Careers in Crescendo: Lessons for Musicians

S6E18 - A Cappella Beyond the Stage with Reggie Bowens '25E (DMA)

In this episode, Jeff chats with Reggie Bowens, a musician, arranger, and educator who is an Assistant Professor of Music in Vocal Jazz Studies at Howard University. Reggie discusses his journey through training and projects that led him to a career in higher education: early musical experiences, formative experiences on NBC's "The Sing-Off", and teaching at community colleges prior to his doctoral degree at Eastman. Reggie also speaks about A Cappella Camp, a program he founded and continues to run, and discusses the challenges of entrepreneurial endeavors as well as the potential for creating impactful experiences for the students his team serves.

S6E17: Creating Artist-Driven Impact with members of the Zohn Collective

In this episode, Jeff chats with members of the Zohn Collective: an artist-driven ensemble dedicated to the performance of contemporary art music. Flutist Molly Barth and cellist Colin Stokes '10E discuss their unique journeys touring and creating community opportunities, and pianist and composer Dr. Daniel Pesca returns to the podcast to discuss the formation of the Zohn Collective and the ensemble's approach. The group shares thoughts on creating mission-centered ensembles, planning opportunities in advance, and changes in career journeys.

S6E16 - Coming Together for Community with the Walker West Music Academy

In this episode, Jeff chats with Earl Ross, a teaching artist at the Walker West Music Academy. The Walker West Music Academy creates a music learning community rooted in the African American cultural experience, where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to explore, perform, and grow through music.. Earl is the founder and artistic director of the Kamionge Strings, whose project "Stringocracy!" was the recipient of a Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation and Research grant. Earl is joined by Mukuhi, a student in the program, and together they discuss the history of the Academy, the impact in the community, and how dialogue and collaboration affect both the musical and extramusical experience.

S6E15 - Collaboration, Creation, and Contemporary Percussion with Pax Duo

In this episode, Jeff chats with Tristan Swihart '21E and Micah Detweiler about pax duo: a dynamic new percussion project that aims to break preconceptions of contemporary percussion through collaboration and new creation of genre bending works. Tristan and Micah discuss their personal journeys and the inspiration for this ensemble, along with their other professional ventures and projects. The guests offer their insights and recommendations for those interested in professional chamber music, building a network in a new location, and starting ventures post-graduation.

S6E14: Founding a Festival with Scott Lykins '09E, '11E (MM) and John Taylor Ward '10E

In this episode, Jeff chats with Scott Lykins and John Taylor Ward about their journey in creating the Lakes Area Music Festival. Scott and Taylor are co-founders of the festival, which began as small performances between semesters at Eastman, and has now grown into a summer of performances in central Minnesota featuring over 250 artists. Scott and John discuss the evolution of the festival, the ways it's impact their journey, and share advice for those with similar interests and goals.