Redefining the Musician
by Ashley Roberts
Redefining the Musician shares stories from classical musicians who have decided to redirect their career path into something new. This podcast takes you through a variety of stories from former performers and music educators, while building community with those who have left music or are considering leaving music.
Episodes
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Episode 31: Bringing the Orchestra to the Community
Listen to John's story in this episode as he has worked alongside his job as a pilot and flight instructor to build the North Texas Symphony Orchestra, and is finding ways to bring the orchestra to the community. Google Form: https://forms.gle/iDisU5rHf6JRHsMs7 John's Bio:John Porter, native of…
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Episode 30: The Adaptability of Musicians' Skills (Carole's Story)
In this episode, we hear about Carole's story of how playing her flute started to negatively impact her health. When this happened, she had to figure out next steps, and began leveraging all of the skills she had from being a performer. Listen to how she took advantage of these skills and found a...
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Episode 29: The Harmony Between A Musical Life And A Job Outside of Music (Sam's Story)
Take a listen to Sam's story as he tells us about the time between his master's degree in tuba performance to finishing up his DMA, and all of the adventures in between. Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=header…
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Episode 28: Sheng - The Instrument That Changed It All (Alex's Story)
Alex is a clarinet player who happened upon the Sheng, a traditional Chinese mouth organ, and fell into a world of opportunity he didn't know was there! Listen to his story to learn more about the Sheng, and his approaches to pushing past the Westernized standard of music. Google Form:...
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Episode 27: Finding A Healthier Approach (Johanna's Story)
Johanna takes us through her story, and how her injury had an effect on her path. She now is a college professor, and works to share how we can all have a healthier approach to music! Google Form: https://forms.gle/aejsVVkxS5GiPcKg7 Johanna's Bio: Johanna Lundy is a performer, teacher, and...
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Episode 26: Designing A More Enjoyable Career (Dahre’s Story)
Take a look into the life of a musician turned architectural drafter! Dahre is a clarinetist with a degree in music education, and additional graduate study in music. After having an inner look, Dahre realized his happiness would be found in a different career, and followed a different interest....
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Episode 25: Taking Flight Into A New Career Path (Jolene's Story)
Take a listen to Jolene as she tells her story of transitioning from her doctorate in bassoon performance, to how she found happiness and balance working for Southwest Airlines. Google Form:...
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Episode 24: Seeing Music Through A Healing Lens (Kathleen's Story)
Kathleen is a music educator turned music therapist. Her career change has brought along a whole new perspective on how we can use music in the world. Listen to her story as well as what her day to day is like as a music therapist! Google Form: https://forms.gle/8TSNU8wPbcnME8V8A Kathleen's...
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Episode 23: Finding Success Outside of Toxic Music Culture (Nora's Story)
Google Form: https://forms.gle/UEPRVugtuUzLVLdP7 In this episode, Nora addresses several facets of music culture that had a major effect on her career change. She has found extreme success outside of the arts, and I can't wait for you all to hear about it. Nora's Bio: Nora Segura-Barpal started…
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Episode 22: Defining The Path In Music After Overcoming Obstacles (Brigette's Story)
Brigette is an accomplished saxophonist who was faced with medical issues that required multiple surgeries, hindering her ability to consistently play. After overcoming both medical and mental struggles, she has found her way back into the music profession. Her story is one of inspiration, grit,...
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Episode 21: Paving The Way For Young Musicians (Amanda's Story)
Amanda has experienced it all: being in a youth orchestra, going through music school, leaving the field completely and pursuing a fulfilling career in social work, and coming back full circle to start her own youth orchestra (The Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony). Hear how Amanda has navigated…
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Episode 20: How Finding A Place In Another Field Created Space For Music (Lydia's Story)
Listen along in this episode to Lydia's story. As someone who loved music and found a happiness in it, her music career began to cause a decline in her mental health. Lydia has now found a way into another field, Environmental Planning, where she can work to help the world be another place. But...
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Episode 19: Self Improvement Through Career Change (James' Story)
In this episode, James takes us through his experiences of being in music school, transitioning to law school, and all of the factors that influenced that decision. We discuss how these issues in the music world can be improved, and we also discuss how the skills we gain as musicians can directly...
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Episode 18: Opening Doors and Redefining Success (Serayah's Story)
Take a listen to Serayah's story where she details how she used her music education degree in an untraditional way. She details her story of keeping doors open and getting a variety of opportunities that have built her career to what it is today. Google Form to be on the show:...
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Bonus Episode 3: Careers Questionnaire Part 1
Have you wondered what it would be like to switch to another career? What qualifications you would need, what the job is like, if you might be a good fit for that job? This episode is for you! This is Part 1 in a series of interviews detailing all of these things about specific career paths. Each...
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Episode 17: Overcoming The Mental Health Struggles As A Musician (Tyler's Story)
Throughout this episode, Tyler takes us through his mental health struggles as a student and performer. We hear his story not only of his struggles, but also how he was able to overcome them, and become a successful band director. He has some fantastic takes on how we can improve mental health…
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Episode 16: Choosing the Next Chapter - A Fulfilling Life in Music (Natalie's Story)
Tune in with us to listen to the amazing career of Dr. Natalie Mannix. Dr. Mannix has had a career that has traveled from being a performer in the United States Navy Band, to being a college professor, and now to retiring to spend more time with her family. Even in her retirement, Dr. Mannix is…
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Episode 15: Bringing Health and Wellness to Musicians (Suzanne's Story)
Take a listen to this fascinating episode where Suzanne talks about her experiences of being a freelance musician, venturing into the world of holistic wellness for musicians, and preparing for her retirement from her freelance career. If you would like to share your story on the podcast, you can...
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Episode 14: Finding The Path In Music (Allison's Story)
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...
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Episode 13: Music Ed to Corporate Travel and Events (Mary Pat's Story)
Mary Pat has some amazing takes on how we can live our lives for our own happiness. Listen as she takes us through her experience of being a burnt out music educator, and finding her place in the corporate travel world. If you would like to be on the show, you can fill out this Google Form:...
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Episode 12: Music Doesn't Have to Pay The Bills - Finding the Joys in Performing Again (Jenny's Story)
Jenny takes us through her story of switching to the data science field. Through an entry level position, a new degree, and certifications, she has found her way at Microsoft. But, this has not stopped her from gaining professional musical experiences as well. Take a listen as she shows us how…
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Episode 11: A Conversation With “The Rogue Academic” (Lexie's Story)
Podcast host of "The Rogue Academic" Lexie Signor takes us through an exciting conversation. She does not shy away from saying the quiet part out loud, and through her story, we discuss many of the issues in higher ed, as well as how she's fought against the system. Google Form:...
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Episode 10: Finding The Balance: Working In Software As An Active Musician (Erin's Story)
Listen to Erin's story as she talks about how she's constantly redefining what balance looks like, working in software, playing on Broadway, playing in Calliope Brass, and she has also hosted her own podcast called Doublers! Google Form: https://forms.gle/5DMPJGXXfiJCJzhp8 IG:...
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Episode 9: From Music Ed to STEM Ed - Prioritizing Authenticity and Joy (Laura’s Story)
Laura has always been heavily involved in music, both on the performance side and the education side. Until, one day in 2019, Laura decided to prioritize her happiness, her family, and her mental health. That has led to a series of decisions that have formed the life she lives now. Take a listen…
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Episode 8: Redefining What It Means To Be A Musician - From Freelancing to Music Ed (Mirella's Story)
If you would like to be on the show, fill out this Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103514879413514765577 Episode 8: Take a listen this week to Mirella's incredibly inspiring story! She takes us…
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Episode 7: One Last Shot - Taking a "Premiere" Opportunity (Lindsay's Story)
Check out this episode with Lindsay, where she talks about her experience of finding her place in music. From music education, to grad school, to almost not taking the audition where she won her job, her story is packed full of relatable experiences. Read her full bio below If you would like to…
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Bonus Episode 2: All About Burnout
Burnout is a recurring issue than many musicians deal with at least once in their career. In this Episode, Ben and I talk about why burnout is so common, how burnout is built into the systems of music school and music careers, and some ways we can fight against that. If you would like to be on…
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Episode 6: A Journey from Music Ed to a More Fulfilling Path (Rachel’s Story)
Listen to Rachel's story as she learned that despite her love for music and teaching, the public school music ed world was not something that made her happy. She is now in the process of redefining her path and she shares that experience with all of us! Google Form:...
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Episode 5: A Musician's Service, Cut Short (Serena's Story)
Follow along as Serena details her story of being forced to resign from her military band position, due to the new laws against transgender military members. In this episode, you can hear not only about Serena's hardships, but also about her resilience, and the beginning of her path towards a new...
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Bonus Episode 1: The Recovery from Musician's Dystonia (Paden's Story)
Tune in to this episode to hear Paden’s journey with Musician’s Dystonia. Hear all about the causes, as well as the ways he has worked on healing. Additionally, bring an open ear to hear some of the things he has to say regarding how we can change brass and wind teaching to prevent injury. If you...
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Episode 4: Redefining Career Direction - From Music to Finance (Dominick's Story)
The musician to finance pipeline is an interesting, yet strangely common path that is beginning to develop. Take a listen to Dominick's story as he tells you his path of leaving music to protect his mental health and secure his future through his new career. Google Form:...
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Episode 3: From Music Educator to Corporate Leader (Mykala's story)
In this episode, Mykala takes us through her journey of being a music educator and transitioning to the corporate world. We discuss the realities of teaching in today's music classrooms, the emotions behind redirecting to a new path outside of music, and the transferable skills musicians have for...
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Episode 2: Finding Purpose in a New Musical Path (Kody's story)
In this episode, Kody discusses how he was on track to be a college professor, and how both his physical and mental health circumstances led him to a new path in music he'd never thought of. We talk about finding purpose outside of the classical music community, embracing new opportunities, and...
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Episode 1: The Origin Story (Ashley's story)
Redefining the Musician seeks to share the stories of classical musicians who have left their career path, and redirected to something new. I thought it was only fitting to begin this podcast by sharing my own story. In this episode, you will hear about where I started with music, why I left, and...
About this show
Redefining the Musician shares stories from classical musicians who have decided to redirect their career path into something new. This podcast takes you through a variety of stories from former performers and music educators, while building community with those who have left music or are considering leaving music.
Hosted by
Ashley Roberts
Categories