In this episode I'm joined by Destiny Cooper to discuss topics ranging from social justice awareness within choral communities, her experience as a middle school choral conductor, and how to lead in caring & authentic ways. 

Destiny Cooper is an active musician and music educator who teaches from the joy of working with students as they work to embrace their best selves and whose goal is to find ways to strengthen voiceless communities through music, expression and leadership. Destiny attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, where she earned a Bachelor of Music (BM) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Music Education As a musical leader.
Destiny collaborates with local musicians to cross-connect choral music with the diverse worlds of audience members with concerts, podcasts and roundtable discussions. She is currently a Middle School Choral Director in the Greater Boston Area and serves on the board of Massachusetts ACDA.

Conversation with Dr. Seth Taft continues in this episode, centering on the answers to common career stressors within the lives of music educators. 

Dr. Seth A. Taft is Assistant Professor of Music Education, Director of Instrumental Music, and Music Program Coordinator at Limestone University in Gaffney, SC. As a music educator, he has taught high school band and choir in Virginia, taught music education courses at the University of Colorado Boulder, and currently teaches Music Education coursework and saxophone lessons and conducts the Wind Ensemble at Limestone. As an educational researcher and author, Dr, Taft has given research presentations and has articles published in prominent music education journals, especially on the occupational psychology of music teaching. 

Today I'm joined by Dr. Seth Taft.  Dr. Seth A. Taft is Assistant Professor of Music Education, Director of Instrumental Music, and Music Program Coordinator at Limestone University in Gaffney, SC. As a music educator, he has taught high school band and choir in Virginia, taught music education courses at the University of Colorado Boulder, and currently teaches Music Education coursework and saxophone lessons and conducts the Wind Ensemble at Limestone. As an educational researcher and author, Dr, Taft has given research presentations and has articles published in prominent music education journals, especially on the occupational psychology of music teaching. 

In the first part of this two-part episode, we discuss Dr. Taft's research centering on career stressors within the music educator job role. 

In this episode, Dr. Yi-Yang Chen and I discuss his musical journey, the discovery of his own musical expression, and reaching musical goals.

Dr. Yi-Yang Chen shot onto the international stage with back-to-back victories in the 2018 Sussex International Piano Competition, 2017 Washington International Competition, and the Waring International Piano Competition.  Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Chen has been playing the piano since the age of 8. Yi-Yang completed his Doctor of Musical Arts And Bachelor’s of Music at the Eastman School of Music with Douglas Humpherys, and his Master’s degree at The Juilliard School with Robert McDonald and Jerome Lowenthal.

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Michael Fleischmann, as we discuss his research centered on emphasizing creativity within the music classroom. 
Dr. Michael P.  Fleischmann is a conductor, performer, husband, and father of two. Michael graduated with a degree in Music Education from the University of Southern California Flora L. Thornton school of music. He earned a Master of Music degree in wind conducting from California State University, Fullerton. Dr. Fleischmann continued his education at Teachers College, Columbia University where he earned a Doctor of Education degree in College Teaching.
Dr. Fleischmann  has enjoyed giving back to the community of music education as a clinician at local schools, or for conference presentations. His publication and research interests include French horn pedagogy and the applications of creativity in large ensemble band settings (specifically composition, improvisation, and arranging).

I'm joined by Anamarie Diaz to discuss topics centering on tips for combating imposter syndrome and developing her studio, DiazFlute Studio. 
Anamarie Diaz is a flutist, performer, educator, and entrepreneur in Richmond, Virginia. She is the owner of DiazFlute Studio where she teaches privately and believes in personal growth through music education. Anamarie is a strong advocate for contemporary music especially contemporary music written by underrepresented composers. As an entrepreneur, Anamarie works with with a team of 2 other flutists, known as KE Creative, to help prepare, educate, and equip classical musicians with the necessary skills to be successful in the music industry. Anamarie hopes to continue to bring music education to disadvantaged communities in Richmond.

In this episode, Christina Sienkiewicz joins the show to discuss how educators can promote equity within their programs and create opportunities that are reflective of their students and community. 
Christina Sienkiewicz, a National Board Certified Teacher, is the new Orchestra Director at Thomas Dale High School in Chester, VA.  She has experience teaching all levels from Elementary Strings, to college courses at UNC Charlotte, and most recently at Maggie L Walker Governor’s School.  Christina has a passion for inclusion in music education, believing all students should have equal access to quality string education opportunities.

In this episode I talk with Timothy Gillham. Mr. Timothy Gillham is beginning his fourth season as Artistic Director of New Wave Singers of Baltimore, Maryland’s oldest continually performing LGBTQ+ ensemble. He received degrees in Music Education and Speech Pathology/Audiology from The University of Central Arkansas, and attended Old Dominion University and Virginia Polytechnic University for post-graduate studies in Conducting.
We discuss a span of topics ranging from vocal health, working with aging voices, and the importance of choral communities.