Explore every episode of the podcast Inside the Notes

Christina Smith, principal flute of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, shares incredible stories of her career in music. We discuss studying with Julius Baker, her vintage flutes, life in the Atlanta Symphony and how teaching recharges and energizes her.  Christina's passion for music and love of playing is inspiring and engaging!

In this episode, Grace Browning, principal harp of the Rochester Philharmonic, shares stories about her life as a harpist.  We discuss audition preparation, the history of harp pedagogy, the innovations of the modern harp, and how social media is making the harp cool.

In this episode, we are chatting with Weston Sprott, trombone with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Dean of the Preparatory Division of the Juilliard School. We chat about the unique journey that Weston took into the world of music, memorable performances, and the dreams he has for his role as Dean.

In this episode we are chatting with assistant professor of oboe at the Butler School of Music, Dr. Andrew Parker. He tells us stories of his journey as a young musician, choosing between piano and oboe, the experiences that helped him develop his confidence as a person and player, and learning to excel alongside performance anxiety. 

In this episode, conductor Daniel Hege, discusses the defining moments in his career.  From a last minute opportunity to conduct the Baltimore Symphony on tour, to studying with Daniel Lewis, his journey has been filled with twists and turns that highlight his joyous demeanor, courageous attitude, and preparation.  Enjoy these stories from the Music Director of the Wichita Symphony.

San Francisco Symphony Orchestra bassoonist, Rob Weir, chats with Inside the Notes about his career.  Touring Mahler symphonies with Michael Tilson Thomas, performing with the Saito Kinen Orchestra, and studying with Bernard Garfield are a few of the many important moments that shaped his life as a musician.  Here we discuss those experiences and hear the stories that shaped his life.

Jennifer Montone, principal horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra, chats with us about life in a principal chair. She discusses mental preparation, recovering from injuries, balancing the many facets of her life, and the concerts which made a lasting impact on her. You will find her energy and passion both uplifting and inspiring!

Conductor Christoph-Mathias Mueller talks passionately about reviving the works of Alexander Veprik, working closely with Claudio Abbado and Vladimir Ashkenazy, and his many experiences conducting throughout Europe.

Craig Mumm, associate principal viola of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, shares his favorite moments from his life in the opera pit.  From inspiring singers, to working with Carlos Kleiber, we hear some of the opera's most beautiful moments.  

In this episode, career coach Angela Beeching, discusses the importance of finding your true purpose in music.  As we grow our careers we must find a way to define exactly what our goals are, in order to reach them.  Hear stories about how her own experiences in music and higher education lead her to the path of helping others.  

Jason Haaheim, principal timpani of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, shares his journey from Nanotechnology to the Opera pit.  His deep understanding of Deliberate Practice changed the way he prepared for performances and auditions.  Hear stories of how this style of practice broke down barriers and prepared him for life at the MET.

Julie Landsman is a pioneer in the horn community. Her powerful tone, beautiful phrasing, and revolutionary pedagogy are just a few of her many strengths. In this episode we discuss her journey to the MET, the incredible impact her key mentors made, and her unwavering commitment to the music and her students.

Gregory Harrington sat down with Inside the Notes to discuss his unique niche in the music world. From his new recording of the Philip Glass Violin Concerto No 2, to playing anthems in NFL stadiums, and arranging jazz and popular music themes for performances, he has conquered new audiences and venues.

Pianist, Zoltán Fejérvári, winner of the 2017 Concours Musical International de Montréal, discusses nerves, programming, and the balance of work and life.

Violinist, Giora Schmidt is a dynamic performer and passionate educator.  In this episode, we discuss the important moments that solidified his commitment to music, his view on the magic of collaborating, and how teaching became a key aspect of his life and career.

Cello soloist and professor, Amit Peled, shares stories of his life in music.  From his early beginnings traveling to lessons, to the  unique scenario that brought him to Pablo Casals' cello, his journey is full of love, energy, and passion.  

Jessica Phillips, 2nd and Eb clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, speaks about her incredible journey to the MET.  We discuss the mental preparation for auditions, the rigorous schedule of an opera orchestra, and the incredible guidance she received on her journey!  

Pianist Jon Kimura Parker shares some of his most memorable stories from the stage.  Beginning with his first recording with Andre Previn, to performances in the great concert halls, Mr. Parker expresses his excitement and energy for collaborating with his fellow musicians.  

American Mezzo soprano, Jamie Barton, is taking the world by storm.  Her powerful voice, engaging personality, and humble attitude, are just a few of the reasons why she is loved by all who hear her.  In this episode, we talk about her career after competitions, working towards a balanced lifestyle, and her experiences from the stage.

Richard Stoltzman is a pioneer in the clarinet community as a soloist and chamber musician in both jazz and classical genres.  In this interview he tells incredible stories about Marlboro, Marcel Moyse, Messiaen, Takemitsu and his incredible experiences with musicians and composers throughout his life.

Legendary guitarist, Pepe Romero, sits down with Inside the Notes to talk about his life as a musician.  He tells us tales of studying with his father, his incredible experiences on and off the stage, and the true purpose in the study of music.  There is so much we can learn from this cherished musician.

Pianist and conductor, Benjamin Hochman's career has already included many once in a lifetime experiences.  He sits down with Inside the Notes to discuss the teachers who helped him on his journey, the importance of curiosity and exploring the music, and advice bestowed to him by the musical giants who proceeded him.

Kenneth Grant is principal clarinet of the Rochester Philharmonic and Professor of clarinet at the Eastman School of Music.  This episode includes countless stories about Marcellus, Hasty, Wright, and many other performers and teachers who shaped today's clarinet community.  

Kimberly Fisher is principal second violin of the Philadelphia Orchestra and artistic director of the Philadelphia International Music Festival and  Camp. In this episode, she talks to us about how she started her journey, and her experiences auditioning for the orchestra.  Her enthusiasm for playing and teaching is infectious, and I look forward to you hearing her stories!

Inside the Notes sat down to chat with cellist, Colin Carr. We discuss his early life studying at the Menuhin school, his career as a soloist and chamber musician, and his seemingly endless energy as he teaches in both the UK and New York.

Richard Roberts is the concertmaster of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the Bellingham Festival of Music.  Inside the Notes sat down to talk about his life as a young musician, how auditions have changed, and his experiences in the Montreal, Cleveland, and Minnesota Orchestras.

Inside the Notes sits down with soloist, curator, and composer, Joshua Roman.  His beautiful playing and huge personality captivate audiences around the globe.  Enjoy stories of his beginning, life as a soloist, and the origins of the great solo cello works.

Italian pianist, Roberto Plano's stories are captivating, just like his lyrical playing.  In this episode we discuss his journey as a young musician in Italy, winning the 2001 Cleveland International Piano Competition, and how he connects his students to the performers who influenced him.

Violinist Edwin Huizinga's career has taken him all over the world, performing in nearly every genre.  Listen to the incredible stories of how his network of musicians has grown, his exciting new projects, and how he has managed such a multifaceted career. 

Tenor, Ernesto Ramirez, sits down with Inside the Notes to recount his amazing journey from conservatory trained clarinetist, to tenor.  

Hollywood studio legend, Sheridon Stokes, tells us about his 50+ year career as a studio flute player.  He has played on countless films and his stories remind us of how much the studio industry has changed over the years.

Clive Greensmith is the cello and chamber music professor at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, CA.  He was also a member of the Tokyo String Quartet for 14 years.  In this interview you will enjoy stories from his childhood and his journey to the Tokyo String Quartet.  He is currently a champion of the newly recovered Pál Hermann cello concerto, and gives us great insight on special projects like this one.

British pianist, Philip Edward Fisher, sat down with Inside the notes to discuss his journey as a solo pianist and chamber musician.  He tells stories about working with John Corigliano and Maxim Shostakovich, and beautifully articulates the importance of intention in music.

Joe Robinson, retired principal oboe of the New York Philharmonic, has been a leader in the woodwind community for over 30 years.  His engaging storytelling will captivate you as he recalls his early music education, special moments in the New York Philharmonic, and a unique bond he had with Marcel Tabuteau.  

Inside the Notes visits with David Shifrin, on-site at Chamber Music NW.  David is a world class performer, teacher, and chamber music pioneer. In this episode we discuss his career, influential mentors, defining musical moments, and the important steps it took for him to reach his musical goals.

Inside the Notes sits down with Spanish guitar virtuoso, Pablo Sainz-Villegas.  Here we discuss exciting new projects,our connection to music, stories from his teachers and mentors, and his purpose as a musician in today's world.  

https://pablosainzvillegas.com

Berlin Philharmonic concertmaster, Noah Bendix-Balgley, joins us for a chat about life in Berlin, his journey to becoming a concertmaster, new projects, and thoughts on the role of musicians in today's world.

Michael Palmer, artistic director of the Bellingham Festival of Music, shares stories of his life and musical influence during his prolific career.  On the 25th anniversary of the festival, we look back at the festival's journey, as well as the mentors and artists who shaped Maestro Palmer's early musical studies.