on auditions with Dr. Scott Holden from Brigham Young University. They discuss repertoire, teaching tips, and some final words of advice for all those preparing for high-pressure auditions.

Auditions! A word that causes anxiety in even the most seasoned performer! In this episode we speak with concert pianist, Dr. Scott Holden, and learn his tips for impressing judges and giving a successful performance in a high-pressure audition.