For the entire transcript of the interview, please click here.

Sherri Chung is a composer for film and television and currently composes the scores for Riverdale (CW) and Blindspot (NBC). Her most recent show, The Red Line, produced by Greg Berlanti and Ava DuVernay, is a limited series that premiered on CBS and currently airs on CBS All Access. Not only a composer, Sherri is also a pianist, vocalist, and songwriter. She has recorded and produced 2 original albums and performs with her band in Los Angeles. She is also the first female governor of the music branch of the Television Academy2. 

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, we delve into the captivating journey of composer Sherri Chung, as she shares her evolution from traditional composition methods to embracing technology, and how this transformation shaped her role as a composer for film and television.

Sherri emphasized the importance of realistic self-assessment, strategic growth, and a proactive approach to professional development. 

Things We Discussed

Exceeding Expectations:

Going above and beyond your designated responsibilities can lead to enhanced learning experiences and professional growth.

Demonstrating your willingness to contribute beyond what's explicitly required showcases your dedication and reliability.

Strategic Growth:

Focus on developing your skills and expertise where you currently are.

While pushing boundaries is important, it's crucial to do so in a way that aligns with your current abilities and level of experience.

Punching Above Your Weight:

While staying within your capabilities, don't shy away from pursuing challenges that are slightly above your comfort zone.

Connect with Sherri Chung

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

Spotify

Soundcloud

IMDB

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click here.

Our special guest for today is Joy Ngiaw. She is an award-winning Malaysian composer for film and TV. Graduating summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music, Joy possesses a deep affinity for narratives that evoke nostalgia and forge meaningful connections. 

Joy's music can be heard in Apple TV+ and SkyDance's debut animation Blush, Walt Disney Animation Studio's Short Circuit: Jing Hua, and Netflix's Rescued By Ruby. Most recently, Joy scored the music for the Netflix show Glamorous. 

Her talent has been recognized with a nomination for the highly regarded Emerging Talent award by the Society of Composers and Lyricists, establishing her as a distinguished voice among the new generation of film composers.

What You’ll Learn

In today’s episode, Joy shares the experiences that have shaped her career. We explore her creative process, her inspirations, and the challenges she has faced in the industry.

Join us as we explore the significance of embracing emotions, breaking free from cultural expectations, and its impact on Joy's journey as a composer. Discover how embracing her emotions has become a driving force behind her creative expression and a catalyst for building meaningful connections with others.

Things We Discussed

Here are the key learnings from Joy Ngiaw's journey as a composer:

1. Embrace emotions and sensitivity:

Joy encourages others, including her younger self, to embrace being emotional and sensitive. It is not a weakness but a powerful tool for connection and expression.

2. Nostalgia as a creative force:

Joy's music is deeply rooted in nostalgia, evoking a complex range of emotions.

3. Networking and collaboration:

Joy pursued her own projects while working as an assistant composer by attending events, film festivals, and concerts. This proactive approach allowed her to meet like-minded individuals and led to serendipitous collaborations. Organic collaborations, aligned creative visions, and working with people can create magical results.

4. Balancing personal aspirations:

Despite her assisting role, Joy made sure to allocate time for her own compositions and creative pursuits. She recognized the importance of nurturing her own artistic voice and creating opportunities for herself.

5. Curiosity and storytelling:

Joy's love for working with people stems from her genuine curiosity about their stories. Engaging with others adds depth and perspective to her work and fuels her creativity.

Connect with Joy Ngiaw

Website

Facebook

Instagram

IMDb

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click here.

Joining us for the second time is Bree Noble. She is a talented singer/songwriter, speaker, and music business coach who is passionate about sharing her story and helping others. She coached thousands of artists and helped them become successful. Bree has become a pioneer for women’s voices in Podcasting. She has her own podcast called Profitable Musician. Bree has recently launched an innovative tool called Release Concierge, which provides invaluable guidance and support throughout the music release process. She even shares a FREE Release Checklist for musicians struggling to keep track of their new releases.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, we explore the common regrets artists face when it comes to music releases and the importance of avoiding them. Bree Noble highlights the need for artists to take their time, plan meticulously, and approach their releases strategically. By doing so, artists can ensure that they reach their desired audience and feel satisfied with their accomplishments.

We discuss the significance of planning and support in ensuring successful music releases. Bree Noble shares tips on effective release planning, including setting realistic goals, creating a timeline, and engaging with fans throughout the process. She emphasizes the importance of having a support system, whether it's through Release Concierge or a network of peers and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.

Things We Discussed

Release Concierge provides a range of benefits to musicians looking to make the most of their music releases. It offers a structured and comprehensive approach, helping artists avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions at every stage of the release process. By leveraging Bree Noble's extensive experience and industry insights, artists gain a competitive edge and increase their chances of reaching a wider audience.

With Release Concierge, artists can save valuable time and resources by having a trusted expert guide them through the intricate details of release planning, promotion, and distribution. Whether it's selecting the right release date, creating compelling promotional materials, or optimizing their online presence, musicians can rely on Release Concierge to provide personalized recommendations tailored to their unique music and goals.

Connect with Bree Noble

Release Concierge Website

Profitable Musician Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Youtube

Spotify

TikTok

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click here.

Tom Third has scored over 250 hours of film and television, and has been nominated for the Canadian Screen Award seven times, winning in both 2010 and 2014. He was also the winner of the 2004 Volkswagen Score Competition sponsored by the Berlin Film Festival and juried by Walter Murch. After graduating from The Ontario College of Art, with a major in new media and film studies, he went on to sign a recording deal with Nettwerk Productions, and then pursued film scoring after the release of three critically acclaimed electronica CDs. His work can be seen globally in dramatic series and documentaries for Showtime, HBO, FOX, NBC, PBS, CTV, and CBC. Recent projects have included four seasons of CORONER for CBC and CW, CERTAIN PREY, produced by Mark Harmon for USA NETWORK, THE LISTENER, for CTV and FOX, and SHOOT THE MESSENGER for CBC. Tom also regularly collaborates with fine artists on more experimental film and installation works that have been shown at art galleries throughout the world.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, we'll delve into Tom's illustrious career and his artistic journey. Tom shares a powerful insight that resonates deeply with him. He emphasizes the importance of letting your conscience be your guide and behaving ethically, with kindness and generosity. 

For Tom, it's not just about the final product or the accolades. It's about the journey, the shared experiences, and the bonds formed along the way. These meaningful relationships have become the true essence of his career and what he cherishes the most.

Things We Discussed

Tom Third's perspective on the importance of being open to collaboration and receptive to notes and criticism from others in the creative process.

The significance of letting go of preciousness and being more Zen-like in one's approach to work, which Tom believes can accelerate the creative process.

Tom's observations of composers who may possess immense talent but struggle to find consistent work due to being overly attached to their work and needing more coddling.

The impact of creating a space where collaboration can thrive, allows for a smoother and more productive creative process.

Connect with Tom Third

Website

Instagram

Spotify

Soundcloud

IMDB

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click here.

Fabrizio Mancinelli is an Italian-American composer, songwriter, and conductor whose passion for music and fine arts was cultivated within the medieval walls of L’Aquila, Italy, a city of narrow streets surrounded by Baroque and Renaissance churches. His impressive list of clients and collaborators includes The Walt Disney Studios, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. and NBC. He has written the score for notable titles like Disney’s Growing Up with Nine Old Men, Universal’s The Snow Queen 4: Mirrorlands, and the feature thriller Coyote Lake, and has conducted the orchestral recordings for Universal’s Green Book, Hulu’s The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Warner Bros’ Space Jam 2, King Richard and the upcoming musical The Color Purple and Disney’s The Haunted Mansion. Certifying his incredible work, his original score for the musical Beauty received Best Original Score at the 2018 Genova Film Festival.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Fabrizio highlights the significance of building and nurturing long-term relationships in the music industry. He also discusses the perspective on celebrating the success of others and the benefits of being a supportive and kind professional as well as the importance of soulful connections beyond music.

Things We Discussed

Fabrizio Mancinelli's creative process as a composer and songwriter.

His sources of inspiration and how he translates them into his musical compositions.

His unique approaches or techniques he incorporates into his work.

Fabrizio Mancinelli's insights and advice for aspiring musicians and composers.

What success means to Fabrizio.

Connect with Fabrizio Mancinelli

Website

YouTube

YouTube Music

Spotify

Apple Music

Deezer

Facebook

Instagram

SoundCloud

Twitter

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Tara Brueske is a music entrepreneur, performing artist, and voice and piano teacher based in Minneapolis. She has released several albums, such as "How Can I Keep From Singing", "Those Timeless Vintage Melodies" and "Wonder Days". She also mentors indie musicians on how to book gigs and keep their voices healthy. She has performed at venues such as Madison Square Garden Theater in NYC, the Sonshine Festival, and the MN State Fair. 

What You’ll Learn

In this episode of "The Successful Musicians," we have the pleasure of guesting Tara Brueske who believes in the power of authenticity and connection. Tara emphasizes that finding common ground with others, whether it's during the booking process or meeting new people, is essential in establishing meaningful relationships. She shares her insights on how she incorporates her research and personal connections into her approach to booking and cold calling.

Things We Discussed

Tara highlights the importance of authenticity in creating connections with others.

Tara emphasizes the significance of finding a connection point when meeting new people.

Tara highlights the power of live music experiences, stating that they offer a different and more captivating experience compared to recordings.

Tara recognized the profound impact her music had on individuals in the senior living facilities.

Tara Brueske emphasizes the transformative nature of being happy and supportive towards other musicians.

Connect with Tara Brueske

Website

VIP Members Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Spotify

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Our special guest for today is a rapper and producer from Detroit, Michigan. He is known for his songs such as "DTW", "No Cap" and "Money Moves". He has collaborated with artists such as Big Sean, Tee Grizzley, and Sada Baby.

He is the founder and CEO of the company  Dead to the World. They empower artists to take control and create careers for themselves in the music industry through education. They’ve helped dozens of creatives transition into becoming full-time and offer services that assist in doing so. 

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Lil Cross shared value bombs about vanity metrics and how ROI is the top priority.

He will also make us face the reality that the work of soothing and providing value to clients is not music. It is not making music. It is making content. It is communicating and creating products and services that are money grabs but are genuinely beneficial to the clients.

Things We Discussed

A vanity metric refers to a measurement or statistic that may appear impressive or give the illusion of success but doesn't provide meaningful insights or contribute directly to achieving specific goals. Vanity metrics are often surface-level indicators that don't necessarily reflect the true value or impact of a business or endeavor. Instead, they focus on numbers that might make someone look good or popular without necessarily translating into tangible results or profitability. Examples of vanity metrics in the context of music streaming could be the number of followers, likes, or streams without considering the actual revenue generated or the engagement and loyalty of the audience.

Connect with Lil Cross

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Apple Music

SoundCloud

Spotify

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click here.

Jon Cheney is a multifaceted entrepreneur, composer, and adventurer. He is the founder and CEO of **Velocity Access**, an augmented reality platform that helps businesses create immersive experiences for their customers. He is also an angel investor, a student of the metaverse and Web3, and a lover of all things outdoors. He has a passion for whitewater kayaking and has explored rivers around the world.

Jon Cheney started playing piano at the age of three and composing his own music at 15. He has published seven albums of original piano music and sells piano books, sheet music, and CDs on his official website. He dreams of composing a soundtrack for a motion picture someday.

Jon Cheney graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Chinese and business. He speaks fluent Spanish and Chinese, having lived in Paraguay and Taiwan for several years. He has worked in the education tech sector before launching his own startups.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, let us discover how Jon Cheney’s experiences in business influenced his approach to music, and vice versa, as we unravel the interconnectedness of his creative and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Let us also uncover why Jon Cheney writes music.

Things We Discussed

BYU stands for Brigham Young University. It is a private research university located in Provo, Utah, United States. The university is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which plays a significant role in the university's culture and values.

BYU is recognized for its high standards of education and is often ranked among the top universities in the United States. It also has a vibrant campus community with numerous extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations.

Connect with Jon Cheney

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click here.

Our special guest for today’s episode is Eli Lev. Eli is a full-time grassroots folk-pop musician from Maryland. He’s raised tens of thousands of dollars through crowdfunding and has built a truly authentic and powerful connection to his tribe.

Eli is a singer-songwriter known for his heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and captivating live performances. With a unique blend of folk, rock, and world influences, Eli's music resonates with audiences worldwide, touching on themes of love, resilience, and the human experience.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, we sit down with singer-songwriter Eli Lev to discuss his music career and the innovative ways he engages and empowers his fans. Join us as we explore Eli's unique sound, the inspiration behind his latest album, and how he utilizes the power of Street Team software to cultivate a dedicated fanbase.

Things We Discussed

Notion - a versatile all-in-one productivity and collaboration software that allows individuals and teams to create, organize, and share various types of content and information in a single workspace. It combines the features of note-taking apps, project management tools, databases, wikis, and more into one cohesive platform. Notion provides a flexible and customizable environment where users can tailor their workspace to fit their specific needs.

Street Team - a software platform that enables artists, performers, and event organizers to mobilize and empower their fans, creating a dedicated community of supporters who actively promote their work. It serves as a tool for fan engagement and amplification of promotional efforts.

Fans of Eli Lev are called Levitators.

Connect with Eli Lev

Website

YouTube

YouTube Music

Apple Music

Deezer

Spotify

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please click here.

Our special guest for today is Tony Parlapiano. He is a piano instructor who specializes in teaching popular styles of music through interest-led learning. He is the creator of popMATICS, a course that teaches students how to play popular songs by breaking them down into smaller parts and teaching them how to play each part. Tony Parlapiano has also been featured on YouTube where he talks about approaches to chords and teaching pop music. He was also named Fons Provider of the Month for his innovative approach to teaching music.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Tony talks about music sheets and whether we still need it today. Tony teaches his new method of teaching piano. He firmly believes that learning should be fun and not stuck yourself with sheet music. It involves developing a range of skills that encompass both technical proficiency and musical expression.

He also shared his quest for balance and fulfillment and his idea of success.

Things We Discussed

Campfire-inspired recording - Campfire is the way Tony introduces creativity and improvisation. They have a campfire challenge that he puts his students through. The whole idea is that they produce daily recordings. They make the instrument part of the rhythm of their life. It's not something that they just go to occasionally. It's like they make the time, they carve the time out to do it. When they do that daily, they immediately see the benefits.

Connect with Tony Parlapiano

Website

Facebook

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music