Why are so many American Conservatories and University Music programs recruiting students and musicians from China? What is happening in Chinese pre-collegiate music schools that produces such successful musicians? Dr. Beibei Lin from Valdosta State University set out to research that question, and came back with a completely unexpected answer that goes far beyond the practice room. Join Christine as she and Dr. Lin explore her findings, and discuss motivation, teaching tips, and honoring the past.

"It's a weird confluence of musical worlds....which happens to be me." Composer Christopher Norton has had a prolific career spanning three decades. His music, where Classical meets Popular music, has sold over 1 million copies, and continues to be loved by musicians, students, and music teachers around the world. In this episode of Musicians vs the World, Christine sits down with Christopher as he talks about his career, from his early days in New Zealand, to his current projects in 2022. Along the way he shares funny stories, inspirational wisdom, and practical career advice for all musicians.

2021 was a year full of change for the world of Classical Music. In this episode, Christine reviews the inspirational interviews and guests from the past 12 months. As she looks back, she finds a surprising theme that weaves itself through many of the interviews. Christine discusses what she's learned from her guests, and how music teachers will "save" Classical Music in the years to come.

Why do musicians look down on well-paying gigs? Why do some musicians have difficulties with self-promotion? What does small-talk have to do with being a successful classical musician? The Classical Musical world is working diligently to make Classical Music more inclusive and diverse. But any working musician will tell you that the real world of musicians, based on working gigs and networking, does not always match the ideals we’re aiming for. But why? For the past decade, Dr. Christina Scharff of King's College London has been using sociological assessment to figure it out. In this episode, she walks Christine through her research and brings to light answers for many of the questions and roadblocks freelance musicians face.

This episode is part 2 of Christine's conversation with William Chapman Nyaho, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Music Teachers National Association. Together, they discuss traits and characteristics of African pianism, as well as the future of Classical Music. Along the way, Dr. Chapman Nyaho shares tips and resources for teachers on helping students to connect with unfamiliar music, as well as a list of worthy composers that deserve the attention of teachers and performers alike. To learn more about Dr. Chapman Nyaho's background and Anthology, be sure listen to part one of this interview: Music for All with William Chapman Nyaho.

As the newly-appointed Music Teachers National Association's Vice-President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. William Chapman Nyaho has a firm belief that classical music is meant for all. In his new position, he has the objective of helping music teachers create a positive and inclusive atmosphere for students of all nationalities and backgrounds, as well as bringing classical music to under-served communities. In this part one of two episodes with Dr. Chapman Nyaho, he talks with Christine about his world-wide educational background, gives practical tips for music teachers, and discusses his quest to bring attention to the music of composers of African descent.

As musicians' livelihoods depend on audiences hearing their music, and as media continues to be a major gateway to reaching those audiences, it’s important that we understand how to navigate the relationship between musicians and the media. Executive Editor Doug Wilks from Deseret News, one of the strongest multi-platform newsrooms in the country, guides us through the complex world of media. He gives insights on how to catch the attention of national news sources, how to build credibility, and the resources available to musicians in this ever-changing media landscape.

In 2021, a group of researchers at Dartmouth College set out to study "The Mozart Effect," and why listening to Mozart seems to help patients with Epilepsy. In the same year in Dublin, researchers tried to figure out what happens to our brains when the music goes....silent. But why talk about them in the same episode? Today, Christine discusses the surprising findings, how they're related, and the possibilities they bring for both music makers and music listeners in the future.

Colin Williams, Associate Principal Trombonist for the New York Philharmonic, is a passionate performer, engaging educator, and advocate for musician wellness. In this important episode for all musicians, he shares his experience with a potentially career-ending injury. He discusses the physical, mental, and emotional hurdles in his journey back to the orchestra, bringing awareness to a serious issue that isn’t talked about enough in the musician world.

In music school, we're sold on the dream of traveling the world, performing in elite ensembles, and "making it big." In reality, musicians often have to forge their own path, bypassing the auditions and "gatekeepers" to a fulfilling and lucrative career. In this episode, Christine has a candid conversation with Jared Judge, host of The Gigging Musicians Podcast, founder of BookLive, and author of "Gigging Secrets: The Underground Playbook to Making a Living Performing." Jared draws on his own successes and lessons learned to give valuable practical advice for musicians wanting to make a living performing.

***When you're done with this episode, be sure to check out Christine's interview on "The Gigging Musician Podcast!"***