Composer Dr. Nkeiru Okoye's music defies categorization. She is an expert at fuzing different musical styles and genres into her music, and injecting humanity into difficult subjects. Her mission is to create music that engages communities and affects social change. In part 1 of this 2-part episode, Dr. Okoye takes time out of her busy schedule to talk with Christine about her inspiring life story. From a shy little girl whose teacher tells her she'd never have a life in music, to becoming 2021's Guggenheim Fellow in music composition, composer Dr. Nkeiru Okoye's life story is a masterclass in grit, talent, and passion.

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." What happens to our bodies when we are deeply moved by music? Why do some people weep at a beautiful melody? Perhaps most concerning to the host of this show, why doesn't Christine, a life-long music lover and musician, shed tears over music? Is she a heartless robot? It turns out the answer to that question is as complicated and fascinating as music itself. Join Christine as she explores the research on the emotions of music, and learns a little bit about human nature in the process.

Many musicians have found that adjusting back to normal life after the pandemic has been difficult in surprising ways. The stress from the transition back to the hustle of musician life has effected musicians on the stage, in the practice room, and in life balance. In today’s episode, Christine speaks with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier, from “Mind Over Finger,” on how practicing mindfulness can increase quality of practice, quality of musicianship, and quality of life for all musicians. Dr. Gauthier also takes the time to give important advice for young musicians to get the most out of their musical training.

Is Russian music “canceled?” What sort of responsibility do musicians have to make their political and moral views known? What relationship do music and politics have with one another? Can they truly be separated? In this episode, Christine speaks about this timely topic with Jonathan Rosenberg, Julliard-trained musician and Harvard-trained historian. Using lessons learned while researching his book, "Dangerous Melodies: Classical Music in America from the Great War through the Cold War," Jonathan explains how learning from the past can greatly inform our present, and help us shape the future we would like to see.

Teacher and clinician Jenny Boster, NCTM, is back with more resources and information about female composers! In the year since Jenny’s last visit, much has changed in the music world. From music publishers and symphony schedules to awards shows such as the Grammys and the Oscars, female composers are beginning to receive well-deserved attention. In this episode, Jenny and Christine talk about the progress being made, future goals, resources for teachers, and highlight some of their new favorite female composers.

How does a young boy from a working class family practicing on a cardboard piano in Memphis grow up to compose a smash-hit stage musical, collaborate with Academy Award-winning sound engineers, discuss domestic arguments with Pulitzer-prize winning composers, and help a police force deal with grief? Concert pianist, composer, and arranger David Troy Francis grew up thinking of himself as “the other.” Music was a welcome escape from difficult situations that arose from feeling different and unaccepted. In this episode he tells his story of how music helped him find joy, create a career, and how he is continually using his gifts to bring that joy to “others.”

On the eve of their new adventure in Washington DC, Flutist Christina Hughes and Trombonist Tanner Antonetti spare a moment to speak with Christine about their careers, mental preparation for auditions, and balancing career and marriage between two successful musicians.

Mental Health is a difficult topic to discuss for musicians. However, Sam Rothstein, acting principal clarinetist with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and host of "The Candid Clarinetist," has made a name for himself by tackling difficult topics through honest conversations. In this episode, Christine and Sam discuss mental health, perfectionism, supporting fellow musicians, and how the concept of Ikigai can help a musician create a balanced and meaningful life.

Music streaming services have found themselves back in the news lately, as famous musicians are again bemoaning the music industry (and streaming services in particular), trying to show everyone how predatory the system is, and how it’s impossible for musicians to earn a living in the current digital streaming climate. So how does streaming revenue actually work? How do musicians actually get paid when they release music onto music streaming services? In this episode, Christine takes a look into the revenue stream in digital distribution, and helps to make sense of the complicated money side of the music streaming industry.

As a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Joel Dallow is living the dream of many aspiring cellists. As host of “The Cello Sherpa Podcast,” he shares his expertise with those aspiring musicians to help them along their way. As Christine’s guest today, he shares an insiders’ look into winning an orchestral audition, and knowing your instrument’s role once you get the job. Along the way he shares memorable and unexpected moments from his life in the Cello Section, as well as his must-listen list of Chamber and Orchestral Pieces.