Welcome back to the podcast! (Welcome back Davina, that is)

Producer/arranger/multi-instrumentalist/composer/cat lover Fred Thomas is my guest this episode. We spoke about his musical journey, which includes growing up in a household of a former CBSO concertmaster, making music playlists to fall asleep to, as well as how the key to learning lots of musical instruments is learning how to "cheat". Fred also spoke about his pandemic experience, as well as what he'd like to be if he weren't a musician.

If you fancy supporting the podcast, you can do so here: ko-fi.com/asitcomespod. Leave me a nice review or rating on Apple Podcasts!

Follow and like the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Featured track:

Overture no.3 BWV1068 ‘Air’

Fred Thomas

 

Find out more about Fred's work, including his new album 'Three or One'

Instagram: @fredthomasmusic Facebook: @fredthomasukmusic Fred's YouTube Channel Twitter: FredThomMusic Smartlink: https://fans.link/fred thomas music    Three Or One: https://ECM.lnk.to/ThreeOrOneFP Find Fred on Bandcamp, Spotify or Apple Music

We're back! Episode 54 features flute player, pianist, teacher, musician Bethany Norman. We chatted about her anti-climactic graduation from music college mid-pandemic, the challenges of being a recent music grad in the current climate, being versatile (including teaching your secondary instrument) and what Bethany would be if she weren't a musician.

If you fancy supporting the podcast, you can do so here: ko-fi.com/asitcomespod. Leave me a nice review or rating on Apple Podcasts!

Follow and like the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Bethany's Instagram: @bethanynmusic

Bethany's website: www.bethanynmusic.com

Just Playing It By Ear Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-playing-it-by-ear/id1554768830

 

 

Episode 45 features three cellists in the room! Two of which, Urška Horvat and Helena Švigelj perform collectively as Duo Furioso. We chatted about having to embody a whole string quartet within the instrumentation of two cellos, POPPER (yep), the challenge of capturing live spontaneity when performing in front of a camera, as well as Urška and Helena’s advice to ensembles for staying motivated during the pandemic. Topics also include sushi, humidifiers (OMG) and having cellos by the same maker.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

Facebook.com/celloduofurioso

 

Instagram: @duo_furioso

 

YouTube: Duo Furioso https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO4-EIyqvxydg-XKKAy9sOg

Episode 44 features international piano superstar Anna Tsybuleva. We chatted about her attachment to nature and the cosmos, recent motherhood, as well as her preparation for Leeds International Piano competition which she won in 2015 with her performance of Brahms’ Piano Concerto number 2. This is a piece very close to Anna’s heart, as she managed to record it shortly before the pandemic in 2020. She also shares a very valuable message of saving your power when performing a big work.

 

Like what you hear? Buy the podcast a coffee: ko-fi.com/asitcomespod

 

Don’t forget to like and follow the pod on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod.

 

Photo credit: Emil Matveev

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

Facebook.com/annatsybuleva

 

Instagram: @anna_tsybuleva

 

First single from Anna’s upcoming album 28th May: smarturl.it/AnnaTsybulevaBrahms

Composer Oliver Davis joins me for Episode 43 to chat about finding his own compositional voice (via 1980s synthesisers), writing for ballet choreography, and the absolute mission of writing, recording and producing his new album Solace during a global pandemic; drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, traveling to the Isle of Bute, and curiously, a game of Scrabble. You’ll also hear about Ollie’s favourite live performance he ever went to!

 

Buy the podcast a coffee! ko-fi.com/asitcomespod

 

 

Like and follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook: @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

Oliverdavismusic.com

@oliverdavismusic

 

Solace: https://open.spotify.com/album/74VziC5rrMeen3wplY5f5q?si=OFdwRzwaSMG3eAvOJwRenQ

 

Photo credit: Frances Marshall

As a commentary on the times we currently live in, in preparation for some work this week, my nostrils have well and truly been penetrated.

Horn player, conductor, researcher and fellow podcaster Dwight Pile-Gray is my guest for Episode 42. He’s the creator of “The Black Maestro” podcast, and recently we chatted about the way the pandemic is changing up approaches to classical music, creating space in the industry and promoting excellence. This episode is also accompanied by a Spotify playlist of Dwight’s musical picks by composers Nathaniel Dett and Florence Price.

 

Like what you hear? Buy the podcast a coffee! ko-fi.com/asitcomespod.

 

Remember to rate, review and subscribe, and give the pod a like and a follow on Instagram and Facebook @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

Dwight’s website: http://blackclassicalmusic.uk/

 

The Black Maestro Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KfWJQ0EUv4RISeh3xUpXV?si=Y4-9ikcNRGK-XWep1vDs_g

 

Episode 42 playlist – music by Nathaniel Dett and Florence Price: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/642aIKaq9EomT41WX7NlKJ?si=vN1cMg3-QMaWXj54ABXcAg

 

Colorado Symphony’s short excerpt of Florence Price’s Symphony no.1, 3rd movement, with dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhXC3d46Po0

I had a chat with music researcher Leah Broad recently, about her journey into academia, the thrill of finding new music, and her upcoming book shining a light on four composers: Ethel Smyth, Rebecca Clarke, Dorothy Howell and Doreen Carwithen. Listen and learn a little more about these composers, including which social media platform we reckon they’d be suited to best if they were around today.

Accompanying this episode is a special playlist including some pieces from these composers, plus some examples of the British Phantasy – something that I’ve been curious about for a while.

Support the podcast at ko-fi.com/asitcomespod, and remember to rate, review and subscribe!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

@LeahBroad

Leahbroad.wordpress.com

 

Episode 41 playlist: pieces by Smyth, Clarke, Howell, Carwithen, plus some Phantasies: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7etuKGvvpwbVK0FCowBMpO?si=RV2_3WbRT9qxSuZwZs4Viw

 

Laura Sneddon: “British Women Composers and Instrumental Chamber Music in the Early 20th Century”

 

BBC Radio 3’s Time Travellers podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p069vjyc/episodes/player

This episode is all about Southbank Sinfonia, the one-year orchestral fellowship where 33 musicians from around the world come together to embark on a journey of professional development and creative fulfilment. I’m joined by two members of the 2020/21 cohort, Canadian percussionist Alec Joly Pavelich and British viola player George White. We spoke about their unusual situation of being part of the fellowship during the pandemic, what they can’t wait for in 2021, as well as their recommendations for keeping on top of your mental, physical and social wellbeing during this time.

As a Southbank alumna, I share with you my (rather lengthy) tumultuous journey from Sydney to London that led me to taking up a place in the 2013 recruit.

Special thanks to Marcus Norman and Kate Walker for their assistance in this episode.

 

Support the podcast! Ko-fi.com/asitcomespod

 

All episodes and transcripts here: asitcomes.com

 

Remember to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

 

Like and follow the pod on Facebook and Instagram: @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

Southbanksinfonia.co.uk

Instagram: @southbanksinfonia

Twitter: @southbanksinf

Facebook: @SouthbankSinfonia

 

@alecjoly

@georgehenrywhite

 

Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

 

“Wood Works” by the Danish String Quartet: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Wf5EwRWblXDs1aiAAvxal?si=Flc-mOpCSia5MnYGzCbOcg

Stop! Tax time! Doing your tax return for 2019-20 is a retrospective into another world...

Episode 39 features composer, arranger and orchestrator Peter Riley. We met up in person in early-December (back when you could) for an al fresco park podcast, where we spoke about so many topics, including Peter's work arranging and orchestrating for Squarepusher, Pete Tong, Jules Buckley and the Heritage Orchestra, sticking to crazy deadlines, being a musician with a mortgage, and how making music is sometimes like gardening. We also spoke about the lovely distractions that help you get through when life is spent mostly in front of a computer screen.

 

Like what you hear? Support the podcast! Buy me a coffee/some treats for Assistant Purr-ducer Romeo: ko-fi.com/asitcomespod

 

Follow and like the podcast on Instagram and Facebook: @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

http://www.peterrileymusic.co.uk/

 

Peter’s Instagram and Facebook: @peterrileymusic

Twitter: @musicpete

YouTube: @musicpete86

 

Squarepusher Ufabulum: https://open.spotify.com/album/7ajrfqR7FCY4KuzZsVAFSH?si=0C_RDo2eTUqjlx2zdabE5w

Excerpt with Southbank Sinfonia 2013: https://youtu.be/GMF-UOPMDFA

Episode 31 with Daniel Rainey: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-xksnd-f0c20d

Welcome to the January slump, 2021 edition!

My guest for Episode 38 is Lucy Drever. She’s a workshop leader and presenter who heads up musicianship at the Benedetti Foundation. We chatted in December 2020 about how she got into community-based music making, creating a music making environment with a level playing field, challenging prior perceptions of music education as well as how to stay motivated musically during times of fluctuating restrictions. Find out also about a delightful cheesy snack that you can find if you’re ever in Glasgow.

 

Like what you hear? Remember to rate, review and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Follow the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @asitcomespod.

 

Special thanks to Rebecca Driver Media Relations for their help in this episode.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Lucydrever.com

@lucy_drever

Benedettifoundation.org

https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/learning/trainee-music-leader

Joe Di Fiore kicks things off for 2021. He’s an American sax and wind player who also composes and arranges. In a fantastic American accent, he shares some helpful tips about setting your home studio for remote recording (seeing as this is the reality for a lot of musos at the moment). We also chatted about the positives of smaller family gatherings, switching between different wind instruments, the importance for composers to have performing experience and being patient.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

@joedifioremusic

 

YouTube: JD Winds

Mario Kart 8 Big Blue and Mute City Mash up: https://youtu.be/yHe8n9760I8

 

The Mario Kart Lick: https://youtu.be/3rD-tdEFKlg

 

Joedifiore.com

Merry Christmas and happy holidays! Bass player Mark Lipski joins me for this Christmassy, mince pie and mulled wine fuelled conversation. He also happens to be in my household bubble as he is my husband; collectively, we are known as “The Shimpskis”. Think of this episode as an audio Christmas card to you, for you to listen to if perhaps you’re spending Christmas alone or with fewer people than usual, or if you just want to hear voices from outside your own household bubble. We’re here to keep you company!

Amidst giggles aplenty, listen to us discuss the weirdness that is 2020, performing with the Phacelia Ensemble in Germany mid-pandemic, the challenges of Zoom lessons, the ideal mango, Daily Romeo, and the differences between Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

https://www.facebook.com/mark.lipski.92

 

https://conwayhall.org.uk/event/online-sunday-concerts-phacelia-ensemble/

 

@phaceliaensemble

George Wakerley aka Confidential joins me for Episode 53. He's a producer of lo-fi hip-hop beats and shared with me the story of his musical journey, struggles with his mental health, as well as being a role model for his son.

Content warning: depression, binge eating and suicide.

If you fancy supporting the podcast, you can do so here: ko-fi.com/asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

George's socials:

Instagram: @confidential_lofi

Facebook: @confidentiallofi

Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/confidential_lofi

 

Egīls Šēfers is my guest for Episode 35. He joined me from his home in Riga to chat to me about performing with the Carion quintet during the pandemic, his musical journey growing up behind the Iron Curtain, how global travel broadens one's musical sound, as well as Latvian voices and music-making. We also talk about his hobbies he indulges in away from playing the clarinet and being director of the Latvian Music Information Centre and SKANi Records.

 

These days we seem to have brief slivers of time in which to enjoy sweet live performances, including my experience of finally performing in a chamber concert recently that was a long time in the making. Also featured is a disastrous flag-bearing anecdote from friend of the podcast, Jen Lang (Episode 34) from her time working at St Martin-in-the-Fields church.

Got something music college didn't prepare you for? A funny or unexpected gig? Let me know: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com. 

 

Special thanks to Victoria Taylor for her assistance in this episode.

 

Like and follow the pod on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

carion.dk

skani.lv

Episode 34: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-fw6y6-f3e348

Jen Lang is my guest for Episode 34. As well as recent motherhood, we chat about what led her to her role as Senior Manager for learning, engagement and innovation at Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, as well being a new mother in one of the longest local lockdowns in the world. Lots of laughs in this one, as well as the different ways one can make a musical contribution and providing platforms for musical voices that have previously been unheard. Music college didn’t prepare her for an experience involving rodents, and I’ve also found my new favourite analogy for explaining shifts on the cello.

 

Got an experience that Music College Didn't Prepare You for? Email me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Don't forget to like and follow on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

MSO Beethoven Bites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGUc1mZt9dlKZLrfSt5bA6kRC8tSyX6-h

 

All or Nothing: New Zealand All Blacks: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B086R6GMMY/ref=atv_hm_hom_1_c_2LIVgA_4_10

Pianist Sarah Watkins is my guest for this episode. She spoke to me from post-Covid New Zealand, where she's been busy working and performing (remember that foreign concept?) Along with violinist Andrew Beer, she's the winner of the Aotearoa Music Award for her album "11 Frames". We chatted about the state of composition in New Zealand and how multi-culturalism continues to influence New Zealand's musical voices.

I've been watching lots of sports matches broadcast with artificially generated crowd noises. What if classical concerts did the same thing? This episode also features a wintery vehicle-pushing Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment. Got a weird gig you'd like featured? Email me at asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

Remember to rate, review and subscribe, plus Like and Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

"11 Frames": https://rattle-records.bandcamp.com/album/11-frames?fbclid=IwAR0ORWD-RAwC-SigJT3IJOfcPQ6fq4tWu6pMo9WY8Baxg31nUDeKQGyqsvk

 

“The Meaning Behind Creative Output” – My chat on Nadine Benjamin’s Safe At Home Sessions: https://youtu.be/0p6Ssk2IaT4

Episode 32: brought to you from the throes of Lockdown 2.0! Before said lockdown, I chatted with Violeta Vicci in the garden about her livestream performances in nature, interacting with a scenic backdrop through music, and the challenges of setting up a livestream performance outdoors. We also touch on sharing the stage with Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood (swoon) as well as Violeta's passion for motorbikes.

Listen out for a Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment involving deluges of confetti and fire alarm system sprinklers (eek!)

 

Like what you hear? Rate, review and subscribe, and gizzus a follow on Instagram and Facebook @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

violetavicci.com

@violetavicci

This episode’s guest is Daniel Rainey, an artist manager for Keynote Artist Management. We talk about how his training as a violinist informs his job, what an artist manager does, how the atmosphere of live music can never replace an online concert, plus lots of various chat about Shostakovich, Catdog and Nintendo 64 (there’s a sentence I never thought I’d write).

I also share a recent travel fail I had on my way to a rehearsal during Covid times, plus we have a special Music College Didn’t Prepare Me segment courtesy of Molly from the Corran Quartet.

 

Find the podcast at asitcomes.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and your favourite podcast apps. Don’t forget to subscribe and review!

Got something you’d like to share with me? Email me at asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Like and follow the pod on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

@daniel_rainey_

@keynote_artist_management

www.corranquartet.com

Music for Silenced Voices: https://www.prestomusic.com/books/products/7543479--music-for-silenced-voices-shostakovich-and-his-fifteen-quartets

Lucia D’Avanzo-Lewis (not Lucia di Lammermoor) is my guest for this mammoth-sized episode. Lucia’s the author of the Eco Notes blog, and we chatted face-to-face about how reducing waste is like learning a new instrument as well as sharing tips on how to reduce waste and reuse possessions not only in our everyday lives, but also as musicians.

I share with you my experience of playing at my first post-lockdown wedding gig, plus we have a stupor-inducing Music College Didn’t Prepare Me contribution. Would you like to contribute? Email me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

Remember to like and follow on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Econotes.co.uk

Facebook.com/luciaseconotes

 

Episode 2 for my late-to-a-wedding anecdote and chamberoke: https://asitcomespod.podbean.com/e/episode-2-madeleine-ridd-part-1-nobody-has-a-monopoly-on-suffering/

Baritone Peter Brathwaite is my guest for episode 29. We chatted about keeping busy during lockdown, the pressures of putting out content online, adaptability, versatility and transferable skills as musicians, Peter’s recreation of Black portraiture throughout history. Find out also what Peter’s favourite plants are!

This episode is brought to you reluctantly by my good friend Writer’s Block and features a Music College Didn’t Prepare Me segment all about early starts and miming.

 

Follow and Like the podcast: @asitcomespod.

 

Instagram: @peter_brathwaite

Twitter: @peterbrathwaite

Peterbrathwaitebaritone.com

Episode 28 features guitar legend Xuefei Yang – we chat about the importance of sleep and exercise for musicians, Fei’s journey to become the first Chinese classical guitarist to reach the world stage (just don’t call her a pioneer) and her new album “Sketches of China”.  Find out Fei’s recommendation of what to listen to if you’re totally unfamiliar with guitar repertoire, and what to do if you break a nail before a show.

Gyms and fitness centres are now open again in the UK, so this episode opens with my thoughts on what I’ve been doing to keep myself moving, plus we have a Music College Didn’t Prepare me contribution from a sneezing bassoonist.

Special thanks to Rebecca and Tessa at Premier Classical for their assistance in this episode.

 

Like and follow on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Fei’s socials:

F : www.facebook.com/xuefeiyang T : www.twitter.com/XuefeiYang I : www.instagram.com/xuefeiyang_guitar

 

Tarrega’s Recuerdos de la Alhambra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBIhC0r2iJ8&feature=youtu.be

My guest this episode is Justine Cormack – a seriously accomplished violinist, creative performance coach and analogy enthusiast from New Zealand. We chat about her move from the city to the countryside, her Grand Designs featured house and her philosophy Listen Feel Play, which focuses on harnessing physical awareness in movement that we can bring to our music-making, by getting out of our heads and listening to, feeling and exploring what’s going on in our bodies instead.  Find out about her day of food and her plant-based milk of choice (why does this topic always come up with New Zealanders.)

 

This episode features a Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment involving masks (with a slightly off-the-cuff rant about suffering from Resting B*tch Face) during a rather peculiar summer.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

justinecormack.com

https://www.actual.ac/project/wanaka-wedge-house/

Animals at Play (not Science of Play, as wrongly mentioned in the chat): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00077gh/animals-at-play

Father and daughter unit Fred and Lily Scott are my guests for this episode.  We talk about Fred’s book “One Autumn Day” which covers his experiences of being diagnosed with osteosarcoma or bone cancer at 23, as well as his tale of recovery and survivorship, how having cancer affects your family and your perspective on life, and on a lighter note, our collective obsession with Homebase, Nigella Lawson and food.

This episode features quotes from the piano teaching community pertaining to teaching online, as well as my recent venture into livestreaming (eek!)

 

Get in touch at asitcomespodcast@gmail.com.  Like and follow the pod on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

www.oneautumnday.co.uk

 

Skeletal Cancer Trust: https://skeletalcancertrust.org/about/

 

Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

 

@__lilyscott and @fredscottmusic

Pianist Sarah Nicolls and cellist Maja Bugge spoke to me about raising awareness of the climate crisis via their show “Ballad of a Changing World.” Listen to how they collaborated during the pandemic and how they’re able to push the limits of their creativity with Sarah’s Inside-Out Piano and Maja’s enthusiasm for jazz and free improv. We also spoke about the unspoken art of good pizzicato, as well as well-rotted manure (stay with me…) This is not indicative of the quality of the chat, by the way!

 

Like what you hear? Buy the podcast a coffee! ko-fi.com/asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music/whats-on/2021/ballad-of-a-changing-world/

 

Maja’s socials:

Insta: @buggemaja

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cellomaja 

Website: www.majabugge.com

 

Sarah’s socials:

Twitter: @sarahpiano

Insta: @sarahpianolife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.nicolls.pianist

Website: www.sarahnicolls.com

 

KITTIWAKES: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kittiwake

Happy one-year Podcastiversary! My 25th episode features the wonderful soprano and coach Nadine Benjamin.  Listen as she shares her experiences and insights during the pandemic, finding space in breathing and how she found her voice as an opera singer (including how to be a last-minute Tosca).  She explains her role as a certified NLP mind and high performance coach and kindly provides some helpful tips for making choices and getting through this difficult time.

 

Music college didn’t prepare us for online music lessons, so we continue our theme of hilarious, relatable and terror-inducing quotes – this time, from the string-playing community.  Got a quote or experience you want to share on the podcast? Email me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Nadinebenjamin.com

Everybodycan.com

Nadine’s Facebook Live Sessions: facebook.com/NadinBenjamin

@nadinebenjaminsoprano

 

 

Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod for CATS and talking heads.

 

Remember to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts!

If you’re looking for something to put you through an emotional rollercoaster, just look at what you were doing in last year’s diary.

 

Violinist Jennifer Pike is my guest for this episode.  We shared a chat about reassessing life’s priorities in lockdown, our insights on The Lark Ascending, which she’s recently recorded, as well as the power of quiet playing and diversity in programming. Find out what she would be if she weren’t a musician, and also, because I’m in the room, cats.

 

This episode features a mammoth conglomerate of quotes from the music teachers suffering through online teaching during the pandemic, so listen out for that which is hilarious, relatable, and terror-inducing. More to feature in future episodes!

 

Want to get in touch? Email asitcomespodcast@gmail.com or visit the website: asitcomes.com

Like and follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Follow Jennifer Pike:

www.jenniferpike.com

@jenniferpikeviolin

Double bass legend Leon Bosch is my guest for this episode. We cover a huge breadth of topics; his journey from South Africa to playing with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, experiencing the essence of music, authenticity within a framework, the session business, and Leon’s passion for long-distance running.

 

Photography by Juno Snowdon. Art direction by Adam Hypki.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

leonbosch.com

imusicanti.co.uk

imusicantipublishing.co.uk

It’s Mental Health Awareness week, so this episode begins with a few thoughts about mental health.

 

My guest for episode 22 is Fiona Gibbs, a violinist, researcher, lecturer and founder of Orchestra Vitae.  This is the last of my chats recorded face-to-face back in March and we talked about setting up your own ensemble so that you get to play Brahms, how the death of a loved one can affect the way you go to concerts leading Fiona to come up with her initiative “Concert Chums”.  We also talk about our favourite bits of repertoire, as well as choosing what news to engage with, being cynical and what we can learn from Barry Manilow.

 

Don’t miss this week’s Music College Didn’t Prepare Me segment illustrating a musician working from home in a new job due to Coronavirus.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Facebook: @OrchestraVitae     

Instagram: @orchestravitae

Twitter: @OrchestraVitae  

Website: http://www.orchestravitae.co.uk/

Fiona’s website: https://www.musicpeopleplaces.com/

Don’t feel bad for being unproductive!

 

Australian/British conductor and lepidopterist Jessica Cottis is my guest for episode 21.  Listen to what a conductor does during lockdown, her personal story regarding physical injury, and what effective technique she DIDN’T learn in conducting school. Hear our discussion about the “buzz” of live performance, and the parallels between butterflies and music-making – you heard it here first!

 

Don’t miss this episode’s Music College Didn’t Prepare Me segment featuring food extraction from instruments.

 

Got something to share? Email me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com.  Like and follow the pod on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Photo credit: Kaupo Kikkas

Who would’ve thought that one could do some productive practice during lockdown?

Jessie Grimes is my guest for episode 20- she’s a musician who plays the clarinet, works with vulnerable and special needs people and is a presenter.  Listen to her chat about how life doesn’t always go the way you planned, making tough career choices, how she maintains her mental health throughout challenging projects, and what she thinks is “the most lesbian thing in the world”.

Music college didn’t prepare a whole lot of musicians for working in supermarkets during this difficult time – listen out for some topical anecdotes. Got something to share? Email me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

Huge thanks to James Bryant for helping me with the sound this episode.

 

Like and follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod for bonus content including cats, outdoor podcasting and poetry.

 

Follow Jessie (even though she doesn’t really use social media)

Twitter: @Jessie_Grimes

Instagram @jessiegrimes_clarinet

Violinist and cellist Rob and Verity Simmons from Estilo String Quartet are my guests this episode for my first ever remote (boozy) podcast recording. Listen to us chat about being festive despite lockdown, performing live by the seat of your pants via social media, imparting a bit of knowledge to one’s offspring from time to time (i.e. homeschooling), and WINE – things we’ve learnt from the “forest floor” from a qualified drinker.  Find out also what they can’t live without and miss during these restricted times.

This episode was brought to you after possibly the strangest birthday celebration of my life (albeit still rather pleasant). Don’t miss this episode’s Music College Didn’t Prepare Me segment, involving sight-reading, comedians, and karaoke (sounds like the title for a web series).

 

Like what you hear? Rate and review on Apple Podcasts, like and follow the podcast on facebook.com/asitcomespod or Instagram @asitcomespod.

 

Follow the Estilo String Quartet:

Facebook.com/estilostring4

Instagram: @estilostring4

Episode 18 is brought to you from lockdown restrictions – you know the drill.  My guest is Rocío Bolaños – a clarinettist, experimental and improvising musician who works with Distractfold Ensemble.  We chatted a couple weeks ago (it feels like a lifetime ago) about teaching instruments you don’t play, being in the moment while making music, what to say to haters of new music, as well as that time she had to perform as a lung and what she would play if she hadn’t chosen the clarinet.

Music college certainly didn’t prepare any of us for lockdown, so thanks to those who’ve shared with me what they’ve been up to recently, which seems to include a whole lot of online teaching.

What have you been doing in lockdown?  Let me know: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com or get in touch via Facebook or Instagram @asitcomespod – at least for the cat and silly video content.

Distractfold Ensemble: http://www.distractfold.co.uk/

Photo credit: Dimitri Djuric.

My 17th episode features a chat with an old uni friend: Kiwi violinist and avid consumer of icecream Amalia Hall, whom I caught up with while she was in London  Listen to us chat about collaborating with living composers, staying positive and well during travelling, her roles as a soloist, concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio, and adjusting to your teachers becoming your colleagues.

  This episode features a very topical "music college didn't prepare me segment" about health and hygiene. Want to feature in this segment?  Let me know: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com   Follow and like the podcast and Assistant Purr-ducer Romeo's latest antics on Facebook and Instagram: @asitcomespod   Rate and review on Apple Podcasts!   Follow Amalia on social media @amaliaviolin          

Hello to all you wonderful people from around the globe!

Kiwi pianist and coffee-drinker John-Paul Muir is my guest in this episode.  There is a lot of chat about food and coffee, as well JP’s recent travels, the challenges of teaching and playing in different styles, and his new album “The Cornerstone Suite”.

Our “Music College Didn’t Prepare Me” segment is dedicated to the fine art that is depping.  Got an experience music college didn’t prepare you for that you’d like to share or have discussed on the podcast?  Let me know: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com, Facebook or Instagram @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Facebook.com/jpmuirpianist

Johnpaulmuir.com

Ellie Consta from Her Ensemble joins me for Episode 51. We spoke about how working with pop musicians opened her eyes to the many gender imbalances in the classical music world. Realising the various injustices, she set up Her Ensemble, the UK’s first all-female and non-binary string orchestra to provide a safe space for marginalised genders and create a platform for female and non-binary composers overlooked throughout history. Tune in for chat about how showcasing your vulnerability and learning from your mistakes can promote further growth and progression, as well as Ellie’s pandemic pastime that slightly blew my mind.

You’ll also hear about my personal experiences about being interrupted, as well as some interesting facts about composer Germaine Tailleferre.

Like what you hear? Buy the podcast a coffee! ko-fi.com/asitcomespod

 

Photo credits: Noëmie Bottiau and Shane Benson

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Herensemble.org

Instagram: @herensemblemusic

Facebook and Twitter: @herensemble

 

https://www.wildcardbrewery.co.uk/

 

Germaine Tailleferre: https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199757824/obo-9780199757824-0275.xml

Welcome to the first episode of 2020! This has been brought to you following my worst January ever.  It never rains, but it pours!

 

Australian harpist Tara Minton is my guest in this episode, whose versatility is illustrated in her ability to play and sing in various styles.  We chatted about moving over to the cold of London from the heat of Melbourne, travelling with a harp, gig life, how grade 8 is just the beginning of your musical journey, and Tara's thoughts on harmony.  You'll also find out the best gig she's ever played in, and the best gigs she's ever seen.

 

This episode features a Music College Didn't Prepare Me transport disaster that occurred to me in - you guessed it: January.

 

Want to get in touch? Email me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com 

 

Like and follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Rate and review on Apple Podcasts, I'd be most grateful.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Twitter: @tara_minton

Instagram: @taraminton

Website: taraminton.com.au (oi oi oi)

Part deux of my conversation with Jingle Elms is here, including chat about writing music for computer games, geese, swan necks (things took a surreal turn), plus the wildcard question round.  Please excuse the nasal congestion on either side of the interview, as I wasn’t very well at the time of recording this.  Also featured is a Music College Didn’t Prepare Me segment all about travel.

 

Got an experience that music college didn’t prepare you for that you’d like to share? Tell me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com or via social media, and I may share it on the podcast, hopefully without a blocked nose.  Like and follow le podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Twitter: @danielelms

Instagram: @danielelmsmusic

www.danielelms.co.uk

Composer Daniel Elms is my guest this episode, and next episode, as we shared a lengthy chat in his flat in Hove.  We cover topics such as the wonders of various northern UK accents, dealing with composition briefs, anxiety in one's creative process, and how his debut album got signed, landing a UK-wide tour, and the logistics involved in making that happen.

 

This episode's music college didn't prepare me is about TAX because it seems no one knows anything about it until you're in the middle of a hefty tax return amongst a pile of receipts.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.newamrecords.com/albums/islandia

You know the times are trying when you sit in silence and have a wee cry. Fortunately, solace can be found in some maternal love.

 

This episode's guest is cellist Sophie Gledhill.  We chatted backstage at Snape Maltings about life as a freelancer, long-distance relationships, being emotional, animals, Disney, and Sophie's drive to use music to bring about social change - leading her to take part in the Global Leaders Program and a residency at the Banff Centre.

 

This episode features a Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment that illustrates music in motion for most people involved. Got a weird experience you'd like to share?  Tell me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Like and follow for bonus material and silly rain-soaked videos: @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

rippletank.org

Today’s episode is brought to you from a designated duvet day – necessary for recharging one’s batteries!

My guest is Mike Ladouceur – composer and orchestrator.  He’s recently released his album of original work “Between Worlds” – on vinyl no less! Find out why Mike chose to release his album via sound installation, what he has to do as a film score orchestrator, and what he’d be if he weren’t a musician.

This episode features a Music College Didn’t Prepare Me segment of bowel-shaking proportions.  Got an experience that music college didn’t prepare you for that you’d like to share?  Let me know: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Stay up to date with the pod: like and follow on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Mike’s album “Between Worlds”: https://phonicarecords.com/product/mike-ladouceur-between-worlds-lp-ml-records/163443

@mike_ladouceur

We're 10 episodes old! Happy days! This episode was brought to you amongst the chaos and logistics of organising chamber music rehearsals and concerts.

 

Episode 10's guest is Margaret Cookhorn, principal contrabassoon of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.  We chat about life as a bassoonist - how it can take years to get your dream instrument, how practice is like Olympic training or saving to buy a house and how to get ahead with your reed-making (clue: husbands). As well as being the first contrabassoon soloist at the BBC Proms, Margaret is also a fellow BBC Radio 3 Time Traveller, so we chat about writing and working in radio.

 

A comedy of errors involving mistaken genders, forgotten instruments, inclement weather and vehicular damage feature in this episode's Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment.

 

Got a rando experience to share that music college didn't prepare you for?  Let me know: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Like and follow the pod on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

www.margaretcookhorn.com

@queencontra

 

Musicians' Wellbeing online survey: tinyurl.com/musicianswellbeingsurvey

Musicians' Weekend episode 8- interview with Simone Willis (skip to 25'08"): https://musicianweekend.podbean.com/e/episode-8-feat-simone-willis-phd-researcher-in-musicians-stress-and-well-being/

This episode was largely produced on the road - in trains, Travelodges, green rooms, you name it.  Busy times - it explains my huskier-than-usual vocal register this episode.

 

My guest is David Mahoney, conductor and founder of the Novello Orchestra, which recently performed a UK arena tour of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Live in Concert.  We chatted backstage in a galaxy far, far away (Birmingham) about how he got to where he is now, what he has to deal with onstage while conducting a film score (turns out quite a bit), and the glamorous life of living on a tour bus.

 

Also featured is a titillating Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment of a salacious nature.  Got an experience music college didn't prep you for? Tell me: asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Mentioned in this episode:

@david_mahoney

@thenovelloorchestra

FYI Rugby results: NZ vs Canada 63-0

NZ vs Namibia 71-9

 

Like and follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod

Producing today's episode has been an exercise in time management.  How do you get everything done when you have a billion things on, and during the Rugby World Cup? #dilemma

 

My guest this episode is my old friend Lucy Anderson, from Wellington, New Zealand.  We chat about expat life here in the UK, the Kiwi attitude of tackling whatever may come your way, such as moving countries, language and accent comprehension, finding good coffee, and some of the challenges faced in Lucy's job as assistant company manager at English National Opera (evacuating Kelsey Grammer out of the Coliseum avoiding the paparazzi, anyone?)

 

Don't miss this episode's avian Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment.  Got an anecdote or funny story to share?  Email me at asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Like and follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram @asitcomespod (especially if you like cats and would like to see more of assistant purr-ducer Romeo)

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Ensemble Mini Berlin: http://minimahler.com/

ENO Discover Opera: https://www.eno.org/discover-opera/

Back to school! Which means back to the land of seemingly unfamiliar students, wacky comments from pupils and having to wake up early again...

 

My guest is pianist Elisabeth Streichert, the Artistic Director of the Phacelia Ensemble - a flexible ensemble which specialises in "Concertos in Miniature" arranged by Elisabeth herself as well as great staples of chamber music repertoire.  This conversation occurred in July 2019 during a heatwave, where we chatted about the unexpected delights of German beaches, how concertos are really just chamber music, convincing yourself that your project is a good idea, as well as Eli's struggle with and recovery from physical injury.  One to listen to if you have or know someone who's ever endured physical pain - who hasn't? 

 

Don't miss this episode's double-reeded Bridezilla Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment!

 

For bonus material such as videos and cats, please Like: facebook.com/asitcomespod Follow on Instagram: @asitcomespod 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.phacelia-ensemble.com/

facebook.com/phaceliaensemble

Instagram: @phacelia.ensemble

 

http://www.bapam.org.uk/

 

Germany tour dates:

28/09/2019 Klangmanufaktur Hamburg 8pm

29/09/2019 Konzertgut RitterGut Lucklum 5pm (broadcast date TBC on Deutschlandfunk Kultur)

04/10/2019 St Peter's church, St. Peter-Ording 8pm

Cellist spots fellow cellist at home train station - THAT SHE DOESN'T KNOW. Commence awkward staring.  What do you do, especially if you don't have your instrument, and can't illustrate your solidarity?

 

Nina Harries is my guest this week.  We chat about her life as a bassist and vocalist, her musical family, imposter syndrome, working with the Akram Khan company, and her upcoming album.  Also mentioned are muddy gigs, carting around double basses, and crying at nature, especially mountains.

 

Don't miss this week's Music College Didn't Prepare Me segment of photographic consequences.

 

Like and follow the podcast for bonus content such as myself playing instruments that I do not play: facebook.com/asitcomespod or Instagram @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Nina's website and socials: www.ninaharries.com @ninaharriesbass

13th September album launch: https://www.hoxtonhall.co.uk/event/nina-harries/

Album preorder: https://ninaharries.bandcamp.com/

 

 

 

Sonja Schebeck joins me for this milestone episode. She’s an Australian violinist based in Vienna, who is also a fire performer as well as the founder and artistic director of The Freestyle Orchestra – an ensemble that combine their skills as classical musicians with their curiosities in other performing art disciplines. Expect acrobatics, theatre, costume design, and much more! We spoke about artistic versatility, keeping your skills alive during lockdown, and Sonja’s recent commemoration of six years being sober.

 

Trigger warning: alcoholism, addiction, substance abuse, some explicit language.

 

Like what you hear? Buy the podcast a coffee: ko-fi.com/asitcomespod

 

Photo credit: Andrej Grilc.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

 

@sonja_schebeck_pyroviolinist

 

@freestyleorchestra

 

Russell Brand documentary “From Addiction to Recovery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2qjvjbjepQ

Having no work sometimes can be therapeutic! Enjoy it while you can!

 

My guest this episode is Uchenna Ngwe: oboist, cor anglais player and PhD candidate at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.  She's the founder of PlainSightSound and the Decus Ensemble which aims to uncover music by black British, African and Caribbean composers throughout history.  She shares her wisdom about applying for Arts Council Funding, which many people know is not a straight-forward affair.  We also chat about cello and oboe idiosyncrasies, clef dyslexia, Beethoven symphonies, and the best concerts we've ever been to.

TRIGGER WARNING: there is a short discussion regarding the word MOIST *shudders*

 

As always, don't miss the "music college didn't prepare me" segment.  Got an anecdote to share with me?  Tell me in preferably more than one word at asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

 

Like and follow the pod of F'book and I'gram @asitcomespod

 

Mentioned in this ep:

plainsightsound.com

decusensemble.com @decus_ensemble

August 27th concert: https://www.facebook.com/events/2375132209411154/

September 19th concert: https://www.facebook.com/events/1451906854934223/

Winifred Atwell: https://www.plainsightsound.com/the-lady-from-trinidad/

https://blogs.bl.uk/sound-and-vision/2019/07/the-other-piano-the-classical-side-of-winifred-atwell-.html

Climate change will be the downfall of working musicians.  How do you function as a musician when the elements seem to be battling against you?

This episode's guest is the legendary Kate Simko - DJ, film composer and founder of London Electronic Orchestra.  Listen as she chats about her fascinating musical path that led her to have foot in both the electronic and classical worlds.

Plus don't miss this episode's Music College Didn't Prepare me of lip-sync-worthy proportions.

Mentioned in this episode:

Kate's "20 Weeks" playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QeF9NRFoscRqdp3ofAxbM

"20 Weeks": http://20weeks-movie.com/

"We Believe in Dinosaurs": https://www.webelieveindinosaurs.net/

Kate's Website: www.katesimko.com

London Electronic Orchestra: www.katesimko.com/leo

Follow Kate: @kate_simko

Davina's BBC Radio 3 Time Travellers segments (70 mins in): 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00070r6 (Douglas Lilburn and the honey)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000767w (Rebecca Clarke)

Consuming avocados is a risk if you want to retain your thumbs.  Luckily, practising octaves can help.

Listen to part 2 of my conversation with cellist Madeleine Ridd - we chat about how she got back into her playing, and her cathartic talent that led to her success outside of music.

Plus, don't miss this episode's Music College Didn't Prepare Me!

Mentioned in this episode:

Millie's Brilliant Birthday Plan: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Millies-Brilliant-Birthday-Plan-Madeleine/dp/1910322679

Follow Maddy on twitter: https://twitter.com/maddyridd

Have you ever been hideously late to a gig? I have, regrettably.

This episode is part one of my chat with cellist Madeleine Ridd.  We spoke about food, chamber music, touring, teaching, and Maddy's personal insight into her struggle with mental health. 

This episode also features a hazy "music college didn't prepare me" experience out in the South Pacific nation of Tonga.

Had an experience music college didn't prepare you for? Tell me! asitcomespodcast@gmail.com

Like and follow on Facebook facebook.com/asitcomespod and Instagram @asitcomespod