crescendo: building the future of the arts

Living the Vision (w/Ryan Taylor)

In the final episode of season one, Rick and Jared reflect on their experiences and conversations from the first eleven episodes. In addition to identifying common themes, surprising topics, and validating conversations, they run through some topics they are interested in covering in a future season! Later, they are joined by Ryan Taylor, MN Opera’s President and General Director, who talks about his dynamic career before MN Opera, his vision for the organization, and his reflections on crescendo’s first season! Guest: Ryan Taylor Hosts: Rick X. Hoops, Jared Mikach Producer: Rocky Jones -- New episodes of crescendo: building the future of the arts drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. For more information, please visit mnopera.org/crescendo [https://mnopera.org/crescendo].

Answering Young Artists' Questions

On this episode, Rick and Jared sit down to answer some of the outstanding questions posed by Minnesota Opera’s Youth Opera alumni. From career building questions to vocal health-related concerns, this lightning round Q&A covers a variety of topics that are important to young artists.  Hosts: Rick X. Hoops, Jared Mikach Producer: Rocky Jones -- New episodes of crescendo: building the future of the arts drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. For more information, please visit mnopera.org/crescendo [https://mnopera.org/crescendo].

Work-Life Balance in Production Spaces (w/Joseph Li & Karen Quisenberry)

In this episode of crescendo: building the future of the arts, Rick and Jared talk about finding work-life balance in artistic spaces. They speak to the importance of sleep, nutrition, advocating for yourself, setting and upholding boundaries, and other often ignored topics that are key to maintaining a sustainable career and healthy life. They will also talk with MN Opera VP, Production Karen Quisenberry, and VP, Artistic Joseph Li about how they foster team cultures that prioritize work-life balance and how they care for themselves when their calendars get full. Hosts: Rick X. Hoops, Jared Mikach Guest: Joseph Li, Karen Quisenberry Producer: Rocky Jones -- New episodes of crescendo: building the future of the arts drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. For more information, please visit mnopera.org/crescendo [https://mnopera.org/crescendo].

The Business Side of a Career in the Arts (w/Siena Forest)

On this episode of crescendo: building the future of the arts, Rick and Jared take it to the business side of things. From stipend amounts and price setting, to income tracking, to networking and building a business, they get into the nitty-gritty subjects we wish we had learned sooner. They also talk to local soprano and Development Officer at Minnesota Opera, Siena Forest. She is an accomplished producer, fundraiser, consultant, founder and former Resident Artist with MN opera. Siena shares her perspectives on resume building, finding jobs, and financial security as an artist. Hosts: Rick X. Hoops, Jared Mikach Guest: Siena Forest Producer: Rocky Jones -- New episodes of crescendo: building the future of the arts drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. For more information, please visit mnopera.org/crescendo [https://mnopera.org/impact/crescendo-pod/].

Finding Balance as an Artist-Educator (w/Sara Sawyer)

On this episode of crescendo: building the future of the arts, Rick and Jared discuss how to find balance as an artist who is also a teacher. They will talk about their journeys into arts education, address common misconceptions, and break down the changes they’ve  noticed in our teaching styles over time. Later in the episode, they will chat with fellow Youth Programs Music Director Sara Sawyer, who has been part of guiding Minnesota Opera’s education initiatives through many iterations. She will share her experience as an arts-educator and how she has learned to balance her performing with her teaching and administrative duties. Hosts: Rick X. Hoops, Jared Mikach Guest: Sara Sawyer Producer: Rocky Jones -- New episodes of crescendo: building the future of the arts drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. For more information, please visit mnopera.org/crescendo [https://mnopera.org/impact/crescendo-pod/].