In this episode, Laura talks with singer, arts administrator, and former nurse Nicolette Rader about life transitions and how music can be both the impetus behind and comfort during life and career transitions. They discuss handling those transitions with grace and trust, how mental health and performance go hand-in-hand, and perspective on the work that you do and how it defines you. You also may get a new life hack on how to up your grilled cheese sandwich game. 

Notes

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Laura talks with world-renowned German song scholar Dr. Susan Youens about what led her to her research, the power of art song to make us pay attention, life's journeys, overcoming academic barriers, and of course Schubert and Wolf. This is a lecture in an episode, grab a notebook; you'll want to take notes. 

Notes

Book: Clara Schumann Studies

Dr. Youens' Bio

Song: Schubert Bertha's Lied in der Nacht

Song: Schubert Der Winterabend

Song: Wolf Im frühling from Mörike-Lieder

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In this episode, Laura chats with soprano Dr. Shannon Cochran about the joys of singing during the pandemic, the importance of setting boundaries and self-care, and what tools we have available to replenish ourselves as artists. Keep this one in your back pocket when you need a little pick-me-up. 

Notes

Shannon Cochran, soprano

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Laura talks with Reggie Smith, singer and life-advice giver extraordinaire. Covering everything from recital programming, song's profound ability to change our thoughts and the thoughts of those around us, and the rewards and challenges of living on the road, like Reggie says, there's "something for everyone". 

Notes

Reginald Smith, Jr.

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Laura talks with Matt Cahill about the importance of healing through music and that our artistic journeys should give both those making the art and those consuming the art new life and perspective. This is a good one if you're in need of some artistic TLC. 

Notes

Hogfish

ATSinging

Book: Coddling of the American Mind

Book: Pedagogy of the Oppressed

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Laura talks with Martha Guth and Erika Switzer of Sparks and Wiry Cries about the importance of song as a medium to connect people especially during a time when connection feels less available, leadership in the arts, and the ability to stay flexible in times of uncertainty. In addition to some sound advice about toe safety.

Notes

Sparks and Wiry Cries

Martha Guth

Erika Switzer

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In this episode, Laura and Sam recap the first season of Song Cycle and the fifth season of Cincinnati Song Initiative. While goofy and sometimes incoherent, Laura and Sam manage to discuss the important things: the successes and opportunities presented by the pandemic, the importance of story, and some favorite moments from the pod and the groundbreaking all-digital season. That's a wrap for season one, everybody. Thanks for listening and Song Cycle will be back for a second season, starting in September! 

Notes

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In this episode Laura talks with Will Liverman. Will is a baritone, a composer, and an arts advocate. This conversation solidifies the importance of storytelling, accepting that you have your own voice to tell your own stories, and recognizing that to bring about social change both in the music world and whole world at large requires deliberate action and intention. Will is engaging with the rich history of classical vocal music while blazing new trails for the future of our art form by connecting with and performing the music of underrepresented communities and their stories.

Notes

Will Liverman

Creating The Factotum

Dreams of a New Day

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In this episode, Laura talks with Kathy Kelly, a pianist, coach, conductor, writer, mentor, and arts leader. And, if that wasn't enough, Kathy is a fierce advocate for gender and racial equity in the musical world by fostering and creating music that will perpetuate and transform our musical world one collaboration at a time.

Notes

Kathleen Kelly

Kathleen Kelly - Instagram

Kathleen Kelly - Twitter

GDQ Arts

Melissa Dunphy - Video

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In this episode, Laura talks with bass-baritone Davóne Tines. Davóne is a multi-talented, many-faceted storyteller, communicator, arts leader and singer. In addition to preparing for his time singing in the Cincinnati May Festival, Davóne is innovating the performance realm of vocal music and changing lives along the way. Maybe have a tissue ready while listening to this episode: powerful stories await. 

Davóne Tines

Cincinnati May Festival

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