How does a college music department define music when it comes to their curriculum? How do they decide what they want students to know, leaving their program? And is the answer to that question, different from what students SHOULD know when leaving their program?  This week I'm speaking with Dr. Chris Gable, a composer, author, and music professor at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND who has been tasked with building the music history program at his school.  Follow Chris: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherGableComposer Website: https://www.christophergable.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtAN98a8Ngbi8iz9j_ZTQQ Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio is on Facebook and Instagram @zeitgeistacademy.  Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Transcripts generated by Descript. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Sophie Lippert is a cellist and pianist in Western Massachusetts, and creator of the unique genre-inclusive Connections Concerts series. In this episode, we discuss how Sophie uses her classical background to elevate and expose works by underrepresented composers, while also balancing her roles as a teacher, event curator, and entrepreneur. We dive behind-the-scenes in crafting Connections Concert Series, from musical curation and community building to genre balancing and the fascinating people who perform… and attend. Follow Sophie: Personal website: www.sophielippert.com Connections Concerts: www.connectionsconcerts.com FB: www.facebook.com/connectionsconcerts IG: www.instagram.com/vibrantsophie YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sophielippert Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/28hjjVawVCaLSGJWHmevZx Episode mentioned with Mel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/zeitgeistacademy/episodes/25--Tha-Juice-Joint-and-cultural-organizing-e2fdiv4 Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio is on Facebook and Instagram @zeitgeistacademy.  Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Transcripts generated by Descript. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Sharisa Oie and Lydia McAnerney work with the Tapestry Folk Dance Center in Minneapolis, MN. We explore the center's mission to create opportunities for people to participate in diverse dance and music forms. Sharisa and Lydia share their personal stories and backgrounds in dance, as well as the history and development of Tapestry as both a cultural and physical space. We discuss the importance of community involvement, volunteerism, and the challenges of maintaining and evolving such a vibrant cultural space. We also review special events, the Tapestry History Project, and the impact of generational changes in dance communities. Follow Tapestry: www.tapestryfolkdance.org Facebook and Instagram @tapestryfolkdancecenter Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Transcripts generated by Descript. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Nate Cutshall is a “harp tech” from Central Pennsylvania. In this episode, Morgan and Nate talk about all things harmonicas! We dig into some of the music theory that goes into playing the instrument, and how to choose which key harmonica to play for a song. Nate shares the history and mechanics of the harmonica and what makes a “good” harmonica. We also delve into the world of harmonica repair and customization, exploring what it takes to build your own harmonicas.  Follow Nate: Instagram: @bbqgrooves Bands: @the_scrapplers and @maam_stagram Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Brennish Thomson is a folk musician from Lee, New Hampshire. In this episode, Morgan and Brennish dig into the world of live sound engineering and acoustic transparency in folk music. We discuss the techniques and challenges of achieving “perfect” audio in various venues, from small living rooms to large festival stages. He shares his own innovations with microphone systems by Your Heaven Audio and the technical approach the company (including him) are taking when it comes to the technical art of preserving the authentic sound of live acoustic performances. Follow Brennish:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Studio23BrennishThomson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brennish_t/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Studio23brennishthomson/ Booking: https://captainfiddle.com/ Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Emily Cohen is a rabbi from Brooklyn, NY. In this episode we discuss the rich musical tradition in Judaism and how social justice-minded Jews like herself can use music in their work. Emily provides insight into her role as a rabbi at West End Synagogue, a reconstructionist congregation in Manhattan, and her extensive involvement in music, including her participation in a secular choir and her compositions in Jewish music. The conversation delves into the rich traditions of Jewish music, including liturgical chants, folk traditions like klezmer, and the influence of various Jewish cultural backgrounds. Emily also shares her approach to songwriting, her vision for integrating social justice themes into her music, and the significance of music in sacred and secular contexts.  Follow Emily: Instagram: @em.cohen Blog: https://morethanfourquestions.beehiiv.com/ Website: www.rabbiemilycohen.com Mentions in our episode: Yosef Goldman: https://www.youtube.com/@yosgold Batya Levine: www.youtube.com/@batyalevine6283Shlomo Farber’s choral arrangement of Maoz Tsur: https://on.soundcloud.com/tX9EzW22ubTCjQHN6 www.shlomofarber.com  Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Marlys Woods is a music therapist who specializes in mental health. She shares the therapeutic applications of music, its ability to facilitate healing, and a caution about how music can cause harm or cause us to stay stuck. We discuss the importance of intentional music selection for personal growth and mental health. She also highlights the adaptation of music therapy practices during the pandemic, offering virtual sessions and resources like DIY workbooks to aid individuals in integrating music into their daily lives for mental wellness. Follow Marlys and Get In Tune Music Therapy: Website: https://www.getintunemusictherapy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getintunemusictherapy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetInTuneMusicTherapy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlys-woods/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetInTuneMusicTherapy Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Iain Dove McAfee and Cara Weggler Menge are members of the Irish trad band Dòrain. We explore 3 of the main Irish scenes (sessions, dances, and stage performances) and unique etiquette and cultural features of each. We discuss what participating in a living tradition is like, nuances in the scene (don't order a PBR!), common tune types, the Caeli tradition and the key role of dance in Irish music, learning by ear, and the challenges of transitioning from Classical to Folk. They also share how "trying to come up with a band name is like friendship torture!" and how they settled on the name Dòrain... which means "otters" in Gaelic. Follow Dòrain: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorainband  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorainmusic/  Bandcamp: https://dorain.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4jQqaLiAXKnF0DlII9AvcB?si=8tIL9g2iQpeT88NuB8zp_w Dòrain's music is also available anywhere you stream music (e.g. YT Music). Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Anastasia Verdoljak performs with the Ethnic Dance Theater in St. Paul, MN. She also plays in Transylvanian folk band Szászka . She shares her experience with traditional folk dances around the world, joys and challenges performing (complete with full costume changes!) and how performing traditional dance can be a political statement.   Follow Ethnic Dance Theater: https://www.instagram.com/ethnicdancetheatre/ https://www.facebook.com/ethnicdancetheatre/ Follow Szászka: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sz%C3%A1szka/100063538058459/ Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts

Marcy Irving is the Director and Founder of the Central Coast Gilbert and Sullivan Group. We discuss the history and impact of Gilbert and Sullivan's operas, the process of staging productions, and the sense of community within the music scene in San Luis Obispo, as well as the enduring humor and relevance of Gilbert and Sullivan's work and the timeless connection between people and music. Follow Central Coast Gilbert and Sullivan: https://www.facebook.com/CCGilbertandSullivan Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Laura Boswell is a songwriter and musician in Ashville, NC. We discuss her journey from classical music, to rock, and eventually classical guitar and folk/alt songwriting. She shares the emotional process of her songwriting, her use of alternate tunings, and using songwriting to work through emotions. She also shares the challenges of social media as an artist and creator, and lessons balancing music, livelihood, and mental health. Follow Laura: Website: https://www.lauraboswell.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LauraBoswell  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraboswell/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauraboswellmusic  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraboswellmusic Here's a link to the music video for "Loss" and then the links to listen below:Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcAYf2whjcAListen: https://open.spotify.com/track/2olpXXMAbt8eptVNbvUEDB?si=8487877bd20c4149https://music.apple.com/us/album/loss/1534268198?i=1534268199https://lauraboswell.bandcamp.com/album/place-to-be Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Arthur Breur is a composer, pianist, and host of the Melodology Podcast. We discuss his unique approach to creativity, his fascination with melody, and the different ways he brings ideas to life in his compositions. He also talks about his work as a Composer in Residence, shares interesting insights about the musical moments that have impacted him, and explains the creation of his entertaining piece, 'The Ambitious Spider'. The episode is filled with engaging stories, important lessons, and a deep exploration of the craft behind creating impactful melodies. Follow Arthur: https://www.instagram.com/arthurbreur/ https://www.instagram.com/musicdrawnfromtheheart/ https://www.arthurbreur.com https://www.composerinresidence.org https://www.amberthespider.com https://musescore.com/arthurbreur https://www.youtube.com/@arthurbreur https://patreon.com/melodypodcast Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Melanesia Hunter is the creator and curator of Tha Juice Joint and the Crockpot live music events in LA. Mel shares the origin story and evolution of these community-building music events, which started as intimate gatherings focusing on music and grew into notable venues bringing together hundreds of people weekly. She also talks on the financial, logistical, and emotional challenges she faced in creating these events while emphasizing the powerful impact they have on the community, on relationships, and on artists' music careers in an urban city like LA. www.thajuicejoint.com Ig/FB/X : @thajuicejoint TikTok: @thajuicejointLA Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Thor Larsen is a singer and stage manager in San Luis Obispo, CA. In this episode he discusses his role and responsibilities, from setting up the stage and ensuring all equipment is in its place, to managing unforeseen situations and ensuring the smooth flow of the performance. He also provides insight into the etiquette and rules that musicians should know or that he abides by, including handling delicate or expensive instruments and maintaining the stage layout. Follow Thor: https://www.instagram.com/thor_aka_thor/ Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Join our Foundations: Blues class: ⁠www.zeitgeistacademy.com Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Amy Coddington is a professor of music at Amherst College and author of "How Hip Hop Became Hit Pop." We delve into the complexities of radio politics, the evolution of hip hop, and its complex journey towards mainstream acceptance. Amy exposes the biases, challenges, and commercial dynamics of radio, and offers an academia-backed perspective on the forces that shaped how hip hop and rap influence America. Read Amy's book (for free!): https://luminosoa.org/site/books/m/10.1525/luminos.165/ Or you can buy it on Amazon to support her: https://a.co/d/3G3lWDK Listen to the book's playlist:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Zd4i1OG3HII1ZihMlRcEg?si=86a031d999f64d00&nd=1 Follow Amy: http://www.amycoddington.com/ Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

I'm taking a break through the end of the year. Use this time to catch up on episodes you might have missed! Join Sing We Joyous: https://www.zeitgeist-academy.teachable.com/p/sing-we-joyous Discover Your Voice: https://www.zeitgeist-academy.teachable.com/p/discover-your-voice Sign up for my newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Brigit Hawley is an audio software engineer based out of the LA area. In this episode we discuss building your own major in college, machine learning applications and possibility, what goes into audio transitioning to digital, gearheads and their passion for audio, compression, lossless vs lossy, how streaming works, what is a microphone, really?, how hardware plays into digital audio, audio drivers, an audio software engineer's pet peeves, the complexity of surround sound, and Morgan tries to wrap her head around HRTFs. Sign up for my awesome newsletter: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio Zeitgeist Radio transcripts are available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Camilla Lombard is the Executive Fishwife (yes, that's her actual title) for Sea Forager Seafood and member of The Fishwives sea shanty group. In this episode we discuss the difference between sea shanties and sea songs, roving performances and audience interaction, the weirdest gigs ever, and using fun and community to make the fight for sustainability feel good. Follow the Fishwives and Sea Forager: https://www.seaforager.com/the-fishwives-sea-shanty-trio @seaforager on Facebook and Instagram Sing with confidence! Take my FREE mini-course on the 4 key essentials to loving your voice: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio A transcript for this episode is available at https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Dave George is bass player and general manager of Festival Mozaic, a classical music festival in San Luis Obispo California. In this episode we discuss how an injury changed the course of a career, shifting classical culture for more accessibility, breaking the 4th wall between performers and audience, the mission and values of the Festival, choosing venues, a new take on master classes, logistics of putting on a music festival, and stories of good moments... and of things gone wrong! Follow Festival Mosaic: festivalmozaic.org, or @festivalmozaic on Facebook or Instagram. Dave's personal projects: SLO Symphony (slosymphony.org, @slosymphony) Rosewood & Honey (rosewoodandhoney.com, @rosewoodandhoneyband on Instagram). Sing with confidence! Take my FREE mini-course on the 4 key essentials to loving your voice: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio A transcript for this episode is available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!

Andy Watson is a comedian, podcaster and country music performer in Central Coast CA. In this episode we discuss his cowboy comedy duo, Cowboy Jeff and Andy, and his podcast of the same name. He shares his many influences and the Nashville vs Bakersfield styles of country music. We discuss his work teaching in a school of 1000 kids that was built for 400, activism and the need for new immigration laws in a town where 50% of farm workers may be undocumented, and the importance of the arts for underprivileged kids. Andy is a history buff as well, and his songs tell stories from the central valley. His work aims to shed light on his local communities, and he uses musical comedy to connect with all sorts of musicians. There's a mix of cultures in the Central Coast, and Andy says that great art comes out of diversity. Check out the Cowboy Jeff and Andy podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/cowboyjeffandandy Sing with confidence! Take my FREE mini-course on the 4 key essentials to loving your voice: www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio A transcript for this episode is available here: https://www.zeitgeistacademy.com/radio-transcripts Music for this episode was created by Ian Boswell. Please subscribe and tell all your friends you found a cool new podcast!