Podcast Episodes

PT97: “Take us on a Journey,” Sarah Ioannides on Cascade Conducting, Effective Collaborations, and the Power of Nature to Enhance an Experience

Sarah Ioannides on Cascade Conducting, Effective Collaborations, and the Power of Nature to Enhance an Experience Continue reading →

End-of-Year Special 2020, with Jeremy and Luke

Jeremy and Luke recap 2020 for the podcast and share what’s coming in 2021 Continue reading →

PT96: “The Art of Becoming a Conductor:” Miguel Harth-Bedoya on Fundamental Skills for Conductors, the Lost Art of Ear Training, and the Attitudes Critical to Success

PT94: “It’s Never About You,” David Leibowitz on Diverse Repertoire, Balanced Programs, and Serving at Every Level

Today we talk with David Leibowitz, Music Director and Founder of the New York Repertory Orchestra, about how he’s programmed 20 seasons with NYRO without repeating any pieces, how he defines and builds balanced programs, and why young conductors flourish once they can let get out of their own inward focus.

PT93: “Creating an Experience with Innovative Concert Design,” with John Devlin

Today we talk with John Devlin, Music Director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, host of the Upbeat Podcast, and a founding contributor to EverythingConducting.com, about how to be the least-generic version of yourself, how to design a commissioning project that’s supremely exciting and relevant to your orchestra and audiences, and how innovative concert design can … Continue reading →

PT92: “Fighting for Gender and Racial Balance in Classical Music,” with Elizabeth de Brito, Host of the Daffodil Perspective

Today we talk with Elizabeth de Brito, host of The Daffodil Perspective, the first gender-balanced, racially equitable, and inclusive classical radio show in the world, celebrating female composers every week. In its two years so far, Elizabeth has discovered and shared mountains of music that, unfortunately, you’ve never heard by women and composers of color … Continue reading →

PT91: “Let’s Talk Off The Podium,” with Tigran Arakelyan

Today we’re very excited to feature a fellow conductor and podcaster, Tigran Arakelyan. Tigran is the host of Let’s Talk Off The Podium, a podcast of interviews with professional musicians of all disciplines, including Classical and Jazz. Today we talk about the variety of guests and musicians that Tigran on his podcast and his new … Continue reading →

PT90: “Learning to Listen and Trusting the Orchestra,” with Gary Lewis

Most of you will know Gary Lewis from his Orchestral Conducting Symposium and as the Director of Orchestras at the University of Colorado Boulder. Or you may remember him from episode 2 of the podcast. But now we’ve got him here for a full episode all about learning to listen and enabling your orchestra to … Continue reading →

PT89: Summary/Review of Markand Thakar’s “Make Beautiful Music,” with Jeremy and Luke

This course is incredible, and I couldn’t wait to share everything that I learned with Luke and the rest of our patrons and listeners. Today, I’m walking Luke, and you, through everything that I got from Markand Thakar’s “Make Beautiful Music” online course. Be sure to check it out, then sign up before the final … Continue reading →

PT88: “Creating the Best Curriculum for your Beginner Students,” with Phil Aguglia

Today we’re excited to share this episode with Phil Aguglia all about his fascinating curriculum for his students starting their instruments in high school and how he developed it to lead young musicians towards growth and success, whether they continue to study music or not. Phil sought to both learn how great teachers teach and … Continue reading →

PT87: “Developing a Vision and Achieving Growth for your Orchestra,” with Janna Hymes

Today we talk with Janna Hymes, Music Director of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. In this interview we discuss Janna’s new position in Carmel, how she sets goals in the artistic, marketing, development, and education areas to grow her orchestras, and how she communicates that vision to her board and administration. We also discuss the importance of programming … Continue reading →

PT86: “Efficient Score Study, Methods for Memorization, and more,” with Kaleb Benda

Today we talk with Kaleb Benda, Artistic Director & Conductor of the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony, Assistant Conductor of the Enid Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the USAO Concert Band, and the #1 fan of Podium Time. We dig into how Kaleb handles lots of repertoire and how to study efficiently, the importance of creating your own opportunities, and how and … Continue reading →

PT85: “How to be Confident, Effective, and Humble on the Podium,” with Jeffery Meyer

Today we talk with Jeffery Meyer, Director of Orchestras at Arizona State University and Artistic Director of the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic. We jump right in at the beginning of the interview by talking about the biggest issues that arise in young conductors and how we can have better ears for the orchestra’s sound. We … Continue reading →

PT84: “Music is not a Competitive Sport,” with Rain Worthington

Podium Time photo for pt84 with Rain Worthington on being a self-taught composer, how rigid analytical approaches and block creativity, and why music is not a competition Continue reading →

PT83: How Podcasts, Film Music, and Steve Reich can help Attract Audiences, with George Jackson

Podium Time image for PT83: How Podcasts, Film Music, and Steve Reich can help Attract Audiences, with George Jackson Continue reading →

PT82: Seeking Quality over Quantity in your Time on the Podium, with George Jackson

Podium Time image for PT82: Seeking Quality over Quantity in your Time on the Podium, with George Jackson Continue reading →

PT81: On Guest Conducting, Trust, and Working with a Manager, with George Jackson

Podium Time image announcement for PT81: On Guest Conducting, Trust, and Working with a Manager, with George Jackson Continue reading →

PT80: “How to Learn Scores Quickly,” with Julius P. Williams

Today we chat with to chat with Julius P. Williams, President of the International Conductors Guild and professor of conducting and composition at Berlkee College of Music. We’re also experimenting with releasing some shorter, more focused podcast episodes so today is Part 2 of 2. In our first release with Julius we talked about conducting … Continue reading →

PT79: “Conducting and Composing for the Ensemble you Have,” with Julius P. Williams

Today we chat with to chat with Julius P. Williams, President of the International Conductors Guild and professor of conducting and composition at Berlkee College of Music. We’re also experimenting with releasing some shorter, more focused podcast episodes so today is Part 1 of two. This first episode from our talk with Julius is all … Continue reading →

PT78: “How to be Relevant and Embrace your Community,” with Aram Demirjian

Today we speak with Aram Demirjian, Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony, about how he transitioned from an Assistant Conductor to a Music Director, how to determine what “relevant” means to your community, and why conductors are like politicians in our responsibilities, relationships, and the influence we wield.

PT77: “How to Redefine the Orchestra for Maximum Impact,” with Teddy Abrams

Today we talk with Teddy Abrams, music director of the Louisville Orchestra and the Britt Festival, about redefining the orchestra for maximum impact. We talk about the future of classical music after COVID-19 and why orchestras were hit particularly hard, everything wrong with how classical music approaches education and how we can change to actually … Continue reading →

PT76: “The Joy of Composing: When Music Serves its Purpose,” with Gary Kuo

Today we’re starting a new program in which we interview select composers about their music and how they relate to orchestras, conductors, and audiences. We start off with Gary Kuo, an Emmy Award Winning composer of music for television and the concert hall. Gary played as a session musician for hundreds of recording projects before … Continue reading →

PT75: “How to Boost Rehearsals with Effective Conducting Gesture,” with Gianmaria Griglio

Hello, and welcome to Podium Time. Today we’re welcoming a returning guest on the show, Maestro Gianmaria Griglio, who first appeared on the podcast all the way back on episode 18, “If You Miss a Cue.” Today’s discussion is all about technique and rehearsals, and why just knowing the score is not enough to effectively … Continue reading →

PT74: “Think Before you Feel: How to Conduct Professional Orchestras,” with Roderick Cox

Hello and welcome to Podium Time! Today we’re talking with Roderick Cox about how you should Think Before you Feel when you start conducting professional orchestras, or really any ensemble at any level. In his words: develop your intellectual interpretation before you develop your emotional interpretation. We tend to feel the music first or follow … Continue reading →

PT73: “How to Practice without an Orchestra and Learn from Historic Recordings,” with David Hattner

Today David Hattner walks us through the spectacular world of Historic recordings by some of the greatest conductors of the past and what we can learn by studying their interpretations. We dig into some of the most important recordings of Brahms’ 4th symphony, how and why some conductors were different in rehearsal, live performance, and … Continue reading →

PT71: “The Best Tool for the Job,” with Phil Aguglia of PaGu Batons

Today we talk with Phil Aguglia of PaGu Batons about he learned about the baton preferences of hundreds of conductors, how he started making custom batons for JoAnn Falletta of the Buffalo Philharmonic, his custom Baton for the 2020 Oscars celebration, and how differences in material and proportions affect just about every aspect of our … Continue reading →

PT70: “Be a Place where Everybody Asks Questions,” with Christopher Rountree

If you’re a conductor in quarantine and willing to question the meaning of music and your place in the world, then this is the interview for you! We talk with conductor Christopher Rountree about how and why he realized he wasn’t interested in the standard career path for orchestral conductors, why classical music education is … Continue reading →

PT69: “Communication is Key,” with JoAnn Falletta

Today we talk with JoAnn Falletta about what can set your conducting apart in an audition, how a conductor effectively communicates with an orchestra, and why we need live music now more than ever.

PT68: “Analyze, Observe, and Experience Movement though Laban Analysis,” with Charles Gambetta

Today we talk with Charles Gambetta about how you can raise your awareness of your body as a conscious mover, what conductors actually control on the podium, and how to revolutionize your conducting with Laban movement analysis. Today you will learn: A comprehensive system for analyzing, observing, and experiencing movement. How you can raise awareness … Continue reading →

PT67: “Build the House before you Hang the Curtains,” with Kenneth Kiesler

Today we talk with Kenneth Kiesler about rehearsal technique and priorities, the things that he looks for in an audition candidate, and his workshop on the new critical edition of Appalchian Spring. Today you will learn: The mistakes in Appalchian Spring that Copland never fixed How to fix details in rehearsal without ever addressing the … Continue reading →

PT66: “Change Face,” with Apo Hsu

Today we’re talking with Apo Hsu, and this interview has been literally years in the making. She was the conductor of our city’s orchestra before we started in music, so we just missed her there by a few years. And then when Luke and and I were at Bard in 2016 we finally set concrete … Continue reading →

PT65: “Less is More,” with Ian Passmore

Today we talk with Ian Passmore about how opposite conducting styles can synergize, why you should join the Conductors Guild, and how to show the ensemble that you trust them. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod, and continue the conversation in our Facebook Group, the Podium Time Inner Circle. If you’d … Continue reading →

PT64: With Joshua Weilerstein, Host of the Sticky Notes Podcast

Today we talk with Joshua Weilerstein about the surprising things he’s learned from hosting a Classical Music Podcast, why a chamber orchestra may be ideal for a Brahms Symphony, and how a teacher can identify what’s behind your bad habits. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod, and continue the conversation in … Continue reading →

PT63: “Elevate Your Community Groups,” with Matthew Salvaggio

We’re ending this season on a high note! Today we talk with Music Director of the Euclid Symphony, University Heights Band, and Orchestra 19 about how we can bring our volunteer and community ensembles to a new level by collaborating with new artists and composers. We talk about rehearsing and growing these groups to lead … Continue reading →

PT62: Tito Muñoz on: Why Great Orchestras Aren’t “Lagging,” New Perspectives for the Rite of Spring, and Invaluable Advice for Young Conductors

Today we talk with Tito Muñoz about why orchestras don’t actually lag behind the conductor, why we should update our understanding of the Rite of Spring, and the ultimate advice for improving as a musician. Connect with us on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod, and continue the conversation in our Facebook Group, the Podium Time … Continue reading →

PT61: “You Can’t Hide Behind Technique,” with Tito Muñoz

What does it really take to be a successful conductor? Today, Tito Muñoz walks us through why technique is the least important thing that we need on and off the podium. He walks us through his definition of musicianship and how we can develop it, and why leadership is the most important skill we can … Continue reading →

PT60: “Ballet and Beyond,” with Ming Luke

Today we talk with Ming Luke, Principal Conductor of the Nashville Ballet, about the vocabulary of ballet dancers, how to work with Choreographers and directors, and why communication is everything. Connect with us on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod, and continue the conversation in our Facebook Group, the Podium Time Inner Circle. If you’d like … Continue reading →

PT59: “On Florence Price and Diversity in Programming,” with Jordan Randall Smith

Today we talk with Jordan Randall Smith about Florence Price and the upcoming festival dedicated to her work, the process of finding hidden gems by underrepresented composers, and why we should focus our efforts on promoting fewer living composers more. For more information on Price Fest, visit their website here. Connect with us on Facebook,Twitter, … Continue reading →

PT58: “Take off the ‘Maestro’ Hat and Get Your Hands Dirty,” with Jordan Randall Smith

In this episode we talk with Jordan Randall Smith about how Symphony Number One reaches an audience thousands of times the size of their local community, making the most lemonade from your lemons, and how you can combine artistic and business models to form an ensemble. Links: Jordan’s website Symphony Number One’s Repertoire page Florence … Continue reading →

PT57: Conducting Petrushka, with Larry Rachleff

When I say incredible, I don’t just mean every-day incredible. This recording is absolutely incredible. Larry Rachleff walks us through the first two parts of Petrushka at the 2019 International Conducting Workshop and Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria. He goes in to every detail of what it takes to conduct and rehearse and what’s going to … Continue reading →

PT56: From Sofia, Bulgaria! The 2019 International Conducting Workshop and Festival

We’ve got something different for you this week! I spent the past 2 weeks at the 2019 ICWF workshop in Sofia Bulgaria helping out and meeting 35 fantastic conducting students and teachers. Connect with us on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod, and continue the conversation in our Facebook Group, the Podium Time Inner Circle. If … Continue reading →

PT55: “The Most Positive Impact,” with Alexandra Enyart

This week we talk with Alexandra Enyart about why you should meet everybody, how we can tell more stories, and making the most positive impact. Every step on your journey is important How do we make the most positive impact? Thompson Street Opera How Teddy Abrams meets everybody Chicago Sinfonietta Project Inclusion Making a statement … Continue reading →

PT54: “Don’t Shout at the Orchestra,” with Chris Zimmerman

This week we talk with Christopher Zimmerman about Beethoven’s best music, what to do when you think you know a piece, and what you can ruin by tuning chords. This week we discuss: Start them with the Rite of Spring The most important aspects of succeeding as a conductor A genealogy of score study Connect … Continue reading →

PT53: “The Greatest Joy of Conducting is Not Conducting,” with Mark Cedel

This week we talk with Mark Cedel about why he doesn’t like performing a work for the 2nd time, what you can learn from a bad teacher, and why he fears the Copland Clarinet Concerto. This week we discuss: Mark’s path to the podium The best advice for before you become a conductor Never forget … Continue reading →

PT52: “To be a Servant,” with Erin Freeman

This week we talk with Erin Freeman about what to avoid when writing a pre-concert lecture, what it means to be a servant, and why you must make form charts. This week we discuss: Why you should conduct winds as if they’re pizzicato What she learned from taking six conducting classes in her undegrad What … Continue reading →

PT51: “Building Audiences and Orchestras,” with Harvey Felder

This week we talk with Harvey Felder about developing a relationship with your audiences, one reason that you should walk away from an interview, and why you need to eat your vegetables! Harvey’s Hidden Gems: Roberto Sierra: Tropicalia A Joyous Overture Libby Larsen String Symphony Parachute Dancing George Walker Lyric for Strings Icarus in Orbit … Continue reading →

PT50: “Demystify the Score,” with Paul McShee

This week we talk with Paul McShee about how to force yourself into leading efficient rehearsals, the advice and issues that Marin Alsop focuses on her with her students, and how every step of Paul’s score study process helps demystify the score. Links from this episode: Markand Thakar: On Music and Conducting Montgomery Variations by … Continue reading →

PT49: “Keys to a Successful Rehearsal,” with Donald Schleicher

Today we discuss: Creating a Positive Rehearsal Environment, how to use your conducting to encourage listening within the ensemble, and the question you should ask yourself before every rehearsal. As we gathered for our first discussion with Maestro Schleicher at last month’s ICI workshop in Boulder, we expected a general Q&A over many topics. How … Continue reading →

PT48: “Study Scores!” with Ching-Chun Lai

From Gunther Schuller and Frank Battisti, Ching-Chun Lai learned how to approach scores as a composer and identify style and architecture. Today we speak about that and more as Ching-Chun walks us through her score study process, building the most important foundations of a conducting education, and making the most of your resources as a … Continue reading →

PT47: “Listening is the Most Important Thing We Do,” with Kenneth Kiesler

We’ve been excited to talk with Maestro Kiesler for a while, and this interview is everything that Luke and I hoped that it could be. Friends have told us all about the Conductors Retreat at Medomak and Kiesler’s view and style of score study, and we dig deep into both of those things in this … Continue reading →

PT45: “Music is about Art, not Correctness” with Charles Latshaw

I had so many different titles that I wanted to put on this episode. We talked about building your library of lessons and teachers and experiences, the art of music, and how to hack your microwave. It was so hard to pick just one. A big part of what we discuss in this episode is … Continue reading →

PT44: “Focus on the Big Picture,” with Foster Beyers

This week we discuss: Foster’s Path to the Podium Why do conductors live so long, and why do they all play trombone? Shout-out to Brad Lambrecht How Middle-school is like College Focus on the Big Picture Rotating the string seating Love is not dictated by logic Foster’s Teachers: Hidden Gems Stravinsky – The Fairy’s Kiss … Continue reading →

PT43: “Imperfection is Required,” with Christopher Koch

Today we sit down for a fantastic in-person discussion with a long-time friend, Dr. Christopher Koch. We were so glad to get this opportunity while Jeremy was in Missouri for Christmas, and the results do not disappoint! Get the new year started with this incredible interview. Connect with us on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod, … Continue reading →

PT42 – “Kick-Ass Score Study,” with Kevin Noe

Kick-Ass doesn’t even begin to describe Kevin Noe. Actor, writer, conductor, and lover of fine headphones, Kevin is our most-requested guest on the podcast yet, and today he walks us through his exploration of Mozart 40, the celebration of dissonance, and an awesome opportunity for mixing music and wine this summer. Dig into great Score … Continue reading →

PT41: Jeremy’s Favorite Podcasts and Books

It turns out that conductors are pretty busy during the holidays. Who knew! So, since everybody’s busy with performances of the Nutcracker, Jeremy is going solo today and sharing some of my favorite Podcasts and Books for all you conductors and students out there. Podcasts Music San Francisco Symphony: Program Notes Podcast CoffeeHouse Classical Music … Continue reading →

PT40: “Your Musical Opinion,” with Michael Mapp

Today, Luke and Alex lead our first interview with a Band Director, Dr. Michael Mapp, and it does not disappoint in the slightest. His answer to Luke’s question about what our education is lacking hits home in more than one way. What are you bringing to the music that you conduct and how are you … Continue reading →

PT39: 3 Steps to Forming an Ensemble

You’ve got recitals to schedule and you’ve got audition videos to make, but how? Today, Luke and I share our 3 Steps to Forming an Ensemble and getting players together for your recital: What, When, and Who. Tune in to find out why this order is critical, how to keep rehearsals professional, and tips to … Continue reading →

PT38: Let’s Talk Resumes!

Doesn’t matter how good you are if they never see you! Today (well, actually, last month) Luke and I sit down to discuss building our resumes and tips for putting them together. Find out what we’re doing now and some of the best ways to show the committee that you’ve got what it takes. This … Continue reading →

PT37: “Culture is an Ocean,” with Nick Carthy

Today we sat down to talk with Maestro Nick Carthy, who’s traveling the world as you read this! Maestro Nick is the opera conductor at CU Boulder as well as a regular guest conductor around the globe. He shares with us his incredible line of teachers, tips for entering the opera field, why Powder Her … Continue reading →

PT36: Building Left-Hand Independence

Stop! Why are you mirroring? Put your left hand down! Stop conducting! What is that hand doing? Why are you mirroring again? Have you heard these words screamed above an orchestra? Today we tackle the a perennial issue for young (and some experienced) conductors: how to develop your left-hand. Luke and Jeremy discuss some tips, … Continue reading →

PT35: The “Educator” Stigma, with Michael Isadore

On reference from not one, but two of our listeners, we are speaking this week with Michael Isadore! Michael is a busy conductor, teacher, and performer who leads players of all ages and experiences. We discuss teaching strings when you’re not a string player, why you should always play your instrument, and dealing with the … Continue reading →

PT34: Preparing for the Perfect Audition

In Part 3 of our series on researching and getting into your perfect school, we tackle the final step: auditioning! Jeremy and Luke share some tips and their experiences with auditions including preparing to conduct a piece you haven’t conducted before. Listen to Part 1 on researching schools and Part 2 on preparing your videos. … Continue reading →

PT33: JoAnn Falletta Returns!

The title explains it all! Today we are incredibly excited to feature as our first return guest on the Podium Time Podcast: the incredible JoAnn Falletta! This week, JoAnn talks with us about how she schedules her study for concerts 1 year out and 1 week out, the many shades of leadership on the podium, … Continue reading →

PT32: Making the Perfect Audition Video

Now onto those pesky conducting videos! Part 2 of our 3-part series on getting into a Master’s program deals with preparing your audition videos to get the best quality and most attention. How closely should you follow the video requirements? What about rehearsal footage? Does this count as “performance” footage? How should the video start? … Continue reading →

PT31: “Building Rep.,” with William R. Langley

Once you’ve met Buddy Langley, you’ll never forget him. Today Luke and I reconnect with a friend who has strong opinions about Cincinnati Chili and is quickly becoming a rising star conductor. Buddy walks us through starting his ensemble, the Memphis Repertory Orchestra, and how relationships are one of the most important aspects of our … Continue reading →

PT30: Finding the Perfect School

It’s that time of year when seniors scramble to research programs, visit campuses, and submit materials. But how do you find a master’s program that fits you? How do you find a teacher that’s just right? Today Luke and Jeremy discuss how to find and decide on a Master’s in conducting program that works for … Continue reading →

PT29: Orchestrating a Season, with Tony Pierce

What does it take to design a full 53 concert season? Today we sit down with the Colorado Symphony’s Chief Artistic Officer Tony Pierce to discuss how the season is put together, how to secure soloists like Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman, and how they decide on what guest conductors to invite back. Tony also … Continue reading →

PT28: Should I Pursue Band or Orchestral Conducting?

The Podium Time audience has spoken! Luke and I are incorporating shorter discussion episodes into this second season and the listeners (accidentally) decided on the first topic. The question that we’ve been sent the most by our listeners is…drum-roll… whether one should pursue a master’s in band or orchestral conducting! Today, Luke and I sit … Continue reading →

From the Archive: Peter Bay on Bernstein

It’s Bernstein’s 100th Birthday! Today we’re digging into the archive for the Bernstein Centenary with a re-edited version of our discussion with Peter Bay on Bernstein and his Mass. Connect with us on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod, and continue the conversation in our Facebook Group, the Podium Time Inner Circle. If you’d like to … Continue reading →

PT27: “The Musician’s Burden,” with Benjamin Rous

Today we continue our talk with Benjamin Rous and discuss his experiences conducting from the harpsichord (with some twists!). Connect with us on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram at @PodiumTimePod, and continue the conversation in our Facebook Group, the Podium Time Inner Circle. If you’d like to support the podcast monetarily and get bonus content, consider joining … Continue reading →

PT26: Anniversary Special, with Jeremy and Luke!!!

Podium Time turns 1 year old today!!! Celebrate with your hosts as we go over the past year, talk about their new positions and plans, and announce some changes coming in the next season. Please reach out by email or via our Facebook page to let us know what YOU want to hear about on … Continue reading →

PT25: A Mini Masterclass on Programming, with Brett Mitchell

We return from break with an extra treat from our recent discussion with Brett. He walks us through his programming philosophy with a few examples from the Colorado Symphony’s upcoming season. Listen to the first half of our interview here. This week we discuss: Kevin Puts’ Millennium Cannons Mason Bates’ The B-Sides CSO’s Dvorak 9 … Continue reading →

PT24: “Film: The Least Forgiving Soloist,” with Benjamin Rous

The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Home Alone, Fantasia, E. T., The Godfather. We see headlines like these on symphony seasons more and more often, but what is it actually like to conduct one? Today Luke and I sit down with Benjamin Rous to talk about the least forgiving soloist: film! We discuss the specifics of working with … Continue reading →

PT23: “Please Don’t Call Me Maestro,” with Brett Mitchell

Today we get into the weeds on assistant conductor auditions and more. Brett Mitchell is starting his second season as the Music Director of the Colorado Symphony, and he has had a whirlwind of activity since conducting CSO for the first time less than two years ago. We get into how he accidentally auditioned, the … Continue reading →

PT22: “Progress over Perfection,” with Carolyn Watson

We met Carolyn Watson three years ago, and now we’ve finally gotten the chance to sit down and speak with her! We discuss her new position at KU and how she got there, why you need to find your “best fit”, and some great hidden gems. This week we discuss: Watson’s Path to the Podium … Continue reading →

PT21: Diane Wittry on Gesture and Programming

This is an interview that we’ve been looking forward to since before the podcast launched, and we were honored last week for the chance to finally talk shop with Diane Wittry, the author of two essential books for both young conductors and Music Directors: Beyond the Baton and Baton basics. This week we talk about … Continue reading →

PT20: “All About Workshops,” with Thomas Taylor Dickey

Just in time for Workshop season, today’s episode is a mini-masterclass on everything about workshops. Thomas Taylor Dickey has been to just about every one and shares how to pick the right ones, apply for them, prepare for them, and learn as much as possible while you’re there. We also discuss some of his favorite … Continue reading →

PT19: Bernstein’s Mass and More,with Peter Bay

Have you ever seen the Bernstein Mass? Well, this is the year to do it! Today we talk with Peter Bay, Music Director of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, about his upcoming performance of Bernstein’s Mass, fully staged for the first time in the entire state of Texas. Bay also shares some actionable advice for deepening … Continue reading →

PT18: “If You Miss a Cue,” with Gianmaria Griglio

A violin is a violin, but no two singers are the same. Today we talk with Gianmaria Griglio about the importance of imagination, the most important aspect of score study, and how we expect people to listen to concerts. This week we discuss: Music education in the U.S. and Europe On conducting opera Conductor mistakes … Continue reading →

PT17: “Don’t Yell into the Well,” with Emilio Guarino

Today we talk with Emilio Guarino about his book “Make It: A Guide for Recent Music Graduates,” as well as some of our biggest mistakes in advertising and thinking about our events. How can we create a shared experience and attract audiences that don’t know anything about our music? We share some ideas in this … Continue reading →

PT16: “Learn by Teaching,” with Lawrence Golan

What can we learn from teaching? Lawrence Golan’s Score Study Passes have been mentioned more than once in the short history of our podcast, and today you can learn how he dissects a score from the man himself. We discuss his method, Academic vs Professional conducting, and some of the biggest shortcomings in our education. … Continue reading →

PT15: “The Only Words you have to Utter,” with Eduardo Navega

Before the founding of Podium Time, Luke and I compiled a list of conductors that we just had to have on the podcast, and Eduardo Navega was right at the top! We worked with him at the Bard Conductors Institute (I’ve typed that sentence so many times on these pages!) and every student there could … Continue reading →

PT14: “Start at the Downbeat,” with Silas Nathaniel Huff

Part 2 is here! Due to snow, our interview with Silas Huff was a bit extended, so this week we are including all the great information that we couldn’t fit into the first episode! We discuss all things about conducting workshops: running, applying for, and attending, as well as understanding your body, listening to recordings, and … Continue reading →

PT13: “Without Greed,” with Silas Nathaniel Huff

References leads to more references! Our guest from episode 6, Christopher Kelts, suggested that we reach out to Silas Huff, and what a great suggestion it was! After listening to every episode we’ve published, Huff popped onto Podium Time and enjoyed our longest interview yet! Are you making the music sound better? If not, you’re … Continue reading →

PT12: Breaking In, with Robert Debbaut

How do we break into the scene and build relationships that lead to great conducting opportunities? Robert Debbaut talks with us about how he “hung out” with Gustav Meier for a year, the extra-musical benefits of observing the Chicago Symphony, and how he started an orchestra by cold-calling almost 600 musicians. This week we discuss: … Continue reading →

PT11: The Seven Trips through the Score, with Wes Kenney

Today we talk again with my teacher Maestro Wes Kenney about his detailed Score Study method, identifying what conducting students need to learn, and the importance of Human Connections. Show notes for Episode 11: Kenney’s Graduate Conducting class Developing a Score Study System The “Silent” Final Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends and Influence People … Continue reading →

PT10: “When are You Ready to Conduct a Piece?” with Wes Kenney

It’s Christmas at Podium Time and we have a very special episode for you. Wes Kenney is director of Orchestras at Colorado State University, where Jeremy studies, and is Music Director of the Fort Collins Symphony, Opera Fort Collins, and the Denver Young Artists Orchestra. Today he takes time out of his (much-needed) Christmas vacation … Continue reading →

PT9.5: The Business of our Art, Part 2, with Viswa Subbaraman

This is part 2 of our interview with Viswa Subbaraman. Today we continue our previous conversation about the business of orchestras, as well as get into the weeds about what you won’t learn in your conducting degree. Show notes for Episode 9 This week we discuss: “We have the most idiotic art form in the … Continue reading →

PT9: The Business of our Art, Part 1, with Viswa Subbaraman

In the first installment of this two-part episode, we talk with Viswa Subbaraman about starting a contemporary opera company, the role of the orchestra, and why we need to be able to communicate with administration and marketing. This week we discuss: Accidentally studying with Kurt Masur Skylight Music Theatre Beethoven meets Bollywood How Fidelio is … Continue reading →

PT7: “On Only Two Rehearsals?” with Adam and Noelle

How do you put an orchestra and a full concert together in only two rehearsals? We talk about that and more this week with Adam Torres and Noelle Bauman. When Adam approached me about a concert for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, I knew I couldn’t say no. Just last week that concert … Continue reading →

PT6: “Conducting Doesn’t Get Easier,” with Christopher Kelts

I met Chris Kelts for the first time in 2011 at String Fling, a summer string program hosted by Missouri State. Even before he stepped on the podium, we all knew that we were going to love him. He returned in 2015 as the newly-appointed director of orchestras at Missouri State, and I still wish … Continue reading →

PT5: Study, Singing, and Sincerity, with Gerrit Scheepers

What we intended to be light conversation about score study quickly turned into a full interview with one of our best conducting buddies that explores what we are doing with our lives and our music. Gerrit Scheepers is currently working towards his doctorate at Washington State, and we were so glad that he could take … Continue reading →

PT4: Probing the Score with Mark Mandarano

Last year I stumbled upon the perfect opener to my chamber recital on a CD by the Sinfonietta of Riverdale, a premier chamber orchestra founded and led by Mark Mandarano. Initially I contacted Mandarano to get some advice for conducting the piece and for starting an ensemble, but what he shared was so insightful and … Continue reading →

PT3: Advice for Students

Luke and I are just starting the second year of our Master’s degrees and neither of us can really believe how much we’ve learned and how much our conducting has changed in just one short year. We’ve gone through two semesters of grad school and so much has changed in how we see our schooling and … Continue reading →

PT2: Gary Lewis and Larry Livingston

This year Luke and I had the immense pleasure of attending the CU Boulder Orchestral Conducting Symposium. We learned so much from our colleagues, from the musicians, and especially from our master teachers: Gary Lewis and Larry Livingston. In this special episode of Podium Time, we talk with Lewis and Livingston at the end of a fantastic week. Continue reading →

PT1: JoAnn Falletta

For our first interview we had the immense pleasure of talking with the phenomenal JoAnn Falletta, music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Virginia Symphony, and the Principle Guest Conductor of the Brevard Music Center. Continue reading →