Tuned And Strong Podcast

IT’S THE END OF AN ERA!!   On the FINAL EPISODE of the Tuned and Strong Podcast, we discuss the courage it takes to make the changes we need in life, and follow the paths that make us truly happy rather than giving in to the pressure of “expectation.”   Join us for our final hoorah, as we say goodbye and salute the wonderful experience we have had on this show. We have loved providing content, and hope you have grown as much from listening as we have from creating!

“Music used to have heart and soul, now it’s all technical.” What is the difference between a craftsman and an artist? Have the performing arts become sterile? Are we too removed from our audiences and each other? These questions have been well-discussed in the music and performing arts world over the course of the last 50+ years. The introduction of technology and remote performances through performing and broadcasts has spawned many debates, and these debates only intensified with the advent of social media and electronic manipulation of sound. On this episode of the Tuned and Strong Podcast,  join us as we chat with Bob Bender about his life on the road as a tour manager. He’s got some great “backstage” stories, talking about the health challenges touring musicians face, what’s it’s like to manage musicians, record deals “now and then,” and the modern experience for musicians looking to be discovered for a tour or recording deal!  Bob also has his own podcast “The Business Side of Music”, please go check it out. This was a special episode as Angela and Bob both live in Nashville so this was recorded in Bob’s podcast studio and Jen joined us via Zoom!

Are you tired of hearing that musicians are broke? I think we all are and it's not an easy solution but one of the things that perpetuates the problem is people expecting musicians to play for free and musicians accepting that.  Recently a very well-known jewelry designer put out a call for musicians to play in their brand new store. They stated they'll give you a piece of jewelry but no money, you are not allowed to ask for tips nor are you allowed to play original music.  If that's got your blood boiling you'll want to listen to this entire episode as I break down the issues, the source of the problem, and possible solutions for all of us to get out of this so we can stop having to say “we don't play for free”. Click this LINK to watch the full episode in YouTube.   This is actually something I address in my Job Security for Musicians 2-day Intensive Workshop this weekend. If you want to get in on the movement, there's still time to register and get a $500 discount until tomorrow, Wed. July 6!   Click HERE to register.   *********************** Artist Interest Application Kendra Scott Fifth+Broadway We are looking for artists to play at our brand new Kendra Scott Fifth+Broadway location. There is a small stage, stool, with 1 mic and 1 guitar plug in. As a corporate retailer, we are unable to pay for performances, but can gift one piece of Kendra Scott fasion jewelry. Also, as a retailer, we are not permitting performers to collect tips and/or have any mobile payment info displayed (i.e venmo, cashapp). You are welcome to display your own marketing. We are requesting the artists we invite to play covers of well-known songs to  keep the audience engaged. Starting out, each set will be 12:00-1:45PM, 2:00-3:45PM, 4:00-5:45PM, 6:00-7:45PM.

Please let us know if there are any specific topics you'd like us to cover on our next Tuned and Strong Podcast.   Downloadable instrument specific workouts on demand: INSTRUMENT SPECIFIC WORKOUTS   Had too long of a break? Not sure where to start? Get a 6 or 12 weekend one for you workout program designed to bring you from out of shape to fit for the stage JOIN THE COVID COMEBACK CHALLENGE   Did you know that up to 93% of musicians experience playing related pain or injury? How many hushed conversations have you had about a lingering “shoulder pain” or weird tingling in your fingers, low back pain, weakness and “crampy weakness” in your extremeties…so many right? This program combines the content of WHAT to do with the knowledge of HOW to do it and the guidance of WHO to seek out when something isn’t working. JOB SECURITY FOR MUSICIANS

“Is it normal to feel like you’re fighting against the thing you love??” Burnout. It’s become a popular buzzword, but what is it really, and how do you know if you’re experiencing it or if you’re just “done” with your passion? Many musicians throughout many stages of their careers face this feeling, and end up asking the question if we really love what we do “enough.”  Join us for this week’s episode with Kyla Cofer, as she discusses burnout and her experience guiding people through this troubling time! Follow Kyla on her social media accounts: Instagram Facebook Also, visit her website

What happens when a “natural” task suddenly feels “foreign”?? For many musicians struggling with injury, the feeling of “not knowing your own body” is very common. But this feeling is usually even more prominent in those suffering from Focal Dystonia - in which their brain literally switches or crosses signals to the body! In this episode of the Tuned and Strong Podcast, Dr. Joanna Cowan White shares with us her experience of developing, living with, and recovering from focal dystonia. Join us as she discusses her thoughts, feelings, experiments, and creative outlets during her journey to reclaim her performance abilities! You can find more about Joanna Cowan White here: Musician’s Focal Dystonia Resources on joannawhiteflute.com   http://www.joannawhiteflute.com/musicians-focal-dystonia.html  ARTICLE links on that website White, Joanna Cowan. “Musician’s Focal Dystonia: Strategies, Resources, and Hope” Flutist Quarterly (Journal of the National Flute Association,) pp 26-36. February 2017. White, Joanna Cowan. “Musician’s Focal Dystonia: Annotated Bibliography” Flutist Quarterly Plus. (Online Journal of the National Flute Association.) February 2017. White, Joanna Cowan. “Musician’s Focal Dystonia: Strategies, Resources, and Hope” Pan (British Flute Journal) reprint.   Poetry Website https://www.joannawhitepoet.com Music Website http://www.joannawhiteflute.com Music and Poetry CD – Poet as Muse https://www.joannawhitepoet.com/musictext.html Musician’s Focal Dystonia Resources on http://www.joannawhiteflute.com/ http://www.joannawhiteflute.com/musicians-focal-dystonia.html POEM White, Joanna. “Musician’s Focal Dystonia.” Poetry and Medicine Column, Journal of the American Medical Association. May 16, 2017 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2626576   *************************** Musician’s Focal Dystonia It’s the voice of that person  comes through the instrument. ––Franz Welser-Möst When dystonia scrambled my brain signals like a virus corrupts a hard drive, I was sure I could not spend ten-thousand  hours retraining my brain to play the flute a new way,  but when I heard that a luthier and his son restored the holocaust  violins to free their lost voices, I changed my mind. If I  am silenced, you would not miss me but the way my vibrato,  on the first c# of L’apres midi d’un faune, conjures up  a sultry summer afternoon, the way your hips swing when I play  a tango, the way you hear whales when I close my lips around the mouthpiece to hum Voice of the Whale. The original  ten-thousand hours, I will tick in reverse, a feat as tricky  as learning to ride a backwards bicycle, until once again I can curve  quiet fingers over the keys, whistle my lips to laser the tone  down the silver tube, your body ringing in sympathetic vibration.

“And I’m supposed to eat well during performance season too??” We’ve all been there - long hours, late nights, and excess stress during a run of performances can make it seem like “survival” is the name of the game. The idea of actually thriving and protecting your health during these times can seem impossible and often farfetched! Join us as we chat with Duncan Rock - an international baritone, nutritionist, AND registered exercise professional - as he discusses the balance between these seemingly disparate practices, and learn some of the most fundamental ways you can practice good nutrition regardless of your performance schedule! You can find Duncan Rock at: Websites: www.duncanrocknutrition.com http://www.duncanrock.co.uk/  Instagram: @duncanrock_nutrition

“And I’m supposed to eat well during performance season too??” We’ve all been there - long hours, late nights, and excess stress during a run of performances can make it seem like “survival” is the name of the game. The idea of actually thriving and protecting your health during these times can seem impossible and often farfetched! Join us as we chat with Duncan Rock - an international baritone, nutritionist, AND registered exercise professional - as he discusses the balance between these seemingly disparate practices, and learn some of the most fundamental ways you can practice good nutrition regardless of your performance schedule! You can find Duncan Rock at: Website: www.duncanrocknutrition.com http://www.duncanrock.co.uk/  Instagram: @duncanrock_nutrition

Keto! Vegan! Macros! Paleo! What does it all mean?!   Have you ever wondered what people are talking about when they mention their latest diet? Or what all these terms are when people are discussing nutrition? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!   Join us for Episode 64 of the Tuned and Strong Podcast, where we will answer all of your questions on the basics of the most common nutrition terms and types of diets!!   And be sure to check out the related articles below!!   How to Make Your Own Greek Yogurt How to Figure Out Your Macros Rapid Fat Loss Handbook: Link 1 Rapid Fat Loss Handbook: Link 2 A Guide to Flexible Dieting More Blog articles you may find useful: Lyle McDonald's Books

Thank you to Simone Mauer for joining Jen and I on this episode of the Tuned and Strong podcast and the 4th in our series "Interviews with the Performance Health Committee". We are interviewing current members of the National Flute Association Performance Health Committee in this series.   As always, please like, share with another musicians and subscribe to the Tuned and Strong podcast wherever you get your podcasts - and if you're enjoying it, please leave us a good review so we can reach more musicians!   ********** Do you ever wish composers know the struggles we experienced while playing their pieces? You know there are just some of those musical pieces that take a toll on your body? We love them but as in the case of our latest podcast guest, harpist Danielle Kuntz, the piece by Prokofiev she referenced just automatically is understood that you will develop tendonitis by the end of playing it. Isn't it insane? Don't you wish composers knew how to better write for your instrument? That's why she created THE TOOLBOX SESSIONS ( And if you hurry you can still register HERE ). It is a 3-day virtual summit designed to give you the tools you need to write for instruments & voices! From May 19-21, you'll get to join 12+ presentations on writing for specific instruments/voices (oboe, voice, harp, percussion, & more), taught by performer-educators who are passionate about collaborating with composers and arrangers. To have a $10 discount type the code TUNEDANDSTRONG22 on registration.

What is neurodiversity, and how does it impact life for musicians? For neurotypical musicians, it may not have occurred to consider differences in the neural processing characteristics of their friends or students who seem to have different needs when it comes to learning a new piece, taking on a performance, or working within a solo or ensemble setting. This can become more of an issue when the neurodivergent student/friend is undiagnosed. This week, we chat with Dr. Jackie Dove as she describes her experiences with self-diagnosis, learning her own learning needs, and returning to the music world in a healthy, productive way. Join us as we learn the best way to support and teach our neurodivergent friends, and how it can cross-apply to better the musical experience for your colleagues and students overall! Thank you to Dr. Dove for joining Jen and I on this episode of the Tuned and Strong podcast and the 3rd in our series "Interviews with the Performance Health Committee". We are interviewing current members of the National Flute Association Performance Health Committee in this series. As always, please like, share with another musicians and subscribe to the Tuned and Strong podcast wherever you get your podcasts - and if you're enjoying it, please leave us a good review so we can reach more musicians!   ********** Do you ever wish composers know the struggles we experienced while playing their pieces? You know there are just some of those musical pieces that take a toll on your body? We love them but as in the case of our latest podcast guest, harpist Danielle Kuntz, the piece by Prokofiev she referenced just automatically is understood that you will develop tendonitis by the end of playing it. Isn't it insane? Don't you wish composers knew how to better write for your instrument? That's why she created THE TOOLBOX SESSIONS ( And if you hurry you can still register HERE ). It is a 3-day virtual summit designed to give you the tools you need to write for instruments & voices! From May 19-21, you'll get to join 12+ presentations on writing for specific instruments/voices (oboe, voice, harp, percussion, & more), taught by performer-educators who are passionate about collaborating with composers and arrangers. To have a $10 discount type the code TUNEDANDSTRONG22 on registration.

I've found that composers who understand an instrument's capabilities are far less likely to write something that will cause repetitive strain or injury! - Danielle "Toolbox Sessions" Virtual Conference   -  To connect composers and orchestrators with experienced performers and collaborators to delve into effective writing for their respective instruments and voices. Date:  May 19-21, 2022 Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube   ********** Do you ever wish composers know the struggles we experienced while playing their pieces? You know there are just some of those musical pieces that take a toll on your body? We love them but as in the case of our latest podcast guest, harpist Danielle Kuntz, the piece by Prokofiev she referenced just automatically is understood that you will develop tendonitis by the end of playing it. Isn't it insane? Don't you wish composers knew how to better write for your instrument? That's why she created THE TOOLBOX SESSIONS ( And if you hurry you can still register HERE ). It is a 3-day virtual summit designed to give you the tools you need to write for instruments & voices! From May 19-21, you'll get to join 12+ presentations on writing for specific instruments/voices (oboe, voice, harp, percussion, & more), taught by performer-educators who are passionate about collaborating with composers and arrangers. To have a $10 discount type the code TUNEDANDSTRONG22 on registration.

I've found that composers who understand an instrument's capabilities are far less likely to write something that will cause repetitive strain or injury! - Danielle "Toolbox Sessions" Virtual Conference   -  To connect composers and orchestrators with experienced performers and collaborators to delve into effective writing for their respective instruments and voices. Date:  May 19-21, 2022 Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube   ********** Do you ever wish composers know the struggles we experienced while playing their pieces? You know there are just some of those musical pieces that take a toll on your body? We love them but as in the case of our latest podcast guest, harpist Danielle Kuntz, the piece by Prokofiev she referenced just automatically is understood that you will develop tendonitis by the end of playing it. Isn't it insane? Don't you wish composers knew how to better write for your instrument? That's why she created THE TOOLBOX SESSIONS ( And if you hurry you can still register HERE ). It is a 3-day virtual summit designed to give you the tools you need to write for instruments & voices! From May 19-21, you'll get to join 12+ presentations on writing for specific instruments/voices (oboe, voice, harp, percussion, & more), taught by performer-educators who are passionate about collaborating with composers and arrangers. To have a $10 discount type the code TUNEDANDSTRONG22 on registration.

A lot of musicians feel constant pressure to always be practicing. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit and we all suddenly had a lot of free time on our hands, many musicians  continued pushing full speed ahead in preparation for virtual competitions, and some of it was because we didn't know what else to do, and sitting with our emotions can often feel uncomfortable or even unsafe at times.   "When I was first experiencing my injury, there were no resources available to me. The majority of my recovery process has been a series of finding out what worked for me and what didn't, and I found the best results when I combined my work with somatic education professionals with the strength training and exercise routines I was doing with my physical therapist - Francesca"   If you're experiencing feelings of overwhelm, or feeling like you aren't able to stay on top of everything in recovery for your injury and in maintaining other responsibilities, the most important thing is to know that you're not alone. Consistency and celebrating 'small wins' is the goal, and knowing that the path will not always be linear. Find your support system and rely on them when things become difficult, and know that you are always making progress.   Social Media Accounts: Facebook Instagram Websites: http://www.playingwithoutpain.com http://www.francescaleoflute.com MTNA Conference Registration Monthly Worry Group Meetings Page ********** Do you ever wish composers know the struggles we experienced while playing their pieces? You know there are just some of those musical pieces that take a toll on your body? We love them but as in the case of our latest podcast guest, harpist Danielle Kuntz, the piece by Prokofiev she referenced just automatically is understood that you will develop tendonitis by the end of playing it. Isn't it insane? Don't you wish composers knew how to better write for your instrument? That's why she created THE TOOLBOX SESSIONS ( And if you hurry you can still register HERE ). It is a 3-day virtual summit designed to give you the tools you need to write for instruments & voices! From May 19-21, you'll get to join 12+ presentations on writing for specific instruments/voices (oboe, voice, harp, percussion, & more), taught by performer-educators who are passionate about collaborating with composers and arrangers. To have a $10 discount type the code TUNEDANDSTRONG22 on registration.

Many musicians are injured and many are playing in pain. In 2012, Dr. Bronwen Ackerman, Professor of Biomedical Science at the University of Sydney, surveyed members of the eight professional full time orchestras in Sydney. 84% of the musicians had experienced pain that had interfered either with playing their instrument or participating in orchestral rehearsals and performances. 50% had pain at time of the survey. Another study, done in 2008 by the American Association of Physician Assistants, found that there was a 50-76% of musicians reported musculoskeletal injuries. In comparison, a 2009 study found that the injury rate for Cirque du Soleil artists was 9.7% compared to a 15.2% injury rate for NCAA collegiate women’s gymnasts. Ackermann, B., Driscoll, T., & Kenny, D.T. (2012). Musculoskeletal pain and injury in professional orchestral musicians in Australia. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 27(4), 181-7. Heinan. M. (2008). A review of the unique injuries sustained by musicians. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. 21(4), 45-6, 48, 50. Shrier, I., Meeuwisse, W.H., Matheson, G.O., Wingfield, K., Steele, R.J., Prince, F., Hanley, J., & Montanaro, M. (2009). Injury patterns and injury rates in the circus arts: an analysis of 5 years of data from Cirque du Soleil. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 37(6), 1143-9.   Kelly's Website Instagram Facebook Kelly's Articles: The Flute Examiner Stuff From Other Places Part 1 Stuff From Other Places Part 2 Healing My Clipped Wing Kelly Mollnow-Wilson teaches is a licensed massage therapist and Neurokinetic Therapist Level 3 as well as being a certified Body Mapper. She teaches at Oberlin Conservatory.  Her "frankenflute" was altered by Alexa Still and the footjoint was modified by John Lunn.   ********** Do you ever wish composers know the struggles we experienced while playing their pieces? You know there are just some of those musical pieces that take a toll on your body? We love them but as in the case of our latest podcast guest, harpist Danielle Kuntz, the piece by Prokofiev she referenced just automatically is understood that you will develop tendonitis by the end of playing it. Isn't it insane? Don't you wish composers knew how to better write for your instrument? That's why she created THE TOOLBOX SESSIONS ( And if you hurry you can still register HERE ). It is a 3-day virtual summit designed to give you the tools you need to write for instruments & voices! From May 19-21, you'll get to join 12+ presentations on writing for specific instruments/voices (oboe, voice, harp, percussion, & more), taught by performer-educators who are passionate about collaborating with composers and arrangers. To have a $10 discount type the code TUNEDANDSTRONG22 on registration.

Have you ever had a lesson and thought about your teacher, “Wow, what is wrong with that person?” Or worse yet, thought “What is wrong with me?” only to realize in hindsight that you were not the one at fault?   In this episode, Angela and Jen discuss the concept of Toxic Teachers: instructors at various levels within the music industry with horrible habits and/or approaches that leave long-lasting negative effects on their students. Join us as we unpack what these habits can look like, how they can be twisted to gaslight the student, and how to avoid the impact of these negative effects!   As always, please share with a friend and if you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a good review so you can help us get in front of more musicians!

Training for “the job.”   The concept of “the job” is SO central to many young musicians’ lives – an idea that if you want to succeed, you go to music school for traditional training, and when you graduate you get a job in one of two areas: a professional orchestra or college teaching. But what happens when we step outside of this concept and explore our other passions?   Join us as we discuss “Breaking Tradition” with Brian Corbin, owner of Corbin Clarinet Products, who found a way to pursue a NEW way to support his biggest passions: music, clarinet, and creating quality availability for band directors, students of all backgrounds, and professional performers alike! Website: B. CORBIN CLARINET PRODUCTS Instagram: @corbinclarinetproducts

What do you REALLY know about your body??   In this 2-part conversation, we chat with Dr. Lea Pearson: flutist, body mapper, author of "What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know About the Body," and owner of Music Minus Pain.   Join us as we discuss anatomy and body mechanics as topics in music instruction, the history of the work within the educational system, and training TEACHERS to have a better understanding for their students!!   Master Teacher Dr. Lea Pearson has been training students, performers, and teachers in innovative techniques for over 30 years. Dr. Pearson holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in flute performance, a Master’s Degree in performance practice from Stanford University, and was a Fulbright Scholar at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. One of the first Licensed Body Mapping Educators in the world, Dr. Pearson authored the acclaimed book “Body Mapping for Flutists: What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know About the Body.” She has helped thousands of musicians recover their ability to play with joy and ease with her sold-out workshops and master classes. Her influence among flute teachers is legendary. Guiding international performers from Brazil to China, Dr. Pearson has taught at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The US Air Force Band, and over than 100 colleges, conservatories, military bases, conferences, camps, and festivals around the globe. Her work as a Fulbright Scholar prepared her to teach musicians the missing piece - exactly how to play freely and efficiently to create the artistry they desire. With a career as an active performer, college teacher, and a Kennedy Center Teaching Artist, Dr. Pearson applies her vast expertise to solving the music industry’s hidden secret: the pain and anxiety caused by traditional methods of instruction. Her chosen legacy is to transform the system of music education so all musicians can fully and freely express their artistic voice.   Find more about Lea here: Lea's Website TAKE A QUIZ to find out your strengths and challenges in teaching! Facebook Books: Body Mapping for Flutists: What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know About the Body.  Available at Flutistry, Flute World, Flute Specialists, GIA Music, & Carolyn Nussbaum.

Master Teacher Dr. Lea Pearson has been training students, performers, and teachers in innovative techniques for over 30 years. Dr. Pearson holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in flute performance, a Master’s Degree in performance practice from Stanford University, and was a Fulbright Scholar at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. One of the first Licensed Body Mapping Educators in the world, Dr. Pearson authored the acclaimed book “Body Mapping for Flutists: What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know About the Body.” She has helped thousands of musicians recover their ability to play with joy and ease with her sold-out workshops and master classes. Her influence among flute teachers is legendary. Guiding international performers from Brazil to China, Dr. Pearson has taught at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama, The US Air Force Band, and over than 100 colleges, conservatories, military bases, conferences, camps, and festivals around the globe. Her work as a Fulbright Scholar prepared her to teach musicians the missing piece - exactly how to play freely and efficiently to create the artistry they desire. With a career as an active performer, college teacher, and a Kennedy Center Teaching Artist, Dr. Pearson applies her vast expertise to solving the music industry’s hidden secret: the pain and anxiety caused by traditional methods of instruction. Her chosen legacy is to transform the system of music education so all musicians can fully and freely express their artistic voice.   Find more about Lea here: Lea's Website TAKE A QUIZ to find out your strengths and challenges in teaching! Facebook Books: Body Mapping for Flutists: What Every Flute Teacher Needs to Know About the Body.  Available at Flutistry, Flute World, Flute Specialists, GIA Music, & Carolyn Nussbaum.

Strength ≠ bodybuilding. The two Things are not mutually exclusive. In this episode of the tuned and strong podcast Angela and Jen discuss how strength is not a dirty word, it's not a scary word and it probably means something sometimes other than what you think it does.