Notes of Wisdom Podcast

In this exciting eighth episode, co-hosts Brooklyn Jang and Elise Hwang welcome Maestro Louis Scaglione, the President, CEO, and Music Director of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute. For the past 28 years, he has led one of the oldest and most highly regarded youth orchestra organiza­tions in the US, serving nearly 600 students yearly. He is a respected member of the Philadelphia community, teaching the importance of philanthropy and “giving-back” to one’s community. Maestro Scaglione discusses what drew him to music, the evolution of PYOMI under his direction, audition tips, the core values he instills in every student, and what he sees for the future for PYOMI. Don’t miss this inspiring and insightfulful conversion!

In this special seventh episode, co-hosts Brooklyn Jang and Elise Hwang reunite with Jamie Yavorsky, their middle school orchestra teacher, and welcome her to the Notes of Wisdom Podcast! She is a ​​full-time public school music teacher, private lesson teacher, and performing musician specializing in instrumental music, string pedagogy, and music technology. With music being her “calling” in life, she shares her captivating story on how she became motivated to become a music teacher, gives advice for aspiring musicians wanting to go into the field, shares tips for auditions, and more. Don’t miss this engaging conversation and reunion packed with insights for musicians and anyone chasing their passion!

In this exciting sixth episode, co-hosts Brooklyn Jang and Elise Hwang welcome John Yeh, the assistant principal and E-flat clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. John joined the CSO at 19 as the first Asian musician and now stands as its longest-serving clarinetist. He shares his captivating journey from an advanced academic path—graduating high school at just 15 and pursuing a pre-med track at UCLA—to discovering his true calling in music. John discusses the inspirations that guided him toward the clarinet, the important moments that shaped his future, and the art of finding balance in a demanding career. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with insights and relatable advice for aspiring musicians and anyone chasing their passion!

In this special fifth episode, co-hosts Brooklyn Jang and Elise Hwang welcome Peter Dugan, acclaimed pianist, educator, and the host of NPR’s From the Top, the renowned nationwide radio broadcast celebrating the talents and stories of young classical musicians.Peter shares captivating stories from his recent tour with violinist Joshua Bell, his experiences hosting From the Top, and what inspires him most about working with the next generation of musicians. His thoughtful advice for young artists navigating the classical music world today makes this episode both impactful and uplifting. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with Peter Dugan!

In this festive fourth episode, co-hosts Brooklyn Jang and Elise Hwang share holiday wishes and reflect on the joy of the season. Join them for a classical Christmas celebration as they perform six beloved holiday tunes: Carol of the Bells, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, The First Noel, and Away in a Manger. As musicians, the holiday season is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and recharge! Whether you're decorating the tree or relaxing by the fire, this episode will surely bring holiday cheer to your day. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!

In this third episode, co-hosts Brooklyn Jang and Elise Hwang dive into caring for your instrument, an essential topic for musicians. They discuss daily maintenance practices, such as how to properly store your instrument and inspect the bridge, as well as long-term tips like managing humidity and visiting a luthier. Whether you’re new to music or have been playing for years, this episode is packed with helpful advice to ensure your instrument stays in great shape. They will play “Gavotte” from Shostakovich's Five Pieces for 2 violins as the outro.

In this second episode, co-hosts Brooklyn Jang and Elise Hwang explore a topic every musician faces: performance anxiety. They share their personal strategies for managing nerves, from practicing in front of small audiences to simulating stressful situations to stay calm under pressure. Whether you're preparing for a recital or feeling nervous about performing, this episode offers valuable tips and insights to help you build confidence. To close, they will play the Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet.

In this debut episode, co-hosts Brooklyn Jang and Elise Hwang introduce themselves and share their musical journeys, from early violin lessons to their experiences in youth orchestras. They discuss their motivation behind starting the podcast: to create a space for aspiring musicians to learn, connect, and find inspiration in the classical music world. Join them as they set the stage for future episodes filled with practical advice and engaging interviews. Enjoy "Prelude" from Shostakovich's Five Pieces for 2 violins as the outro!