The Conductor's Podcast

Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on May 6, 2024. The session was moderated by my colleague Dr. Janet Kim, and our panelists were:

Arianne Abela, Director of the Choral Program, Amherst College

Maria A. Ellis, the Girl Conductor

Amanda Hanzlik, Director of Choirs, E.O. Smith High School; President - Elect, ACDA Eastern Region

Liana Salinas, Artistic Director, Miami Children's Chorus

If you missed my interview with Maria A. Ellis in Season 1 Episode 2 where I interviewed someone for the very first time - she is so inspiring!! Check it out: https://theconductorspodcast.com/podcast/2/

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Very happy to welcome Anna Sułkowska-Migoń, the winner of the 2022 La Maestra Competition in Paris, where I was a quarter-finalist. Anna and I talked about her experience after the competition, her growth and challenges, and what she has learned in her journey. 

This interview was recorded in May 2024 when Anna was expecting her daughter and we wish her and her family a wonderful start of this new chapter.

Learn more about Anna: https://annasulkowskamigon.com/

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Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on May 3, 2024. The panelists of the sessions were:

Juhi Bensal, composer, conductor, and educator

Joanna Drimatis, Music Director and Chief Conductor, Beecroft Orchestra

Katie LaBrie, composer, conductor, and educator

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Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on April 28, 2024. The panelists of the sessions were:

Marta Gardolinska, Music Director, Opera national de Lorraine

Stephanie Rhodes Russell, Founder, Women’s Artistic Leadership Initiative; Guest Conductor, Wolf Trap Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Washington National Opera

Michelle Rofrano, Artistic Director, PROTESTRA; Guest Conductor, Madison Opera, City Lyric Opera, Curtis Institute of Music

If you missed my interview with Michelle Rofrano in Season 1 Episode 3 where we discussed programming for social causes, make sure to revisit it: https://theconductorspodcast.com/podcast/3/

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I've always thought that I wasn't a good competition type of conductor, until I realized that I actually convinced myself that I wasn't good in a certain area so I didn't need to continue improving myself.

From 2022, I entered La Maestra Competition in Paris, won the 3rd Prize at Kussewitzky Competition 2023 and 2nd Prize at the Mendelssohn Competition 2024. In this season's episodes, I will be sharing more what I've learned in my journey.

But before that, my thoughts on conducting competitions - they are just one of the many events that are going to shape and form your conducting journey.
1. Be super clear why you are doing it, and list your learning objectvies
2. Focus on things we can control
3. Know what you need to be successful

PS. My interview with Lina Gonzalez Granados on organizing your score, time, and journey in Season 1 Episode 38:
https://theconductorspodcast.com/podcast/organize-your-score-time-and-journey-with-lina-gonzalez-granados/

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I finally had the pleasure to meet and speak with Dr. Andrea Brown, Associate Director of Bands at the University of Maryland. Previously served as director of orchestra and assistant director of bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and assistant director of bands at the University of Michigan, we spoke about her experience as a conductor and the founder of “Women Rising to the Podium.”

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Live recording from an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Panel Discussion on April 3, 2024. The panelists of the sessions were:

𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹, 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence & former Assistant Conductor, Memphis Symphony

𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗶 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗼, Dudamel Fellow, LA Philharmonic; Associate Conductor, North Carolina Symphony

𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮, Assistant Conductor & Diversity Fellow, Buffalo Philharmonic

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗫𝗶𝗮, Associate Conductor, Seattle Symphony

If you missed my interview with Kalena Bovell in Season 1 Episode 14 where we discussed time management skills, make sure to revisit it: https://theconductorspodcast.com/podcast/14/

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My first in person interview for the podcast with conductor Chloé Dufresne, recorded on February 23, 2024 when she visited Atlanta through the Villa Albertine artist residence program with the French Consulate in Atlanta. 

We talked about her conducting training, experiences with American and European orchestras, and current and upcoming projects.

Learn more about Chloé: https://www.chloedufresne.com/

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Based on my experiences teaching conducting workshops and participating in competitions, the three biggest mistakes are:

1. Worrying so much about the ensemble problems when you are the one causing the problems.

2. Only concerned about your conducting, your vision of the music and fail to connect with musicians. 

3. Thinking that it’s only about conducting - how about your leadership styles, interpersonal skills, and the way you present yourself?

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Welcome back to season 3 of The Conductor’s Podcast. In this season I will be sharing things I’ve learned this past year, my experiences participating in competitions, interviews with some new and old friends, and live recordings of several Girls Who Conduct webinars!

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