Natalie is a dynamic artist focused on social impact. With a diverse range of roles including conductor, teaching artist, composer, writer, and arts administrator, she engages with communities of all ages and backgrounds. As a mezzo-soprano with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, Natalie brings her passion for Arabic music to her work as a guest singer, clinician, and choral arranger. Co-founder and co-director of Mosaic Music Collective, she connects people through intergenerational, multicultural songs. Natalie's artistic projects explore stories, cultures, and current social issues, challenging colonial and patriarchal systems. Her compositions and arrangements foster cross-cultural understanding and participatory art experiences. Natalie is dedicated to decentering whiteness and promoting equity, having completed the Ivey League-curated Global Leaders Program in social impact and arts. With expertise in equity-centered organizational development, she consults with arts organizations and leads workshops on decolonization, leadership, and social change. Takeaways: The importance of art in communities lies in its ability to empower individuals to express their voices, fostering democracy and civic engagement. Art in a community enables genuine self-expression, fostering an environment for individuals to share and listen to diverse voices. To combat funding cuts in teaching artistry, artists should proactively engage with the community, grasping its needs and priorities. Embracing curiosity, experimentation, and the acceptance of mistakes is crucial in enabling genuine self-expression in a world driven by perfectionism. Challenges like climate change, racism, food insecurity, and homelessness often stem from colonization's legacy. Inclusive and non-judgmental spaces are crucial for artists to express sensitive topics safely. Personal growth and expression paths are unique, with no path being superior to others. In a society that often equates self-worth with productivity, it is important to recognize our inherent value as individuals, regardless of our level of productivity. Embracing imperfections allows for personal growth and development. Adopting a community-oriented approach to collaboration, rather than a competitive and perfectionistic mindset, can be a positive direction for the industry. Advice for artists promoting social justice and leading fulfilling lives. Seek out like-minded individuals and cultivate meaningful relationships within your artistic community. Freelancers should be aware of their legal rights and value in the industry. Social Media Links Website: https://nataliefasheh.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalie.fasheh What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Stanford Thompson is a musician and educator who serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Play On Philly and Founding Board Chairman of El Sistema USA and the National Instrumentalist Mentoring and Advancement Network. Recognized as a TED Fellow, Stanford believes that music is a powerful tool for positive personal and community change. Mr. Thompson serves on the faculty of the Global Leaders Program and regularly presents for major arts and business conferences, institutions, and stakeholders about leadership, entrepreneurship and social justice. As a principal of Goldsmith Strategies, he has guided the strategic development of dozens of organizations across the United States while collaborating with local and national initiatives to develop new strategies and programs that provide equitable access to the arts. As a professional trumpeter, Stanford has performed as a soloist and member with major orchestras around the world and continues to perform throughout the Philadelphia region. Stanford is a native of Atlanta, GA, a graduate of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program and holds degrees from The Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory’s Sistema Fellows Program Takeaways Building relationships with others is crucial for personal growth and success. It is important to establish meaningful connections, share talents, and uplift others. It is powerful to be part of a wider collective and take charge of building our own networks instead of relying solely on big institutions. Advice for nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Organizations should prioritize relationship building and make time to develop meaningful connections. Advice for young people in preparing themselves for the real world. In the face of disruption, it is important to think ahead and prepare for the future, especially for young artists. Advice for young musicians to encourage them to expound the possibilities that would work for them. Young musicians should focus on developing their skills, keeping all options open, and exploring possibilities that work for them. Social Media Links Website: https://www.stanfordthompson.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StanfordLeonThompson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sltstanford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanfordleon  Twitter: https://twitter.com/stanfordleon What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Sidney Shapiro is an experienced male data professional with a passion for teaching and research. Currently an assistant professor of business analytics at the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge, he inspires and guides students in their pursuit of knowledge and excellence in the field of business analytics. With over a decade of experience in data analysis, business intelligence, data science, and data engineering, Sidney specializes in building and automating data tools and products using Python and SQL to solve complex data problems. He has a diverse range of skills and knowledge, and his goal is to empower students to help organizations and business leaders make optimal decisions based on data. Takeaways Effective communication, creative problem-solving, and being open to possibilities lead to better results. Information is readily available, and anyone can take advantage of it to learn new skills, even without a degree. Tailoring information to the right audience is crucial. Developing skills in using social media and technology is beneficial, starting from where you are and building capacity. Communicating your value and building a high-quality network is essential for professionals. Learning new ways to communicate with students and meeting them where they are is important. Being prepared and building networks early is valuable advice for professionals. Automated tools like CHAT GPT can assist in creating impressive resumes and cover letters, but they cannot replace the individuality and uniqueness that comes with a personal touch. Understanding and going beyond the surface layer leads to greater learning and understanding. Social Media Links Website: https://sidneyshapiro.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidneyshapiro/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/data_professor  Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Sidney-Shapiro  GitHub: https://github.com/SidneyCodes  Published Book: HyFlex What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Juanita Calderón is currently the Communications Coordinator of Colombian NGO Somos CaPAZes. She holds a BA in Language Teaching and is finishing her Music Education and Choral Conducting studies. She has managed Social Media for a wide range of events such as TEDxUnijaveriana and Wimbledon International Music Festival.  She believes art and language are deeply rooted in human culture and is committed to transforming lives through music and education. Takeaways Education can help maximize your passion for music and your connection with people. Social media can be a powerful tool for reaching out to people when used correctly. The fight for authenticity often stems from societal pressure to conform to certain standards. It's important to define buyer and seller personas and understand your audience. Connecting with your message is essential for effective communication. Sharing your message is not just about content, but also how you present it on social media. Inclusivity and listening to the community are crucial. Audiences know what they want to hear, so it's important to pay attention to their needs. If you're not satisfied with your strategies, be willing to change. Don't be afraid to share your art with the world. Creating a fulfilling career in the arts requires living and experiencing life. Starting new projects and reaching out to mentors can be helpful after graduation. Social Media Links Facebook: www.facebook.com/juanitaca97 What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Margaret, a musician, and educator from Venezuela is a product of El Sistema. Continuing the legacy of the founder of el Sistema, maestro José Antonio Abreu, Margaret uses music as a vehicle for social change, traveling nationally and internationally to share her passion and vision with other Sistema inspired programs through her pedagogy. She grew up in the capital city of Caracas in Venezuela, where she learned about the core values of El Sistema, and how music has the power to create social change. Through these life experiences, she developed a deep sense of being valued and how to face the challenges of life's journey through music confidently. Margaret earned a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance as well as a Minor in Violin and Piano from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia where she was a student of violist Doris Lederer (Audubon Quartet). Prior to her studies in the United States, she performed with the world-renowned Simon Bolivar Orchestra of Venezuela under Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. Additionally, she has worked with several professional chamber ensembles and symphonic orchestras in the United States and continues to actively teach both children and adults about a variety of string instruments in schools. In March of 2021, Gonzalez was the recipient of The Jefferson Awards for MMSF’s commitment to serving and empowering the youth in their community. In 2016, she was also selected to be a speaker at the American String Teacher Association National Conference in Tampa, Florida. In 2022, Gonzalez received an Executive Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship, Cultural Agency, Community Development, Organizational Management, and Teaching Artistry. Takeaways Exposure to programs like El Sistema can inspire and impact individuals to give back to their communities through music. The process of creating an organization like Music Mission San Francisco involves careful planning and consideration of the vision and goals. A major challenge for Music Mission San Francisco is making others understand their vision and how it can positively impact the lives of their students. Those involved in music have a responsibility to understand the potential impact it can have on people's lives. Showing people the benefits and possibilities of being involved in music can increase awareness and appreciation for its impact. The digital age has opened up new opportunities for music organizations to connect and create events online, as demonstrated by Music Mission San Francisco's online music festival for their students. Adapting to changing situations and making the most of available resources is important for success. Advice for people who wants to build an organization with regards to serving communities through music It is important to not give up in the face of rejection and prove that success is possible. Social Media Links Website: https://www.musicmissionsf.org/  Facebook: https://twitter.com/musicmissionsf  What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

As a soloist, Julia Heinen has performed hundreds of concertos and recitals around the world including recent performances in Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Poland, France, El Salvador, the Czech Republic, Spain and Portugal. Ms. Heinen has adjudicated countless competitions including chairing the jury of the 9th International Mercadante Clarinet Competition in Noci, Italy and serving on the jury for the 2nd Biannual International European Clarinet Competition in Ghent, Belgium. Since 1995, Ms. Heinen has been Professor of Music at California State University, Northridge. She has been a member of the International Clarinet Association since 1978 and served as the co-artistic director of ClarinetFest® 2011 the annual international conference of this organization. She continues her work with the ICA as the National State Chair Coordinator and state of California Chair of the International Clarinet Association. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Northwestern University and the University of Minnesota, studying clarinet with J. Cloyde Williams, Herbert Blayman, and Robert Marcellus. Ms. Heinen is committed to participation in the arts being available to all and works diligently to advocate for this goal. Her research and leadership projects focus on underrepresented constituencies and she works to make sure everyone who wishes to participate in the arts as a vocation or avocation has the opportunity to do so. Julia Heinen is a Buffet Crampon, D’Addario and Silverstein Performing Artist and performs exclusively on Buffet clarinets, D’Addario reeds, and Silverstein ligatures. Takeaways Mathematical mind and connection with music. The societal impact of music on both affluent and underprivileged communities. Learning music fosters a sense of community. Enabling students to discover and express their unique artistic voice. The orchestral world has not fully accepted its responsibility to celebrate new works, such as programming. It is important to be more open and acknowledge that each student is a unique individual. Orchestral time is not solely dedicated to playing masterworks; there should also be musicians who are versatile on what they do. Advice for people who wants to pursue a career in music or arts within the digital age. Everybody needs to know how to create what they need to create. Digital artists need to connect with live people in this era. Discussion on music accessibility issues, based on the guest's research. Social Media Links Website: http://www.juliaheinen.com/publicity.html CSUN: https://www.csun.edu/mike-curb-arts-media-communication/music/dr-julia-heinen Organization: https://tempoensemble.com/julia-heinen-clarinets/ What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Evangelos Saklaras, a Greek double bassist, began his music studies in Athens at the age of 25. Three years later, he was granted a scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London where he studied with Colin Paris, Co-Principal of the London Symphony Orchestra. Evangelos frequently performs with various ensembles and orchestras in both the UK and Greece and has a particular interest in Historical Performance. Additionally, he is a talented jazz performer, improviser, and composer, and is actively involved in diverse creative projects. Notable performances include his participation in the London Händel Festival, the Athens-Epidaurus Festival, and the EFG London Jazz Festival. Driven by his enthusiasm for using music to make a positive impact on society, Evangelos served as a Fellow with the Nevis Ensemble in Scotland and worked as a teaching artist with Nucleo, a Sistema-inspired program in London, for four years. He has led composition workshops in community hubs and schools and has been invited to participate in the Lullaby Project. Additionally, Evangelos is a member of the ImPossibilities Collective and an alumnus of the Global Leaders Institute. Takeaways Embrace life's variety and diverse music. Challenges faced as an international cohort. Maintain a supportive atmosphere in the face of organizational issues. Stay curious, communicate, and take initiative. Community and collaboration are crucial during struggles. Tips for sudden organizational problems. GoFundMe campaign for fundraising. Social Media Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walking.bass/ Please consider donating to their hardship fundraiser: Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/former-nevis-fellows-hardship-fund What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Jeff Bernett has been playing guitar since he was 13 years old, inspired by his older brother and uncle. Like many young guitarists, he learned to play songs by ear from his favorite bands, such as Nirvana and Creedence Clearwater Revival. He was fortunate to receive lessons from his brother, uncle, and Mark Arneson, a multi-talented musician, producer, and songwriter based in Minneapolis. Jeff has played guitar and bass for several bands, including The Rule, which supported Cyndi Lauper on her 2006 Body Acoustic tour throughout the United States, as well as in locations like Qatar on the United States Air Force base in Doha, and São Paulo. In 2018, Jeff became the musical director and guitarist for Starlette's Web, a tribute band that honors women in pop, rock, and country music from the 80s to the present. As the band's musical director, Jeff conceptualized Caedence, which is a browser-based music collaboration software that enables musicians to synchronize and personalize music charts, lyrics, audio, MIDI, visuals, and more across devices in real-time.  Through Caedence, Jeff combines his passion for music and technology to help other artists bring their creative vision to life with less time, money, and effort. The beta version of the software is scheduled to be released in 2023. Takeaways Background and history of Caedence. Teaching people using different learning styles in regard to music. Using Caedence during rehearsal can make it more efficient and is a game changer. Applying the idea of Caedence in an educational setting such as bands or orchestras. Band rehearsals can make relationships better between people. Caedence is flexible even for someone who doesn't have the latest devices since it is browser-based. Making rehearsals relevant to the current generation of students. Advice to people as a musician, producer, and head of Caedence. Get a website that looks good, and post stuff on social media that are authentic. Take advantage of opportunities. Release beta version of Caedence in Spring. Social Media Links Website: https://caedence.io/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caedence.io Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caedencemusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Caedence What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Francesco Rocco is a multi-talented and versatile artist based in the UK and Italy. He graduated from Bologna Conservatoire, attended the Segovia Guitar Academy in Pordenone, and holds an MMus from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in classical guitar as well. Aside from his music studies, he is a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering from Università degli Studi di Padova. With a versatile approach to guitar, Francesco has won numerous awards and performed in a wide range of genres. Francesco won first prize in the Alison Stephens’ Guitar Competition in the UK, second prize in the Concorso Internazionale Giovani Musicisti “Antonio Salieri”, and third prize in the Concorso di Esecuzione Musicale "Città Piove di Sacco" in Italy. He is also the Vice President of Lilium SoundArt, an association promoting music and art through cultural digital projects with young musicians and cultural institutions worldwide. Francesco is also an avid learner, regularly practicing yoga, improving his cooking skills through learning new recipes, and caring for two stray cats. Takeaways How experiences can shape people to become exceptional artists. Art nowadays is not just about playing the instrument well, but being sensitive to how the world is changing. The importance of having the awareness to become a better advocate of art. How the history of art and art itself is dependent on technology The role of art is to capture signals from society before society itself could express theirs. Dialogue with technology is essential in art. Being an artist in Digital Age. Knowing how to communicate doesn't depend on the technology itself but on the idea of who we are and what we want to show others with our art. Advice for young people who like to pursue a career in music, art, and theater. Advice for teachers who struggle to retain students and how to show them the value of music. Advice for people who want to pursue art. Social Media Links Website: https://liliumsoundart.com/en/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiliumSoundArtVideo/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/liliumsoundart Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp2GaodqHLEHzNp3wy6deKg What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themoderartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Adrián Nájera-Coto holds degrees from Universidad de Costa Rica (2005), Western Illinois University (2007), and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University (2009). As a member of the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA), Nájera-Coto performed in important venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City, Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, National Theater of Panama, Inter-American Development Bank in Washington DC and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. From 2010 to 2017, he served as principal bass trombonist of the Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Adrián has extensively performed and taught in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, México, and Costa Rica, as well as in different cities in the United States. Adrián has served as a full-time professor and associate director of the Department of Media and Digital Culture at Tec de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey. In 2021-2022, Nájera-Coto was a cohort member of the Global Leaders Program (GLP), a twelve-month Executive Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship, Cultural Agency, Arts Innovation, Community Development, Business Management, Design Thinking, and Education Leadership. Most recent engagements as a teaching artist include presenting at the International Teaching Artist Collaborative Conference - ITAC6 in Oslo, Norway in 2022 and being a recipient of the ITAC6-7 project fund, leading a transdisciplinary team from Costa Rica, India, and Norway in a creative/explorative project that will be showcased in New Zealand in 2024. Adrián is currently enrolled in the Educational Leadership/Higher Education Administration doctoral program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Takeaways Kristine Dizon, the CEO and founder of the Modern Artist Project, interviews Adrián Nájera-Coto, a bass trombonist and graduate research assistant at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Adrián has a background in music performance and has taught at the university level. In the interview, they discuss the challenges of communicating and connecting with people in regards to education and art. Adrián emphasizes the importance of involving people in the decision-making process and making connections through art. They also suggest using different approaches and methods to reach different groups of people and finding common ground with them. Kristine agrees and adds that it is important to be open to change and to listen to the needs and concerns of others. Adrián also discusses the importance of not being afraid of failure and learning from mistakes, as well as having a strong belief in oneself and one's actions. Kristine asks for advice on how to approach a career in the digital age, and Adrián advises being open to learning new things, staying up to date with technology and trends, and finding ways to stand out in a competitive field. They also recommend networking and building relationships with others in the industry. Kristine agrees and adds the importance of having a strong work ethic and being able to adapt to change. Social Media Links Website: https://centerstage.conn-selmer.com/artists/adrian-najera-coto Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrianbasstrombone/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriannajeracoto/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrian.najera.coto/ What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themodernartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

David Alexander Rahbee is currently Senior Artist in Residence at the University of Washington School of Music in Seattle, where he is Director of Orchestral Activities and Chair of Orchestral Conducting. He is the Music Director and Conductor of the University of Washington Symphony Orchestra and founder of the UW Campus Philharmonia Orchestras. He is a recipient of the American-Austrian Foundation's 2003 Herbert von Karajan Fellowship for Young Conductors, the 2005 International Richard-Wagner-Verband Stipend, a fellowship from the Acanthes Centre in Paris (2007), and is a first prize winner in conducting from The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts for 2020. He has appeared in concert with orchestras such as the Seattle Symphony, RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg, Kammerphilharmonie Berlin-Brandenburg, Guernsey Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony, National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, Orchestre de la Francophonie, Orchesterakademie der Bochumer Symphoniker, Seattle Modern Orchestra among many others, and has appeared at summer festivals around Europe and North America. His brass arrangements are published by Warwick Music, and his articles on the music of Mahler have appeared in journals of the International Gustav Mahler Gesellschaft, among others. He is co-editor of Daniels’ Orchestral Music (6thedition) and Daniels’ Orchestral Music Online (DOMO), the gold standard among conductors, orchestral administrators, orchestra librarians as well as other music professionals and students researching for orchestral programming. Takeaways Kristine Dizon and David Rahbee are discussing the role that music played in Rahbee's life and how it led to his career as a conductor. Rahbee discusses the role that social media and the internet can play in promoting classical music, but also expresses concerns about the loss of personal interaction. He mentioned the importance of engaging with people who make comments or ask questions, and the potential for sharing performances online. However, he also mentions challenges to doing so, including the cost of streaming performances that include rental pieces and the restrictions placed on them by rental companies. Dizon asks for ideas on how to make classical music more human in the digital age, and Rahbee suggests engaging with people who are interested in the music and asking them questions about what they find interesting about it. They also mention the importance of trying to work out the kinks in the process of sharing performances online and finding a way to make it more accessible to a wider audience. Social Media Links Website: https://www.davidrahbee.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DARahbee/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrahbee/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darahbee/?hl=en What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themodernartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

American saxophonist Nathan Mertens (he/him) currently serves as the Teaching Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Arkansas and in the Fall of 2023 will begin as the Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Colorado Boulder. As an active soloist and chamber musician, he has performed recitals in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Croatia, Bolivia, the United Kingdom, and throughout the United States. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, Hastings Symphony Orchestra, The University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, and the University of Arkansas Saxophone Ensemble. Mertens’ orchestral experience includes performances with the San Antonio Symphony and the Omaha Symphony. In competition, he was awarded Third Prize in the 14th Kurashiki International Saxophone Competition, Second Grand Prize in the North International Music Competition in Sweden, and has been a finalist for many national competitions. Previously, Mertens lived in Tokyo, Japan as a Monbukagakusho Research Scholarship recipient with the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. As such, Mertens was the first American Saxophonist to formally study in Japan. Realizing that awareness and access to Japanese music were lacking in the West, Mertens created the Japanese Saxophone Database, a resource to connect the rest of the world with all things saxophone in Japan. While in Tokyo, he performed with the Kunitachi Saxophone Ensemble, the Japan Saxophone Orchestra, Marie Kikuchi, and Emi Kondo. Mertens studied at The University of Texas at Austin - Butler School of Music, Hastings College, and Kunitachi College of Music, with Stephen Page, Debra Rhodes, and Masato Kumoi, respectively. Mertens is a D'Addario Woodwind Artist, a Yamaha Performing Artist, and a Rousseau Artist Endorser, and performs exclusively on these products. Takeaways Advice for young professionals by knowing what they want to do. People who want to focus on the results is to think of success Instead of saying “people are not capable of doing'', rather say “the work ethic you’re exhibiting now does not match the goals that you have told me that you want.” Mission statement is flexible. Understand who you are and what you can bring. Think about what makes you special. Use as many resources as possible to be prepared for the world you currently live in. Try to be professional but also be real and transparent of your own growth and journey. Resources: http://www.nathanmertens.com Social Media Links Website: http://www.nathanmertens.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanmertens Twitter: https://twitter.com/nathanmertens What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themodernartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

As an actor, Eric Booth performed in many plays on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and around the U.S. As a businessman, he started a small company, Alert Publishing, that in seven years became the largest of its kind in the U.S. analyzing research on trends in American lifestyles. As an author, he has had seven books published—The Everyday Work of Art was a Book of the Month Club bestseller, and The Music Teaching Artist’s Bible, was published by Oxford University Press, and is used as a textbook around the world.  He has published 45 articles, and was the Founding Editor of the quarterly Teaching Artist Journal. He has been on the faculty of Juilliard (13 years), Tanglewood (5 years) and Lincoln Center Institute (for 41 years); and he has given workshops at over 30 universities, and 60 cultural institutions.  He has designed and led over twenty research projects, and seven online courses and workshops, including the new course Teaching Artistry for Social Impact, offered free on Kadenze. He serves as a consultant for many organizations, cities, school districts, states and businesses around the U.S., and in 11 other countries.  Clients have included seven of the ten largest U.S. orchestras, six national service organizations, Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. Formerly the Founding Director of the Teacher Center of the Leonard Bernstein Center (now on the Board of Directors), he is a frequent keynote speaker on the arts to groups of all kinds. He gave the closing keynote address to UNESCO’s first ever worldwide arts education conference (Lisbon 2006), the opening keynote to UNESCO’s 2014 World Conference. A decade ago he founded ITAC—the International Teaching Artist Collaborative—the world’s first network of artists who work in communities and schools.  He is the first person to be given an honorary doctorate for teaching artistry (New England Conservatory 2012). In 2015 he was given the nation’s highest award in arts education and was named one of the “25 Most Powerful and Influential People in the American Arts.” Takeaways How to make people care about art Nouns of art and verbs of art Overcoming different obstacles in our careers 3 Guidelines in Teaching Artistry The development of Teaching Artistry and its response to cultural change Understanding the Digital Age When Eric Booth started Teaching Artistry at Julliard How to work with groups of young artists Resources: https://ericbooth.net/ Social Media Links Website: https://ericbooth.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.booth.9822 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-booth-06b426/ What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themodernartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Dr. Julia Lougheed was recently appointed as the new Executive Director of the New Works Project. The New Works Project is a 501(c)(3) organization that enables musicians to participate in the commissioning of new music at an accessible price. Our programs serve those who are interested in contemporary music but are limited in their capacity to engage in the community, either because of access to funds to initiate the commissioning process or access to large or specialty instruments. The works we commission are intentionally portable and flexible. Thus, while they are of a degree of artistic excellence suitable for a formal recital setting, they can just as easily be included in a variety of school settings, public areas, hospitals, or institutions. The project was founded in 2014 by Melanie Voytovich in response to these challenges. Although ad hoc commissions were available through community members, she sought to create a structure of regularly scheduled commission projects that united small communities of performers for each work. We also recognize access to personnel is often a barrier and have made a commitment to commissioning works for solo and duo exclusively. Takeaways Work and life balance as an artist. Does it really exist? Advice for young professionals in pursuing creative careers The importance of investing in your community The importance of the New Works Project and how to make new music accessible to a wider audience Resources: https://www.newworksproject.org/ Social Media Links Website: https://www.newworksproject.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewWorksProject Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newworksproject/?hl=en What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themodernartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project

Dr. Garrett Hope is an award-winning composer, speaker, and money coach. His focus is on helping people change their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about money. Since money is the most taboo topic we have in our culture, and since everyone learned about it at a very young age, money beliefs often affect people negatively. His mission is to change that. In 2020 he delivered a TEDx talk on how music, and the arts, can make science more accessible and engaging for general audiences. From 2005–2020 he taught at a variety of colleges and universities in Colorado, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. Currently, he travels the country (and over Zoom) speaking to audiences of all sizes, helping them untangle their business knots and begin to think business-ly. Garrett holds degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the University of Northern Colorado, and Colorado Christian University. He is a native of Colorado, but currently lives in Nebraska with his wife and daughter. For more information, visit www.garretthope.com. Arthur Breur focuses on composing personalized melodic music for live performance, for everything from solo instrument or voice to full orchestra, concert band, and other large ensembles. He is the Composer in Residence for the Tualatin Valley Community Band and the Tualatin Valley Symphony, working not just to create new music, but to promote the creation and performance of new music by others. He is the co-founder of ComposerInResidence.org, a model for creating custom artist residencies for community ensembles. He is also the host of the Melodology Podcast. Takeaways How individual experiences lead us to entrepreneurial pursuits Mindset plays a role in being able to generate multiple streams of income as an artist Career advice in the digital age Save the Date: The Summit will be happening from January 5-7, 2022 Resources: https://www.musicsummit.biz/ Social Media Links Website: https://www.musicsummit.biz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltimateMusicBizSummit/ Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ultimatemusicb1 What’s Next?! Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with your friends. If you liked this podcast, please rate and write a review of how this show has helped you. This will help us be able to increase our visibility nationally and in being able to make an impact on the profession. If you would like to hear more about any specific topics, please email us at info@themodernartistproject.com. I would love to help support your community in all artistic disciplines. Kristine Dizon The Modern Artist Project