Sing, Coach, Conduct

This episode is for anyone—parent, educator, counselor, or community member—that works directly with children. As a society, we have a collective responsibility to protect children from harm. This relies heavily on our ability to recognize and respond to harmful behaviors toward children. Clinical social worker and author, Anna Sonoda, spent years counseling convicted sex offenders. In her book, “Duck Duck Groom: How a Child Becomes a Target,” Anna reveals the observable patterns that connect all child predators, and she lays out a clear path for interrupting the grooming process before it escalates to abuse.

Russian-American composer Jane Kozhevnikova shares how she transitioned from jazz pianist and composer to choral composer, and why directors should take more chances on newer works.

Bass-Baritone Jace McCloy, former teacher at School of Rock Chicago, explores the vocal benefits of cabaret, crooning, and pop music.

Michigan State University Assistant Professor of Music Education and elected member of the State Board of Education provides insight on what teachers, students, and communities are facing at the state and federal level.

Stacy Daniels has a wide range of experience in the field of music education. In this episode, he shares some of the wisdom he's gained, and what he aims to provide every student so that they're equipped not only as musicians but as functioning members of society.

Megan's former high school student, Maggie Reed, seeks advice as she navigates her first year as a professional music educator.

Brittany Chanell Johnson, the first black woman to conduct the American Pops Orchestra, is on a mission to help her students discover their personal vocal fingerprint. She believes that our individual uniqueness allows us to work best in community with one another. Also, that students can (and should) enjoy an education free of trauma.

Mike Ferry is a middle school history teacher by day, and a performer and fiddle teacher by night. He founded "The Mindful Fiddlers Club" to help adults overcome personal obstacles and enjoy music through group fiddle lessons.

After spending time in New York City as a professional musical theater actor, Laura Brigham has been dedicating her life to directing and creating art that amplifies the voices of others in her local Michigan community and beyond. Every year, she hosts an "Art Speaks" event where playwrights from anywhere in the world submit to have their work performed live for the first time.

In this episode, host Megan Farison talks to GRAMMY award winning conductor Jerry Blackstone, who spent thirty years of his teaching career at the University of Michigan.