Explore every episode of the podcast Talking Shop | Artist Talks

Native Hawaiian soprano Tasha Hokuao Koontz has been lauded by Parterre Box for possessing a “sumptuous, gleaming instrument in her hauntingly beautiful and provocative scene. Hearing her timbrally rich and even singing makes one hope that this soprano of promise can grow into a Verdian of distinction.” Broadway World describes her as lending her “accurate and powerful voice to a gallery of leading operatic ladies,” and Opera Wire praises her for her “secure, silvery high notes.”

Tasha Koontz is an artist garnering attention from coast to coast and internationally. Equally comfortable on the concert stage, she has performed as a soloist with a long list of symphonies and chamber orchestras. Tasha is the first native Hawaiian soprano to have sung at the Metropolitan Opera. In 2026, she debuted the role of Hana Hooper Ha’alilio in the world premiere of “The Sheltering Tree” with Hawai’i Opera Theatre.

Other recent debuts include the role of Berta in “The Barber of Seville” with San Diego Opera, “Fire Flowers,” a song cycle by Jordan Kuspa, and Tosca with the Opera Nacional de Chile.

IN THIS EPISODE

■ The joy of premiering a role with the opera company of one’s native land

■ Tasha’s decision to move back home to San Diego

■ Changes that are happening with Opera in the United States

■ Understanding what your body needs that day... Tasha’s incredible definition of technique

■ Being malleable enough in your thinking that you can let your body do its job

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LEARN MORE ABOUT TASHA

Website:

IG: @tashakoontzsoprano

𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you’re listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops:

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments:

■ Know someone who’d love this conversation? Share it with them!

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🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater from The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

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🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

James Taylor is an internationally celebrated performer, recitalist, and vocal coach. He has sung title roles in classically beloved operas and operettas both as a baritone and a tenor. He was a winner of the Metropolitan Opera District Auditions for Connecticut and Alabama and was a finalist in the Dutch International Vocal Competition, the International Belvedere/Hans Gabor Competition. He has performed on numerous opera stages including New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, and other prominent stages across the globe. In 2021, he founded the only opera company based in Richmond, VA, Commonwealth Concert Opera which is now Opera Richmond.

In this episode we cover:

* The finer points of vocal fachs, otherwise known as vocal classification

* Finding the elasticity needed to navigate a singer’s entire vocal range

* The difference between a singer and instrumentalists

* Using your ear as the path to music theory

* How hearing theory while you sing helps your acting

* Why James founded Opera Richmond and his vision for the future

________

Learn more about James!

* Website: Vocal Coach in Richmond, Virginia | James Taylor Studios

* Home | Opera Richmond

* IG @jamestaylorstudios @operarichmondva

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Noa Kageyama is a performance psychologist and faculty member at The Juilliard School and the Cleveland Institute of Music. After beginning violin at age 2, Noa experienced a two-decade struggle with performance anxiety, inconsistent results, and difficulty translating practice success to live performance. A performance enhancement class taught by sport psychologist Don Greene at the Juilliard School was a turning point. This introduced the idea that elite performers train both physically and mentally and that skill acquisition and performance require different practice approaches. From this realization, Bulletproof Musician was born.

In this episode we cover:

* What is a performance psychologist, exactly?

* Finding one’s own path, either as a performer or in another side of music

* The specific aspects of performance enhancement that drew Noa to performance psychology

* Practicing efficiently, and actually motivating oneself to practice!

* The inspiration for creating Bulletproof Musician

* Remembering how things felt when he knew he could play consistently at his best level and ability and wanting more people to have that experience

________

Learn more about Noa & The Bulletproof Musician:

* Website: Bulletproof Musician | The Science (and Art) of Peak Performance

* IG: @bulletproofmusician

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

________

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

________

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Pianist Ingrid Keller is a recitalist, collaborative pianist, educator, and Founding Artistic Director of The Belvedere Series, a chamber music series in Richmond, VA. Her performances have been praised as “a revelation in musical excellence” (Oakwood Register) and “an unforgettable experience” (Berkshire Gazette).

She has appeared in prominent venues across the U.S., including the Kennedy Center, Boston’s Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall, the Banff Centre, and Tanglewood, as well as internationally.

Ingrid formerly was repetiteur and rehearsal pianist for the Richmond Symphony Chorus. Her vast knowledge of instrumenta, vocal, and operatic repertoire has led to stage appearances with celebrated artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Leonidas Kavakos, and Joe Bergstaller. She has also performed with major symphonies across the country.

In this episode we cover:

* Ingrid’s pivotal moment in middle school at the New England Conservatory of Music

* The difference a teacher who believes in you can make in your life

* The singular experience of studying with Manahem Pressler

* “Nothing can prepare you for no longer being in school” ...and meeting Erin Freeman

* The early days of The Belvedere Series

* Richmond’s first chamber music festival

_________

Learn more about Ingrid and The Belvedere Series:

* Website: The Belvedere Series

* IG: @thebelvedereseries

* Facebook: The Belvedere Series

---------- Watch this episode on YouTube ----------𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you’re listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who’d love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Susan Roemer is the founder of S-Curve Apparel & Design and TangentFit. She danced professionally for 15 years with five ballet companies, including nine years with Smuin Ballet. She began designing in 2012 while still dancing. She retired from dancing in 2016. Susan is now a northern California-based costume designer specializing in creative collaboration for dance and film under her own label. She designs costumes for major ballet companies across the globe. She received an Isadora Duncan Award for Visual Design in 2017 of Amy Seiwert’s “Wandering.” Her experience with dance informs her design perspective, blending fashion with the unique demands of dressing artists for stage.

In this episode we cover:

* A dance career born from a small, community studio

* Making the switch to another form of storytelling, costume design

* The nitty-gritty of the design process

* Digging into the costume designs for Val Caniparoli’s “Goat Rodeo,” (premiered on the dancers of Richmond Ballet for Moving Art Three, March 2026)

* Expanding costume design skills to scenic design

* Tangentfit!

Learn more about Susan:

Website: www.s-curveapparel.com

IG: @scurveapparel

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Kalena Bovell is a Panamanian-American conductor, poet, and advocate who has been hailed as “one of the brightest stars in classical music.” In 2023, she became the first Black woman to conduct an opera in Canada, leading the world premiere of the reimagining of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha. With an extensive list of awards including the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Bovell is a pioneer who has carved out an illustrious career that weaves her own poetry, her passion for education, and a keen focus on building community through music.

In this episode we cover:

* “Conducting means opportunity”

* The beauty of ‘starting late’ on an artistic journey

* The lonely aspect of being a conductor (and as an artist, in general)

* The role(s) of a conductor

* Bovell’s conducting process

* The magic of having one’s own poetry set to music by a renowned composer

Learn more about Kalena:

* Website: kalenabovell.com

* IG: @silvursmiles

* Facebook: Kalena Bovell

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater from The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Natasha Adorlee is an Emmy Award winning choreographer, filmmaker, composer, and creative leader based in San Francisco. Working primarily in contemporary ballet, her practice exists at the intersection of movement, light, and cinematic space, integrating influences from street dance, film language, music, and technology to create emotionally rigorous and visually architectural works for the stage and screen. Her work is defined not only by choreography, but also by the total environments she constructs, where pacing, atmosphere, and embodiment shape how audiences feel time, tension, and release. A first generation Asian American woman, Natasha’s work is deeply informed by questions of inheritance, memory, displacement, and endurance.

In this episode we cover:

* “The art chooses you!”

* The colors Natasha feels when composing music

* Putting together the right team to support creativity

* Movement as a language that is spoken fluently

* The “beautiful conundrum” of growth as an artist

_______

Learn more about Natasha:

Website: natashaadorlee.com

IG: @natashaadorlee

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Christian Restrepo is a Colombian pianist, composer, producer, and educator. His music looks for intriguing combinations between South American rhythms, contemporary techniques, and the enchantment of the romantic era. He has received numerous international awards in composition and piano performance and he is committed to the discovery of new pedagogical paths to approach music.

In this episode we cover:

* Christian’s eclectic journey to a life of music

* Finding one’s calling at age 7

* A different viewpoint on improvisation and why we should all experiment

* The ‘push’ to do something else that led to composition

* The joy of playing one’s own music

* An endless and glorious journey of curiosity

______

Learn more about Christian!

Website: christianrestrepo.com

IG: @chrestrepmusic

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Erin Freeman is a versatile and accomplished conductor currently serving as the Artistic Director of the City Choir of Washington and Wintergreen Music, Director of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, and Principal Conductor of the Richmond Ballet. She is recognized for her dynamic leadership in the choral and orchestral music scene. Her guest conducting engagements span a variety of esteemed orchestras and venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Sala São Paulo, and the Musikverein in Vienna.

In this episode we cover:

* “Conducting is communication through gesture.”

* The impact of the ballet world on Erin’s vision of artistic leadership

* “Even the orchestra needs to breathe...”

* The way a dancer moves is in a breath

* Handling “wild cards” is part of the business

________

Learn more about Erin!

🌐 Website: erinrfreeman.com

📸 Instagram: @erinfreeman1

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinFreemanConductor

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater from The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Lauded by Limelight Magazine for his “Life-affirming music making,” and the Tasmanian Mercury for exhibiting “Spectacular brilliance, charisma and sensitivity,” Lloyd Van’t Hoff is an Australian clarinetist, director, educator, recording artist and founding member of Arcadia Winds. The Age proclaims him “a technical and expressive master of his instrument.” He is a founding member of the award-winning Australian wind quintet, Arcadia Winds. In 2015, the ensemble was announced as Musica Viva Australia’s inaugural FutureMakers. He recently released an album with pianist Lisa Moore – together they form the Crux Duo – titled, “My Place.”

In this episode we cover:

* How to manage the confidence-building nature of applause and awards

* The “nerdy” side of being a musician

* Are your feelings about how you played during a performance a true barometer?

* “Pinch yourself” moments...the connection between artist and audience

* The magnitude of clarinet styles and history

Learn more about Lloyd!

🌐 lloydvanthoff.ccm

📸 Instagram: @lloydvanthoff

👍 Facebook: Lloyd Van’t Hoff

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Denis Petrunin is acting principal timpanist with the Charlotte Symphony. Denis made his performance debut at the age of 10 at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. He is frequently invited to teach masterclasses around the world and has been serving on various prestigious jury panels. He served as a faculty member for the Curtis Institute of Music’s Mentor Network online learning program.

Denis is the other half of the ViMaDeAn Duo. His wife, Anastasia Petrunina, was an earlier guest on our series. Their concert duo performs all across the US, Europe, and Asia, bringing greater awareness of repertoire for violin and percussion, commissioning new works, and offering education for all ages.

In this episode we cover:

* The special aspects of timpani and cymbals

* Differences and similarities of timpani and percussion in an orchestra

* The pivotal role of timpani and percussion in an orchestra

* Intonation is a thing...who knew?

* The critical elements of collaboration

_______

Learn more about Denis!

Augusta University

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denis.petrunin

Instagram: @vimadean_duo

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

David Lai is a phenomenal blind pianist and teacher, renowned not only for his technical mastery and lyrical musicality, but also for his resilience and innovative learning process. He is a doctoral candidate at Indiana University and continues to perform nationally, serving as an inspiration to musicians and music lovers alike.

He has won numerous awards and competitions, has been dubbed a “miracle musician-pianist,” and was featured as Performance Today’s Young Artist in Residence, as well as a guest on Fred Child’s nationally broadcast radio show. His depth of musical knowledge spans both classical works and Broadway musicals. His presence onstage is palpable, and audiences are spellbound by his performances.

In this episode we cover:

* David’s “playground of sound”

* A practical roadmap for mastering memorization so that it never leaves you

* What made David fall in love with teaching

* Understanding what audiences need from you

_________

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidlai1996

My Facebook friends page: https://www.facebook.com/david.davidlai/

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Highly acclaimed cellist Kenneth Law is a performer, a teacher, and an author. He is a member of the Main Street Chamber Players, the Davenport Chamber Players, the Cirrus Ensemble, and the Colour of Music Festival. He has performed all over the world, collaborating with ensembles and orchestras in addition to solo performances.

He has received numerous awards, including the NAACP Image Award as a member of the Ritz Chamber Players, and was also a chamber music fellow at the Juilliard School. His students have secured acceptances at prestigious music schools including Peabody and Oberlin Conservatories, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Indiana University, among others.

In this episode we cover:

* The multifaceted ways music enables communication...Kenneth’s personal take on expression through his art and what that expression offers him as an artist

* Preparation for different types of performance - solo, orchestral, chamber, recording

* Adapting to different chamber groups’ ethos

* A beautifully unique aspect of Kenneth’s website

* The importance of being a supportive teacher...three ways Kenneth approaches his teaching

______

Website: kennethlawcello.comIG: @kenlawcello

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Jordan Kuspa’s music has been praised in the New York Times as “animated and melodically opulent” and “consistently alive and inspired.” His works juxtapose a bristling rhythmic drive with expansive textures and sinuously interwoven counterpoint.

Kuspa is the Founding Director of the Del Mar International Composers Symposium, which presents a week-long new music festival to encourage the sharing of new musical ideas between composers, performers, and the community in Del Mar. His prestigious accomplishments are prolific, all of which can be found on his website and YouTube channel.

This episode is chock full of impactful aspects of great composing.

In this episode we cover:

* The advantages of having people play your music early on

* The special relationship between a composer and the performers who play their music

* The challenge of formal structure and the aspect that leads to mastery

* “Form is the flow of ideas through time”

* The third leg - performer to the audience

* How the audience makes sense of the piece

______

Learn more about Jordan!

Website: Jordankuspa.net

IG: @jordankuspa

YouTube: Jordan Kuspa

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Watch this episode on YouTube

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Martha Eason is a lyric coloratura soprano known for her strong stage presence and her ability to convey deep emotion through her singing. After representing the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in a performance at the Kennedy Center, she was awarded the Georgina Joshi International Fellowship, which helped launch her now-thriving career in Germany. She has performed a wide range of roles in prestigious opera houses and is currently an ensemble member at the Badisches Staatstheater in Karlsruhe. This season, she made her debut in Daegu, South Korea, as Violetta in La Traviata.

In this episode we cover:

* Martha’s inspiration from Beverly Sills at age 13

* The challenge of funding an education, and whether formal education is necessary for an opera career, or if other paths can also work

* Six topics from Martha’s 2025 year-end Substack article that encapsulate what artists are facing today

* Staying true to yourself as an artist

* Where is the line between collaboration and people-pleasing, or serving other people’s expectations?

* The role of acting in opera singing

Learn more about Martha!

* Website: marthaeason.com

* Instagram: @marthaeasonsoprano

* Substack: Rehearsal Note

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Lauded by the Washington Post as a “marvelous violinist,” Domenic Salerni is also a composer, and arranger as well as a member of the two-time Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet. Attacca has been featured in the work of Billie Eilish, Alfonso Cuarón, Caroline Shaw, Ken Burns, and also playing the music of Finneas in Apple TV +’s ‘Disclaimer.’ Dom’s work with Attacca extends to arranging ‘60s Civil Rights Era protest songs for the Palava Strings album “a change is gonna come,” his “Seven Meditations,’ a work commissioned by the Belvedere Series chamber music series in Richmond, VA and “Trilobites: A Musical Excavation,” a commission made possible by the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival and much more.

In this episode we cover:

* The amazing early life experiences, his environment, timing, and putting on concerts influenced Domenic’s artistic trajectory

* The difference in arranging and transcribing

* “What is improvisation but composition in real time?”

* A definition of “classical music” and breaking down boundaries

* What it’s like to win a Grammy Award

* Navigating the changing definitions of genres and choices audiences are making

___________

Website: www.domenicsalerni.com

IG: @domenic_salerni

Attacca IG: @attaccaquartet

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Katya Kramer-Lapin is a dynamic and versatile musician, captivating audiences as a pianist, recording artist, and educator. Since her debut solo album, "Luminesence," Katya has established a strong presence in the classical music world. Notably, her recent interpretation of Tchaikovsky's "Children's Album" has garnered critical acclaim. Katya is the top selling pianist on Oclassica Records. Her concert appearances include prestigious venues worldwide - UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., and major concert halls in Taiwan, Europe, and the United States. She teaches in person as well as in remote educational projects. Her collaborative spirit extends to chamber music performances with renowned artists and her contributions to the National Public Radio.

In this episode we cover:

* Finding inspiration in the world around her

* “Music is a language of emotions.”

* The art of creating transcriptions

* Transcription as a genre that makes music more accessible

* How sight reading and research help her learn music so quickly

_________

Oclassica artist’s page: https://oclassica.com/artists/katya-kramer-lapin

IG: @pianowithin

FB: Katya Kramer

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Joshua Peugh is an internationally acclaimed choreographer. He is the founder and former Artistic Director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and co-founder of Fair Assembly (an ensemble theatre company). He has created work for festivals in Asia, Europe, and North America, winning awards for his choreography in South Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA. He was the recipient of the Grand Prize at the McCallum Theatre’s 18th Annual Choreography Festival, and Dance Magazine chose him as one of their “25 to Watch.”

Joshua served as choreographer for legendary soprano Kathleen Battle’s concert Underground Railroad - A Spiritual Journey and was the 2018 recipient of the Natalie Skelton Award for Artistic Excellence. He has a long list of commissions including over 60 works for Amy Siewert’s Imagery, BalletX, Ballet Memphis, St. Louis Dance Theatre, BODYTRAFFIC, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, Boston Dance Theatre, and at least 18 others including our own Richmond Ballet.

In this episode we cover:

* Why dance is a way of being

* Pushing back against media archetypes through dance

* Re-imagining who you are...how authentic identity can emerge from

living in another culture

* Movement is the most innate form of communication/dance is a human ritual

* Making dance more accessible by re-imagining familiar narratives

__________

Website: www.joshualpeugh.com

IG: @joshualpeugh

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Sarah Moulton Faux is a prominent opera singer and a masterful art song interpreter. Opera News has lauded her for her “full, silvery soprano,” the Brooklyn Spectator has described her performances as “mesmerizing,” and the New York Classical Review has praised her “pure intonation and excellent articulation.” Her performances span opera’s most famous heroines to contemporary works. She is an Opera America National Trustee Recognition Award Winner for her work as Co-President of the Board of American Opera Projects, a non-profit organization at the forefront of developing new works and supporting contemporary composers. She has unearthed previously overlooked works of artists including Marianna Martines, Lola Williams, and most recently, Julia Weissberg Rimsky-Korsakov.

In this episode we cover:

* How Sarah’s personal perspective about being an opera singer has changed over time

* Her unique first experience with opera

* Her process of coming to art song from the world of opera

* How Sarah prepares for a role, particularly her favorite role, Violetta

* What sparked her interest in overlooked composers, especially women composers

* The different ways she approached her research for each of her albums

____________

Website: https://sarahmoultonfaux.com

IG: @sarahmoultonfaux

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Watch this episode on YouTube

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Konstantin Soukhovetski is a pianist and a composer, an original, creative force among pianists of his generation. He concertizes in the US, Africa, Asia, and Europe, gaining audiences’ tributes and critics’ accolades. He is the recipient of 17 awards and the winner of top prizes at the Cleveland, Naumberg, and UNISA competitions. The NY Times praised his debut at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall as “Romanticism so intense it warms up Phillip Glass.” Konstantin recently made an album titled, “Yulia” with Sarah Moulton Faux of the art songs composed by Julia Weissberg Rimsy-Korsakov. The album is currently available on all streaming platforms.

In this episode we cover:

* Konstantin’s fascinating beginning as a composer at age 5

* The prescience he had at such an early age and his fortitude in

staying true to himself

* The science behind audience engagement

* The evolution of Narrative Musicianship

* The role of method acting in performance and narrative musicianship

* The many facets of an artist’s life and how they come together in unique ways

___________________

Website: www.konstantinthepianist.com

IG: @konstantinstar

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Katarzyna (Kate) Skarpetowska began dancing at age 13 in her native city of Warsaw, Poland. By age 15, she made her Broadway debut at the Minskoff Theatre in METRO, a Polish musical directed and choreographed by Janusz Józefowicz, with music by Janusz Stokłosa. She is a graduate of the NYC High School of Performing Arts and The Juilliard School. After a long performing career as a principal dancer with Parsons Dance and The Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Kate currently works as a freelance choreographer and serves as the Lubovitch Dance Foundation’s répétiteur, staging works by Lar Lubovitch and choreographing her own ballets on prestigious companies across the globe including our own dancers at Richmond Ballet. For her choreographic achievements, Kate was named Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” and was nominated for a NY Dance and Performance Award, The Bessie. She is also an educator, lecturing in contemporary techniques, improvisation, choreography, and repertory at the University of California at Irvine.

In this episode we cover:

* Fascinating detail of the work of a répétiteur

* Contrasting the discovery aspects in choreography and in being a répétiteur

* The “brilliant accidents” that happen while choreographing

* The “strokes of paint” in the work of Lar Lubovitch

* What Kate loves about collaboration

______________

Kate’s website: www.skarpetowska.com

IG: @skarpetowska

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Anastasia Petrunina is a visiting assistant professor of violin at Furman University. She is also concertmaster for the Augusta Symphony and a passionate proponent of contemporary music. She co-founded a unique performance duo with her husband Denis. Together, they form the ViMaDeAn Duo (Violin, Marimba, Denis, Anastasia) and they are in the process of recording an album featuring compositions they have commissioned about the environment. Anastasia presents thought-provoking perspectives on mind-body health as well as managing performance anxiety.

In this episode we cover:

1. The “voice” of the violin

2. How a childhood experience with percussion circled back to become an integral component of her career as a violinist

3. The importance of mind-body health for musicians...

4. The “truth” of being on stage

5. Is “just go perform more” really the answer to managing performance anxiety?

___________

Website: Anastasia Petrunina | Furman University

IG handle: @anastasia.petrunina

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Maria Cecilia Baumegger is an Austrian-Brasilian soprano and actor. She has degrees in both drama and vocal performance and she is known for her dynamic stage presence and captivating singing-acting capabilities.

In this conversation we talk about:

1. The connection between acting, singing opera, and the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk

2. To be pretty is not enough, yet they tell us that it is

3. Giving an “honest” performance: the role of method acting in creating art

4. Is opera really a dying genre?

5. What to look for in a vocal teacher or coach

___________

Learn more about Maria Cecilia:

* mariaceciliabaumegger.com

* Instagram: @mceciliabaumegger

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Damien Geter is an acclaimed American composer experiencing a meteoric rise. His works include chamber, vocal, orchestral, and full operatic works. He is an opera singer himself, the recently appointed music director of the Portland Opera, and his credits include TV and musical theatre as well as the opera stage. Damien is also composer-in-residence at the Richmond Symphony. He was recently recognized by the Library of Virginia with its honorary Patron of Letters degree, received the 2025 Strong Men and Women award, and selected as a 2025 Bravo! honoree by the Chesterfield Educational Foundation.

In this episode we talk about:

* The broad spectrum of Damien’s compositions

* The point of opera

* Serving the art, touching the audience

* Damien’s philosophy when he is making art; using his artistic voice as a call to action

* See the link below to Damien’s fabulous podcast, ARTillery

____________________

Learn more about Damien:

damiengetermusic.com

ARTillery Podcast — Damien Geter Music

IG: @dgeter

FB: Damien Geter

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Joe Jaxson is a conspicuously rising composer. His music melds a variety of styles that challenge the expectations of audiences, engaging them with delightful and thought-provoking surprises. Jaxson grew up with influences of smooth jazz, R&B, and soul on his father’s side and with Christian gospel and classical music on his mother’s side. This eclectic set of influences gave birth to Jaxson’s philosophy as stated on his LinkedIn page, “To bridge communities together the same way my music bridges styles together.”

In this convo we talk about:

1. The giddiness and joy of composing

2. How COVID inspired Joe’s incredible piece, “Persevering”

3. The influences of smooth jazz, R&B, soul, gospel, and classical music on Joe’s career

4. Instruments as ‘characters’

Learn more about Joe:

* joejaxsonmusic.com

* Instagram

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Emily Monroe is a section violinist with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, a chamber player having performed with the Central Music Society of Central Virginia, the Washington National Cathedral, and baroque chamber group Three Notch’d Road. She recently became artistic director of the Richmond Chamber Players.

In this conversation we discuss:

* Realizing in middle school that a career is within reach

* Audition advice for symphony player aspirants

* The value of recording oneself

* The re-launch of the Richmond Chamber Players and her vision as artistic director

Learn more about Emily:

https://www.rvaviolinist.com/

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Born in South Africa, Andi Schermoly is resident choreographer at Louisville Ballet and an internationally sought-after freelance artist. She has created and staged works for ballet companies across the globe and has reimagined numerous familiar ballets in innovative ways as well as creating impactful new works. Her work spans commercial and film as well as a robust roster of ballet companies.

In this conversation we talk about:

* The gift of time and the freedom to experiment

* Innovative new perspectives on classics such as Carmen and The Rite of Spring

* A new perspective on working with musicians

* How growing up in a family of artists spanning generations nourished Andi’s creative spirit

* The life-changing impact of acting on the artistic creative process

Learn more about Andi:

* IG: @andi_schermoly

* FB: Andi Giselle Schermoly

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Mark Thress is a renowned musician, vocalist, and vocal coach whose expertise spans classical and commercial music. He was recenty hailed by the Nashville Voyager as a “Rising Star in Nashville.” Soundbetter.com describes Mark’s warm natural sound as one that “moves audiences to tears, blending warmth, power, and agility with a rich lower register that extends seamlessly into a soaring tenor range.”

In this discussion we talk about:

1. The level where different genres balance themselves out

2. Drawing from different genres to create your own thing

3. The foundational family influence that led Mark to singing opera

4. An insightful look into managing performance anxiety

5. Two amazing programs for singers Mark has created

________________________________

Learn more about Mark:

* markthress.com

* Instagram: @markthress

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Val Caniparoli’s versatility has made him one of the most sought-after American choreographers internationally. He has been most closely associated with San Francisco Ballet, his artistic home for over 50 years, and has the distinction of being a full-time continuous dancer with San Francisco Ballet from 1973-2023. However, he has also contributed to the repertoires of more than 60 companies! Born in Renton, Washington, Val chose a professional dance career after studying music and theatre at Washington State University.

In this discussion we talk about:

1. The many facets of Val Caniparoli

2. Trends in modern choreography and reimaginings of classic story ballets

3. The glorious heritage and impact of iconic theaters

4. The question neither Val nor I can fathom

Learn more about Val:

* valcaniparoli.com

* Instagram: @valcaniparoli

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Texu Kim is a Korean-American composer who transforms unconventional sources - ranging from every day encounters to overlooked human stories - into sophisticated, culturally grounded works infused with clarity, wit, and nuance. I met Texu at the Del Mar International Composers Symposium in 2024. His unique approach to composing is fascinating! His works are performed by orchestras and ensembles across the globe and you can listen to them on his website and on all streaming services. Take a listen to get to glean wonderful insights into this amazing artist’s work and process.

In this conversation we discuss:

* The “Lego blocks” of composition

* Theory as the gateway to musical magic

* Exciting projects coming up!

Learn more about Texu:

* texukim.com

* Instagram: @texu_kim

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----------

Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes!

Be sure to sign up for my free Substack to get access to exclusive episodes of Talking Shop only available to subscribers and to get notified when a new episode goes live! http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

Laurens Patzlaff (Professor of Piano Improvisation at the University of Music, Freiburg, Germany) is the only professor of piano improvisation I know of. His unique focus engages audiences around the world on a different level and expands people’s conceptions of what classical music is and also what it can be. His innate gift for improvisation provides insights into the future of classical music and a unique lens into the adventures that freedom of artist expression can offer.

In this conversation we discuss:

Improvisation as a transformational force in classical music

The adventures improvisation offers as a tool for managing performance anxiety

The resurgence of interest in classical music by young people and the role improvisation is playing in that renewed interest

Learn more about Laurens:

www.mh-freiburg.de

https://laurenspatzlaff.com/biographie

Email: L.Patzlaffmh-freiburg.de

Instagram: @laurens_patzlaff

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

🫶 Talking Shop is branded, edited, and produced by Tiffany Valvo.

Recognized by the San Diego Tribune for her “luscious tone” and by Opera Wire for her “secure silvery high notes,” Tasha Koontz is an artist garnering attention from coast to coast and internationally.

In this conversation we talk about:

* An exciting upcoming project!

* What was literally behind that backward fall in Tosca???

* Being fully human as an opera singer

Learn more about Tasha:

* https://www.tashakoontz.com/

* Instagram: @tashakoontzsoprano

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𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰:

■ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you're listening so new episodes land right in your feed.

■ Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes! Sign up for my free Substack to access subscriber-only episodes and get notified the moment a new one drops: http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

■ Loved this episode? A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts helps so much more than you know — it only takes a minute!

■ Follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: instagram.com/lisaruthmusic

■ Know someone who'd love this conversation? Share it with them!

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜?!

It’s from my debut album, Whitewater - The Whitewater Suite, III. Essence

Take a listen on Spotify or Apple Music

Talking Shop is edited, branded, and produced by Tiffany Valvo: https://tiffanyvalvo.com

Welcome to the trailer for Talking Shop — the official podcast version!

I started Talking Shop to talk to artists I admire about how they’re making their unique way in the world. After 31 episodes, it is clear that the learning from these folks will never stop!

Talking Shop episodes include conversations with concert artists, choreographers, composers, artistic directors, costume designers, and the list will continue to go on, I’m sure.

On Sept 8, three big things are happening:

* All 31 episodes previously available only on YouTube and my website will be available anywhere you stream podcasts!

* The official podcast will begin with a series of reunions with the first 6 guests on Talking Shop… so excited to hear from these familiar voices.

* The first Talking Shop Insiders episode with Valentina Peleggi, conductor extraordinaire, will go live if you subscribe to my free Substack! http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

----------

Get exclusive Talking Shop Insider Episodes!

Be sure to sign up for my free Substack to get access to exclusive episodes of Talking Shop only available to subscribers and to get notified when a new episode goes live! http://lisaruthmusic.substack.com/subscribe

________________________________

Background music to this trailer is me playing “Wanderings” from my album White Water! Take a listen on Spotify.