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Can you actually build a sustainable career in music without selling out or starving?

In this episode, host Safa sits down with classical vocalist, music educator, and Doctor of Musical Arts Dr. Anthony Zwerdling. Anthony breaks down his wild journey—from singing in the San Francisco Boys Chorus at the 1985 Super Bowl to navigating high-stakes classical auditions, earning advanced degrees, and transitioning into an independent singer-songwriter.

They dive deep into:

• The Business Reality: The hard truth about earning a living in modern music and handling constant rejection in auditions.
• Vocal Mechanics & Mind Tricks: Why high-level vocal technique relies on mental imagery, plus a live breakdown of low breathing, resonance, and nasal placement.
• Songwriting Craft: Transitioning from classical opera to acoustic songwriting, featuring live in-studio performances of his original tracks Wishing Well and Full Circle.

Episode Chapter Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Early Music Journey & The '85 Super Bowl
• 02:43 - Dealing with Brutal Audition Rejection
• 03:58 - Samuel Barber Research & DMA Journey
• 07:10 - Can You Actually Make a Living in Music?
• 09:45 - Opera vs. Classical Technique & Vocal Hacks
• 13:35 - Pivoting to Independent Singer-Songwriter
• 19:10 - Live Demo: Vocal Breathing & Resonance
• 21:42 - Live Performance: Wishing Well
• 25:46 - Live Performance: Full Circle
• 31:41 - Where to Find Dr. Anthony Zwerdling

Connect & Resources:

• Follow Anthony Zwerdling on Instagram: @zwerdsings
• Radio Safa Official Website: safamusicacademy.com/radio-safa
• Book a Free Music Consultation: Calendly - Safa Amiri
• Venue & Business Inquiries: safamusicacademy.com/partnership-platform
• Follow Radio Safa on Instagram: @radio_safa

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

How do independent musicians actually find paid gigs when venues don't respond?

Singer-songwriter Susanna Laird joins Radio Safa to share what it really takes to build a performing career — from sending countless emails and dealing with rejection to approaching venues, negotiating pay, and learning one of her biggest lessons: you have to be willing to ask.

Susanna also shares her unconventional journey from raising and homeschooling her children to performing professionally as a singer, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter. Today, she's found opportunities performing at nursing homes, wineries, breweries, bars, festivals, and other live venues.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

• How Susanna finds and approaches venues for gigs
• What to do when venues don't respond
• How persistence turns into real bookings
• Finding paid performance opportunities beyond traditional bars and clubs
• Asking about compensation and negotiating gig pay
• Building a music career while balancing family and life
• The emotional side of songwriting and live performance

Susanna also performs her original song “The Creek” and demonstrates how emotions like anxiety, excitement, peace, and anger can completely change the way a guitarist approaches the same instrument.

If you're an independent musician trying to get more gigs — or you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a performing career from the ground up — this episode is for you.

🎥 Prefer to watch the conversation?
Watch the full video interview and more Radio Safa Artist Spotlight episodes on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

Radio Safa shares the stories of working artists and connects creative talent with real opportunities.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

What does it take to build a successful career as a classical violinist?

In this episode of Radio Safa Artist Spotlight, we sit down with Amy Fetherolf, a professional violinist who has performed with symphonies and orchestras and built a reputation for excellence, preparation, and professionalism.

Amy shares her journey in classical music, her pursuit of perfection in performance, how opportunities often come through reputation and relationships, and what aspiring musicians can do to stand out in a highly competitive field.

Whether you're a musician, music student, parent, educator, or simply someone who appreciates the dedication behind great performances, this conversation offers valuable insights into the mindset and habits of successful artists.

🎻 Topics include:
• Building a career in classical music
• Performing with orchestras and symphonies
• The role of preparation and professionalism
• Perfectionism in music
• Creating opportunities through excellence
• Advice for aspiring classical musicians

🎥 Prefer to watch the full video interview and performance segments?

Visit the Radio Safa YouTube channel to watch the full episode.

Radio Safa is dedicated to honoring artists and sharing the stories behind music, creativity, and culture.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

In this episode of Radio Safa, we sit down with the incredibly unique Sage Snider — a lawyer, violinist/fiddler, storyteller, and performer whose artistic world blends bluegrass, Celtic, country, pirate, and folk influences into something truly original.

Sage shares the fascinating story of how she transitioned from a classically trained violinist into a bluegrass and storytelling musician, and how one workshop completely changed the direction of her artistic journey.

One of the most powerful moments comes when she says:

This episode also features a spontaneous off-the-cuff bluegrass performance between Sage and Radio Safa founder and host, Dr. Safa Amiri — with no prior rehearsal.

A thoughtful conversation about music, culture, improvisation, artistic identity, and finding your own voice as an artist.

🎥 This is also a full VIDEOCAST episode.
Watch the full video interview and performance on the Radio Safa YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you enjoy meaningful artist conversations and live musical moments, please follow, rate, and share Radio Safa.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

In this episode of Radio Safa, we sit down with the talented Trevor — an experienced drummer in Virginia who shares the real story behind life as a working musician 🥁

From finding gigs and navigating the challenges of live performance to staying motivated through the ups and downs of the music industry, this conversation is raw, honest, and inspiring for artists at every stage of their journey.

One of the standout moments comes when Trevor shares his advice for musicians trying to find opportunities:

We also dive into the realities of networking, performing live, and sustaining a career in music.

🎥 The FULL VIDEO version of this interview is available here:
https://youtu.be/51aYDpsBwYI

If you enjoy meaningful artist conversations and real stories from musicians, be sure to follow, rate, and share Radio Safa 🎶

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

“I have played in many places free of charge, but on one condition — they have to introduce me very professionally as a classically trained professional music teacher”, Pendar says. 

In this episode of Radio Safa, we sit down with Pendar Kordnavahsi, one of the top piano and music teachers in the DMV area. 

Watch the full video on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/qhfbLLDoNiQ

Pendar shares a powerful and unconventional approach to building a successful music teaching career — focusing on quality over quantity, charging premium rates, and working with a smaller number of dedicated students to achieve better results and a more balanced lifestyle.

This mindset alone speaks volumes about branding, positioning, and long-term growth as a musician and educator.

If you are a music teacher, aspiring artist, or someone trying to build a sustainable career in music, this interview is packed with valuable insights you don’t want to miss.

🎙️ Don’t miss this amazing conversation — there is a lot of great content here, especially for music teachers.

👉 Let us know in the comments:
Would you rather teach more students at lower rates, or fewer students at premium rates?

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

“In the production world, each band has its own purpose.”

In this episode of Radio Safa, we sit down with William Robertson (Al) — guitarist, producer, and founder of Nu Pop Entertainment — to explore his journey from performing musician to music entrepreneur.

William shares valuable insights into building a production company, working with multiple bands, hiring artists, and creating meaningful opportunities within the music industry. His perspective offers a deeper understanding of how artists can expand beyond performance and develop sustainable careers in music.

What makes this conversation even more special is the spontaneity he brings to the session — picking up his guitar and delivering an impressive off-the-cuff performance, seamlessly improvising both instrumentally and vocally in real time.

👉 Learn more about Nu Pop Entertainment:
 https://nu-pop-entertainment.com/

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

In this episode of Radio Safa, we sit down with Amy Peck, a talented multi-instrumentalist from Pennsylvania 🎶

🎹 Pianist | 🎻 Violinist | 🎤 Vocalist

This conversation marks an exciting milestone for Radio Safa as our first remote interview, expanding beyond the DMV area to connect with artists across the country and around the world 🌍

Amy shares her musical journey, creative process, and insights into what it takes to grow as a versatile artist in today’s music landscape.

🎙️ Want to be featured on Radio Safa?

We’re now opening our platform to artists globally.
 👉 Apply here:
 https://safamusicacademy.com/musician-questionnaire/

🏢 Are you a business looking to collaborate with artists or be featured?

👉 Submit your request here:
 https://safamusicacademy.com/businesses-questionnaire/

📅 Interested in our services, lessons, or podcast opportunities?

👉 Book a free consultation:
 https://calendly.com/safamusicacademy/

If you enjoy meaningful artist conversations, be sure to follow, rate, and share Radio Safa 🎙️

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

In today’s Artist Spotlight, we sit down with Dr. Soumya Kini — Keyboard player, co-founder, and the leader of the Sur2Soul band, whose journey spans continents, disciplines, and passions.

From India to the United States, Soumya pursued a PhD in Public Health before making a bold transition into music. Her story reflects the balance between logic and creativity, structure and expression.

In this conversation, Soumya shares her journey into music, the pivotal decisions that led her away from a traditional career path, and how her passion for performance continues to shape her life today. We also explore her work with Sur2Soul, her artistic influences, and the experiences that have defined her path.

Radio Safa is dedicated to honoring artists and creative voices while exploring the journeys that shape the arts and the industry that supports them.

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa

Send us a message and your feedback

In this episode of Radio Safa, we sit down with C1, an Afrobeat vocalist based in the DMV area, to explore his journey as an emerging artist and the evolution of his sound.

We talk about what it takes to grow in today’s music landscape, how he developed his identity within the Afrobeat genre, and the mindset required to stay consistent and authentic as an artist.

C1 also shares insights into his creative process, influences, and the challenges and opportunities that come with building a music career locally while thinking globally.

🎙 About Radio Safa
Radio Safa is a global platform with over 7,000 listeners, created to honor artists and connect them with real opportunities through storytelling, community, and exposure.

🎯 For artists & businesses (DMV and beyond)
If you are a musician, creative, or a business looking to collaborate with artists:
👉 https://safamusicacademy.com/partnership-platform/

Support the show

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Radio Safa. We hope you found the conversations inspiring and enjoyable.

If you would like to support Radio Safa, you can do so here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135567/supporters/new

🎥 Full video versions of all Radio Safa interviews are available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to visit, subscribe, and stay connected for upcoming interviews, live performances, and artist stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@radio_safa

If you are an artist, musician, producer, creative collaborator, dancer, or a business that works with artists, and you live in the Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland (DMV) area, we invite you to visit our website at:

LOCAL MUSIC PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM - Safa Music

and submit your inquiry through the Musician Partnership section for evaluation and potential in-person interviews.

If you live outside the DMV area and would like to be considered for online recording instead of in-person, please mention that in your submission form.

If you have feedback or ideas for future episodes, feel free to reach out to us at:
[email protected]

You can also visit our Instagram @Radio_safa