The Musician Centric Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Musician Centric Podcast

Liz and Stephanie

Music

Business

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/26d. Total Eps: 74

Two professional violists, Liz O'Hara and Stephanie Knutsen, explore diverse perspectives in the music field through conversations together and with friends. Whether gaining fresh insights from industry innovators or laughing their way through a show like Mozart in the Jungle, Liz and Steph hope to inspire musicians, particularly freelancers, to feel a sense of agency in their lives.

**Note: This podcast was formerly titled the ViolaCentric podcast**

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https://patreon.com/violacentric
74 shares
http://www.patreon.com/violacentric
39 shares

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RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 57%

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When Improv Sparks Joy: with Cellist Mike Block

Monday, January 26, 2026 • Duration 01:00:46

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Start the year with a jolt of creative permission! We sit down with Grammy-winning cellist Mike Block to trace the real path from conservatory discipline to cross-cultural collaboration. Mike opens up about the moment improvisation unlocked joy, how Silk Road Ensemble and Mark O’Connor reframed his identity, and why adding genres isn’t about collecting tricks—it’s about finding communities, languages, and listeners who expand what your instrument can do.

We dig into the rapid rise of multi-genre string playing at conservatories and beyond, and what that means for technique, career design, and confidence. Mike shares how his string camp turns stand-bound readers into agile collaborators by removing sheet music, mixing levels, and setting real performance stakes. We explore early music education with fresh eyes: Suzuki’s strengths, where ear-first creativity can fit, and why a global repertoire helps kids hear themselves in the music sooner. The line that sticks: classical training doesn’t monopolize technique; it just organized it first.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Mike’s Shark Tank appearance with Forte 3D—why he chose Bach for investors, what it takes to argue for access on national TV, and how affordable, durable instruments can open doors for students everywhere.

If you’re a string player, educator, or curious listener who’s felt the pull beyond one lane, this conversation gives you the frameworks, stories, and practical breadcrumbs to move forward.

Subscribe, share with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a 5-star review to help more musicians find their voice with us!

Mentioned in the episode:

Forte3D instruments: https://forte3d.com/

Guided Practice Sessions: https://www.guidedpracticesessions.com/

Mike's Summer Improv Camp: https://www.mikeblockstringcamp.com/

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an introductory offer from them!

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Extra-Classical with That Viola Kid, Drew Forde: Strategies for Success in the Modern Music Industry, Part 1

Season 4 · Episode 7

Friday, February 23, 2024 • Duration 27:57

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Ever wondered how to carve out a successful career in music, with or without the classical repertoire? That Viola Kid, Drew Ford, rejoins us to unravel the secrets of thriving as an "extra classical musician" in today's dynamic industry. We start off with a little Valentine's Day banter and a nod to the eerie allure of "True Detective," but the real heart of our conversation is Drew's savvy advice for musicians navigating the economic challenges and opportunities of the modern landscape. Whether you're a musician feeling the pinch or a music lover curious about the industry's inner workings, you're in for a treat!

Drew doesn't shy away from the tough topics—we're talking hard numbers and the stark financial realities for those in the classical music trenches. We talk about knowing your worth and the art of negotiation for better compensation, while also serving up some fresh takes on personal branding and direct audience engagement. If you're itching to connect with your fans on a deeper level or to navigate the music industry with finesse, tune in for strategies that hit all the right notes.

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

Mentioned in this episode:

Drew's newsletter, Grace Notes: https://thatviolakid.com/gracenotes
wholesoul, a string quartet with attitude: https://www.wholesoulmusic.com/

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Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Building A Multi-Dimensional Music Career: with Trombonist Ernest Stuart, Part 2

Season 4 · Episode 6

Monday, February 12, 2024 • Duration 23:51

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

** This is the second of two parts of our conversation. If you haven't yet, be sure to listen to the first part!

Pull up a chair and join the intimate discussion with Ernest Stewart, whose vast trombone performing experience transcends genres. Ernest now works with Mid Atlantic Arts, bringing his insights from stage to the boardroom, and shedding light on the significance of artists steering the grant-making wheel. We navigate through the complexities of the music industry, the untold value of mentorship, and the balancing act between growth and vulnerability. Ernest's story, punctuated with humor and warmth, serves as a beacon for any creative soul navigating the ever-evolving path to artistic fulfillment!

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

Mentioned in this episode:

MidAtlantic Arts Foundation: https://www.midatlanticarts.org/
Ernest's website: http://erneststuart.com/
Ernest's album, Solitary Walker: listen here

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Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Emily MacMahon and Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman,

Building A Multi-Dimensional Music Career: with Trombonist Ernest Stuart, Part 1

Season 4 · Episode 5

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 • Duration 34:50

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

🎉 HAPPY NEW YEAR! We're shaking things up with a slight change to our episode lengths this year...so let us know what you think! This is the first of two parts of our conversation. Stay tuned to the feed for Part Two, available in a matter of days.

Pull up a chair and join the intimate discussion with Ernest Stewart, whose vast trombone performing experience transcends genres. Ernest now works with Mid Atlantic Arts, bringing his insights from stage to the boardroom, and shedding light on the significance of artists steering the grant-making wheel. We navigate through the complexities of the music industry, the untold value of mentorship, and the balancing act between growth and vulnerability. Ernest's story, punctuated with humor and warmth, serves as a beacon for any creative soul navigating the ever-evolving path to artistic fulfillment!

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

Mentioned in this episode:

MidAtlantic Arts Foundation: https://www.midatlanticarts.org/
Ernest's website: http://erneststuart.com/
Ernest's album, Solitary Walker: listen here

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Emily MacMahon and Liz O’Hara

Mozart in the Jungle Recap! Season 2, Episode 3

Season 4 · Episode 3

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 • Duration 31:45

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Join us as we rewind the scenes of the sometimes-celebrated TV show, "Mozart in the Jungle"! Rodrigo finds out what too many bacchanals means for his housing status and Bradford moves in with Lizzie and Hailey. Gloria reveals a 'shocking' new talent and we're introduced to a very charming oboist with a wealth of musical experiences, but it's all leading us up to Hailey's inevitable debut with the NYSO. Because 5th oboe always goes on tour, right?

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com

Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:

Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Support the show

Interested in starting your own podcast? We can't recommend our host Buzzsprout enough! Click here for an from them!

Jerod Tate on the creative process of composing, his American Indian Identity and our community of artists

Season 4 · Episode 4

Thursday, November 30, 2023 • Duration 01:03:57

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Our guest today is Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, a composer, pianist and member of the Chickasaw Nation! Jerod shares valuable insights on his journey of self-discovery, embracing his roots, and the significant role they play in his artistic expression.

Jerod tells us about his creative process, how he balances artistic productivity with parenting, and the significance of finding support in challenging times. Always grateful, he is juggling life's demands like the rest of us! We loved getting to know more about the man behind the explosion of modern American Indian music, and we know you will too!

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

----------------
Mentioned in this episode:

Jerod's website: https://jerodtate.com/
Rosette String Quartet on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosetteSQ/
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Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Emily MacMahon and Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com

Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:

Mozart in the Jungle Recap! Season 2, Episode 2

Season 4 · Episode 2

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 • Duration 40:47

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

And now for something completely different! As a big fan of reality show podcast recaps, Steph convinced Liz to dive into the MITJ universe. Neither of us had watched this series or heard much about it, and you can bear witness as our innocence is ripped away!

Well, we weren't deterred by Season 1, so join us as we recap Season 2: episode-by-salacious-episode. In this series we follow Hailey, the fresh-faced freelance oboist, Rodrigo, the ever-Boho young conductor, Cynthia, the jaded veteran cellist and the whole crew of pros in the music scene that orbits the New York Symphony. Will Hailey survive the cut-throat ‘jungle’ with her love of music still in-tact?

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!

Want to see a video of this? We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com

Additional music by: Freddy Hall with www.musicforpodcasts.com

Thank you to our Sponsor for this season:

Potter Violins: www.potterviolins.com

Mozart in the Jungle Recap! Season 2, Episode 1

Season 4 · Episode 1

Thursday, November 9, 2023 • Duration 44:32

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

And now for something completely different! As a big fan of reality show podcast recaps, Steph convinced Liz to dive into the MITJ universe. Neither of us have watched this series or heard much about it, and you can bear witness as our innocence is ripped away! Join us as we recap Season 2: episode-by-salacious-episode. In this series we follow Hailey, the fresh-faced freelance oboist, Cynthia, the jaded veteran cellist and the whole crew of pros in the music scene that orbits the New York Symphony. Will Hailey survive the cut-throat ‘jungle’ with her love of music still in-tact?

Ready to step back into the chaotic world of Hailey and the NYSO? The NYSO is in tense labor negotiations, Rodrigo is battling his inner and outer critics and Thomas is hard at work on his first symphony. As if that's not enough, we've also got a line-up of new faces, including the symphony's new lawyer, Nina, and her peculiar request for a private performance of Bach from Cynthia (who doesn't just love Bach?!)

As any satire does, MITJ never fails to bring up an evergreen topic in orchestral circles: Can a conductor be too close to the musicians? Does the traditional view of the conductor as a strict father figure hold up? There's lots to discuss and joke about - thanks for laughing along with us!

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks and bonus content!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

************************

Our website: www.musiciancentric.com, for merch, joining our email list, and contacting us with stories and feedback!

Episode edited by: Liz O’Hara

ViolaCentric Theme by: JP Wogaman, www.wogamusic.com

Astrid Baumgardner on Coaching Creatives: How to Find Your Most Fulfilling Career Path as an Artist

Season 4 · Episode 3

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 • Duration 52:44

Stories? Questions? Thoughts? TEXT us here!

Have you ever felt stuck in a career that doesn't resonate with you? With an exciting transition from law to career coaching, our guest Astrid Baumgartner has plenty of wisdom to share, having journeyed through such a change herself. Her invaluable insights from her book, Creative Success Now, are a beacon for those seeking authenticity and fulfillment in their professional lives.

What if you could uncover your own strengths and values, and align them with your career choices? We talk with Astrid about about taking a strengths assessments, her real-life students' paths to fulfillment, and the role that just plain 'happiness' plays in achieving your goals. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, personal stories and practical tools for self-discovery and success!

**If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and writing a quick review for our podcast!

We have a Patreon site! Support us and get perks, bonus content...and as mentioned access to our #joylovescompany sessions beginning on Nov 28th!

www.patreon.com/musiciancentric

Mentioned in this episode:

Astrid's website: https://www.astridbaumgardner.com/

...and her book: Creative Success Now : https://www.astridbaumgardner.com/book

The 'High 5' strengths assessment: https://high5test.com/
The CliftonStrengths Test: https://high5test.com/cliftonstrengths-free/

The Musician Centric Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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The Musician Centric Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Buzzsprout8

Patreon2

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Buzzsprout8

Patreon2