Musical Roots – Details, episodes & analysis

If you've ever been interested in what goes on behind the stage of the classical music industry, this episode is for you! Lydia Connolly is Senior Director and Head of Inclusion & Access at leading management agency Harrison Parrott and in this episode, she shares how she got started in the industry, what her day-to-day life involves and the changing trends in the industry from programming to gender inclusivity. We also chat about her work as a Trustee of the HarrisonParrott Foundation and hear about her upbringing in a very musical household.

HarrisonParrott website: https://www.harrisonparrott.com/
Personal Blog article by Lydia: https://www.harrisonparrott.com/news/2023-04-14/lydia-connolly-my-relationship-with-music

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In this episode, learn all about the work of music charity Brass for Africa through a series of interviews that Matilda conducted during her trip to Uganda in February 2024! As an Ambassador for the charity, Matilda visited many of the different programs in and around Kampala, learning about how Brass for Africa provides Music and Life Skills education for around 2000 disadvantaged youths across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Find out more about Brass for Africa here: https://www.brassforafrica.org/

Follow Musical Roots on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast/

If you haven't heard of Through The Noise, you will want to go and be a part of one of their Noisenights after this conversation! This week we chat to co-founder Jack Bazalgette about the unusual concerts sweeping through the UK, bringing classical music to clubs and bars with crowdfunded events that have an informal, social element - think standing gigs, drinks and after parties. Jack tells us about the creative process and the work that goes on behind the scenes of the events, the importance of positivity in the classical music world, DJing and his fun hobbies outside music.

Find out about upcoming gigs at: https://www.throughthenoise.co.uk/

Meet David Taylor: the go-to innovator in the world of classical music marketing, publicity and branding! Named as one of Forbes' 30 under 30 Europe List in 2018, David is one of the leading entrepreneurs in his field: coaching and consulting with musical organisations and individuals alike. Keep listening to hear all of his secrets and top tips on topics such as personal branding, social media and the importance of technology.

David's Website: https://www.david-taylor.org/

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If you have ever experienced musical performance anxiety, otherwise known as nerves or stage fright, or know someone who has, this episode is essential listening for you! We chat to freelance cellist Bex Herman, whose debilitating performance anxiety caused her to take a 5-year hiatus from playing. During that time, she was compelled to research more into her anxiety and is now completing a PHD at the Royal College of Music, and has now successfully started performing again! Listen on to hear about Bex's journey and for a comprehensive chat about performance anxiety, from its causes, effects, and for tips on how to manage it and 'befriend' your anxiety!

More info about Bex: https://www.rcm.ac.uk/research/people/details/?id=HER17024389 

For our 10th episode, we are celebrating the Royal Philharmonic Society, who have generously sponsored this podcast with their Enterprise Fund and Harriet's Trust! Our guest this week is James Murphy, CEO of the RPS, who previously worked at the Royal College of Music, National Youth Orchestra (with Matilda!) and Southbank Sinfonia. We chat about his work at all of these different organisations, particularly delving deep into the future of classical music and how important young musicians are, and discussing topics such as how to present yourself onstage and tips for a career in music management. 

Find out more about the RPS: https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/

This week, Helen and I have a chatty catch-up about all the things we've been up to over the last month or so, from travelling and performing, to reading, writing, studying and more! Join us back here in 2 weeks time when the service will resume as normal, with our next guest on Musical Roots.

Our guest this week is the wonderful trumpeter, teacher and Director of the Junior Royal Academy of Music, John Hutchins. Having both studied with John, Helen and I delve deeper into his life from his musical beginnings to playing on the West End and everything in between. John is an incredible educator and this episode will be of special interest to teachers, as we chat about building confidence in pupils, learning how to practice and how to rest, and the importance of an individual approach.

Scottish multi-award-winning percussionist Calum Huggan is our guest on this week's episode! Having studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and in Mannheim with Jasmin Kohlberg, Calum is now an international soloist, workshop leader and teacher at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. In our chat with him, we discuss all this and more - including important topics such as gender identity in music, the recording process and interdisciplinary art projects, and some fun topics like concert dress and gardening!

Calum's Website: https://www.calumhuggan.com
Calum's Album on Delphian Records: https://www.delphianrecords.com/products/calum-huggan-american-music-for-marimba 

If you haven't heard of Kirsty Matheson, we are sure that you've seen her artwork on social media or CD covers! Kirsty took the classical music world by storm in the pandemic lockdowns, with her 100 Days challenge in which she painted 100 pieces of classical music as abstract art in 100 days . She is also a freelance double bassist, based in Glasgow,  and teacher. In this episode with Kirsty, we discuss both her musical and artistic lives, how she paints music as art and delve into the difficulties she has faced, including dyslexia and finding balance in her life. 

Kirsty's website: https://www.kirstymatheson.com