Episode 14: Finding The Path In Music (Allison's Story) episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 23, 2026 · 49 MIN

Episode 14: Finding The Path In Music (Allison's Story)

from Redefining the Musician · host Ashley Roberts

In this episode, Allison tells us the story of how she began her college career in accounting, and found her path to become a college professor and freelance performer. Her approach to her students is a refreshing view, and a big step in helping solve the toxicity in the music world. If you would like to share your story on the show, fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/tLp7LB43mxKK87M56Allison's BioAllison McSwain is an active performer and educator in the upstate of South Carolina, where she serves as Applied Lecturer of Trumpet at Clemson University and Trumpet Instructor for Spartanburg School District 5. She is principal solo cornet with the Foothills Brass Band and 2nd trumpet with the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra; she also regularly substitutes with area orchestras. After earning degrees in accounting, Allison went on to earn her MM and DMA degrees. Prior to becoming a full-time musician, she built a 12-year career in higher education recruitment, admissions, advising, and learning support. Allison's favorite activities (besides playing trumpet) are trying new restaurants, reading, visiting friends, and hanging out with her spouse and three rowdy dogs.

In this episode, Allison tells us the story of how she began her college career in accounting, and found her path to become a college professor and freelance performer. Her approach to her students is a refreshing view, and a big step in helping solve the toxicity in the music world. If you would like to share your story on the show, fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/tLp7LB43mxKK87M56Allison's BioAllison McSwain is an active performer and educator in the upstate of South Carolina, where she serves as Applied Lecturer of Trumpet at Clemson University and Trumpet Instructor for Spartanburg School District 5. She is principal solo cornet with the Foothills Brass Band and 2nd trumpet with the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra; she also regularly substitutes with area orchestras. After earning degrees in accounting, Allison went on to earn her MM and DMA degrees. Prior to becoming a full-time musician, she built a 12-year career in higher education recruitment, admissions, advising, and learning support. Allison's favorite activities (besides playing trumpet) are trying new restaurants, reading, visiting friends, and hanging out with her spouse and three rowdy dogs.

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Episode 14: Finding The Path In Music (Allison's Story)

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This episode was published on March 23, 2026.

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In this episode, Allison tells us the story of how she began her college career in accounting, and found her path to become a college professor and freelance performer. Her approach to her students is a refreshing view, and a big step in helping...

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