More Than Musicians

In this episode of More Than Musicians I sit down with accomplished composer and arranger, Marshall McDonald to unpack his story. Marshall opens up about how he navigates the creative process, the fears he’s faced along the way and some important life advice from his mom that we all need to hear. We discussed how Marshall has learned to let God guide his work and how he sees creativity as an act of faith that has allowed him to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. Marshall tells a captivating story about his arrangement of Come O Come Emmanuel that he did for The Piano Guys and we discuss how important it is to remove ego from your creative work. I was so grateful for an opportunity to share with Marshall a special experience I had while playing one of his arrangements. This was truly a treat to sit down with someone so influential in my life personally. If you’ve ever felt stuck, hesitant to start, or caught up in the need for worldly praise or recognition, this conversation will inspire you to create with courage, purpose, humility and faith. CONNECT w/ MARSHALL: Instagram: @marshallmcdmusic Website: https://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com/Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCgm1yeqZnI6xpFkTvpFBLMA?si=PPtKpLzhaC0D0hTz CONNECT w/ SARAH DAVIES: Instagram: @more_than_musicians and @sarah.t.davies Tik Tok: @more_than_musicians Facebook: @more_than_musiciansLISTEN/ SUBSCRIBE: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-musicians/id1584874236 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4EYojMS3Ns9cHXVLE6IhVc?si=43cc8fc8c86542ca Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ @More_Than_MusiciansPRODUCTION CREDITS: Show brought to you by: Talmage Thayne w/ Film Laabhttps://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne/https://www.filmlaab.com/ ARE YOU OUR NEXT GUEST? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_Zp-4MoxFijfgAHuGmsXHEso-9v1-hg6n8CbghelJ2zelA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106212904550005997752 Thanks for listening! See you next time for another episode!

We spend so much of life trapped in our bodies—lost in the stories our minds love to tell us,forgetting who we really are.We scroll. We eat. We numb. We chase distractions, searching for meaning in all the wrong places.In today’s episode, my guest Dr. Matt Townsend reminds us where true, lasting inner peace actually lives—and how to return to it.As his daughter, I’ve been incredibly blessed to learn from him over the years. These principles have carried me through dark seasons, helped me out of stuck mindsets, and continually pointed me back to hope. I’m so grateful to finally share them with you.In this conversation, we explore truths that change everything:✨ We aren’t human beings having a spiritual experience—we are spiritual beings having a human experience.✨ The common traps of the body and mind, and how a simple shift in awareness can turn our hearts back to Him.✨ Our personal “scars,” and the powerful truth that Christ chose to keep the scars in His hands.✨ The advice Matt shared at my wedding dinner—and why peace never comes from where we think it will.✨ How music can become a sacred bridge that reconnects us to God in a way few things can.This episode is deeply personal, honest, and full of hope.If you’ve ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or longing for peace and belonging—this conversation is for you. Watch to the very end for a special musical guest and an opportunity for you to "get into spirit." 🎧 Watch here! And if it resonates, please share it with someone who might need it.Find more of Dr. Matt at https://www.matttownsend.com or on instagram @drmatttownsend

What would you do if you woke up one morning and your body no longer worked the way it always had?While serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lindsey Tait Curtis experienced a moment that would change her life forever. She woke up unable to walk—beginning a journey that would eventually lead to a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that causes unpredictable episodes of paralysis and neurological symptoms. Lindsey never knows when the next episode will come or how long it will last, and the uncertainty has become one of her greatest trials.In this deeply moving conversation, Lindsey shares what it’s like to live in a body that doesn’t always cooperate, how grief and faith can coexist, and how she has leaned on God, music, and songwriting to process pain, fear, and hope. Rather than letting her limitations silence her, Lindsey has found her voice—using music as a form of prayer, healing, and testimony.This episode is an honest look at trusting God when answers don’t come quickly, when healing doesn’t look the way we expect, and when faith means continuing to believe even in the unknown. Lindsey’s story is one of resilience, positivity, and choosing hope—again and again. Lindsey’s original songwriting is featured throughout the episode, offering a powerful soundtrack to her story. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, uncertainty, or simply wondering how faith can carry you through life’s hardest seasons, this conversation will remind you that even when the body falters, faith can still stand strong.

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Matthew Braidley Johnson, master piano technician and hymn arranger, to explore the powerful parallels between tuning a piano and tuning our hearts. Matt explains the concept of a pitch raise — why some pianos require a major adjustment before they can ever be finely tuned — and how that same principle applies to our spiritual lives, personal growth, and family priorities.Matthew also shares the intentional decision to step away from the retail side of his business in order to create a family life more aligned with the goals he and his wife had for time together, especially on weekends with their young family. Together they discuss good, better, and best choices, and why choosing the best is individual often requires meaningful sacrifice.Throughout the conversation, Matthew plays two of his hymn arrangements, shares scripture, and reflects on the spiritual power of music to shape our homes, strengthen faith, and bring greater harmony to our lives. You're not going to want to miss this one!For piano tuning, moving, servicing and more visit - https://www.matthewbraidleypianos.com/Matt's Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gfpqL1x73QDppTU68K24B

In this episode, Sarah sits down with her husband and co-founder, Brady Davies, to share the story behind The Piano Place — how it started, what they’ve learned, and the real stories from students and families that prove music can tangibly shape and strengthen a home. Together, they open up about the early days of building a music school from scratch, the moments that strengthened (and tested) their marriage, and the experiences that confirmed to them that music truly does change lives. They also talk honestly about the regrets they carry from those early chapters — the sacrifices, the missteps, and the things they wish they’d done differently — and how, through all of it, they can now see God’s hand guiding each step of the way. Whether you’re a parent wanting to bring more music into your home, an entrepreneur curious about what it takes to start a business, or someone who simply loves a good origin story, this episode will inspire you to see music as more than a hobby — but a transformative force inside any home, especially when you invite faith, grace, and growth into the process.

This week on More Than Musicians, Sarah sits down with Andy Phillips — a rare talent who has performed at a professional level in not just one discipline, but two. A former member of the U.S. Ski Team who later became the beloved kicker for the University of Utah football team (and even spent time in the NFL), Andy’s story is full of remarkable twists. And what many don’t know is that he’s also a gifted violinist.Andy’s perspective is especially powerful because he’s now a coach to his own kids on various teams and a featured writer for the Salt Lake Tribune, where he is passionate about helping kids tap into their fullest potential. Together, he and Sarah dive into what today’s youth are facing in the world of competitive sports and nonstop activities: burnout, the value of multi-sport experiences, knowing when an investment has lifetime value, and how parents can tell when it might be time for a child to step back or even quit.Insightful, grounded, and refreshingly honest, this episode offers practical wisdom for parents trying to help their kids thrive — a must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone raising high-potential kids.

On this episode of More Than Musicians, Sarah welcomes Summer Adamson: wife, mother of four, author, and advocate. Summer shares her family’s journey after her daughter Jayne was born with Down syndrome—a diagnosis that, while unexpected, brought extra joy, curiosity, and compassion into their lives.Jayne plays a special musical number on the piano at the end of the episode. Don't miss this one!

In this episode of More Than Musicians, we will explore the transformative journey of Lisle Moore, an award-winning, world-renowned composer as he discovers his faith. Through compelling stories and insightful conversations, and moving music, this podcast delves into the intersection of artistry and spirituality. Perfect for music lovers, faith seekers, and anyone interested in inspiring life stories. Lisle and his daughter Elica perform a special number live at the end. Don't miss it!

In this episode, Sarah deep dives an experience she had in the temple that "poured rocket fuel" on her desire to make this podcast happen. She discusses the idea of music being a spiritual gift and how by understanding our gifts.. one can greater feel the guidance of The Spirit and access the power of heaven in their own life.

Learn the WHO, WHAT and WHY behind the podcast More Than Musicians!

Where are our young aspiring musicians at? This one is for you!  This week we got so lucky because we got to sit down with the amazing Sara Bauman on the show! A native of Salt Lake City, Sara Noel Bauman Staples graduated from The Juilliard School in New York City with a master’s degree in violin performance. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University while serving as concertmaster of both the BYU Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras. Most recently she can be found playing with both the Utah Symphony and Seattle Symphony.  On this episode, Sara and Sarah peel back the curtain on the Juilliard experience, everything from the audition process to the practice hours to the class load and what it truly takes. Sara gives us insight into how she plans to approach a music education with her own kids as well as the most important life lessons and experiences that she has taken away from her music career to this point. Sara graciously opens up about one of the most tender experiences music has afforded her as she describes her very most memorable performance. Sara describes the special relationship she shares with her go-to accompanist and how that person has helped her master her craft from a very young age.  You won't want to miss this, it's a good one!  Find Sara's and her music on her website here, youtube here, or Apple Music here!

This week we sit down with mother of seven, lifelong musician and co-author of The Piano Place Juniors program, Louise LeSueur.  Louise dives in by sharing her background in music, her own experience with quitting and later regretting it and the approach she now takes with her own kids when it comes to lessons. We learn how Louise's regret in quitting lessons in her adolescence has lead her to re-enroll in lessons as an adult. Louise discusses the "fruit" she has seen come from her older children being able to use their music outside of the home and the personal reasons behind why she is so deeply committed to the cause of helping her kids stick with their lessons.  Aside from her incredible insights as a mother and life-long student, Louise is one of the co-authors and brains behind the Piano Place Juniors Program. If you've ever wondered what it's all about, take a listen!  31:28: How the idea of a juniors program and the relationship with Louise came to be.  34:48: The pros and cons of Musikgarten, Kindermusik and Let's Play Music and how our The Piano Place Juniors program differs.  37:46: The thought process and intent behind the development of the curriculum.  43:02: The objectives of The Piano Place Juniors program (what skills its designed to help young musicians obtain) 44:04: A teacher's testimonial on how this program is truly helping her students excel.  46:21: A walk through of the format of the class.  To learn more about The Piano Place Juniors program visit https://thepianoplaceutah.com/piano-place-jr/

In this episode, Sarah goes solo to answer the #1 question she most frequently gets asked which is, "What age should I put my kid in music lessons?" Sarah draws on her nearly 15 years of experience teaching private piano lessons and running a music studio to help parents identify markers of readiness. As as easy as it would be to slap a magic number on it, Sarah talks about why that isn't possible to define with a one-size-fits-all kind of answer. Sarah will outline four great questions a parent can ask themselves that will help them determine for their own family when it's the right time. Sarah will gives insight into the approach she is taking with music lessons in her own home as her own kids have recently begun the journey of learning an instrument. Sarah also recaps an exciting and eventful weekend full of marathon PR's, pet chickens and more! 

On this episode, we sit down with Amy Geis, a talented singer/songwriter and former member of BYU's acapella group, Noteworthy. Amy discusses the vulnerable topics of her latest singles and shares the personal struggles she faces daily with body image, anxiety and self-acceptance. Amy's songs bring a message of hope and quite strength to all that listen.

On this episode we sit down with Dr. Matt Townsend as he gives us parenting tips that will help us in our approach not just with music lessons but all of our kids activities. Matt uses the metaphor of the parent being like a gardener whose sole job is to cultivate the seed. Listen to the full episode to hear more!

In this episode, Sarah sits down with singer/ songwriter and band front man EJ Michels as he opens up about his journey of both highs and lows that have brought him where he is today in his career. Eric discusses the positive outlet that music has become for him as he has navigated life's challenges and learned to love himself. 

On this episode Sarah sits down with a neighbor and friend Fred Lowry to talk about the power music has to help us heal. In July 2017, Fred and his wife Jill went through the unimaginable when they discovered their 24-year old son Landon had died by suicide. After Landon's passing Fred began taking piano lessons again for the first time since his childhood. He discusses how playing music helped him process his grief and what we all can do to bring hope to those who need it most. 

Kicking off our first ever episode, Sarah sits down with her brother, talented musician Tanner Townsend, to talk all things music. Everything from Tanner's behind the scenes experience auditioning for the judges on American Idol, to his childhood musical hero now becoming his business partner. Tanner and Sarah discuss the crippling role that fear can play in keeping us from tapping into our full potential and how over-consuming can keep us from creating the art we were born to make. Finally, Tanner and Sarah discuss about the importance of purpose in creating music and how because art is art and there is room for everyone to sit at the table. 

We're Live! In this episode you will meet your host, Sarah Davies, as she explains how this podcast came to be and the mission behind the More Than Musician movement.