Sounds of Encouragement

Artist Gurm was born in India, grew up in China and currently resides in Thailand. Having grown up and been schooled in an international environment, immersed throughout in a multi-cultural atmosphere, she has always been fascinated with the unique cultural elements and stories from all over the world. After following art as a passion since her middle school days, she honed her skills by doing a Masters in Visual Arts (Studio Art) in Hong Kong. She works in the medium of drawing, painting and mixed media, and also enjoys writing and vlogging. She has had several solo exhibitions in China and has gained recognition of her art globally. Gurm’s artistic inspiration comes from everyday life. She is interested in creating works that represent the familiar world around us. By looking beyond the obvious, Gurm reconstructs the everyday environment around us into something artistically unique, which allows the audience to discover beauty in unusual places. For Gurm, art is not only a way to express herself, but also a therapeutic path of self-discovery. She likes to think that she has not found art, but rather art has found her. She perceives art as a medium to radiate bliss and peace of mind, and to bring life to the present moment. Gurm wants people to look at her artworks and experience the same feeling she has while creating them – freedom, satisfaction, and a journey of self-reflection. See and Learn about Gurm's art at https://gurmsart.com Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) "Imagine" by John Lennon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugrAo8wEPiI 2) "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtC1W-6hwIU 3) "Firework" by Katy Perry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw 4) "This is Me" from the Greatest Showman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjxugyZCfuw 5) "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y66j_BUCBMY Support the show

Lauren Best lives where the Pottawatomi River meets Georgian Bay, on the territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (now known as Owen Sound, Ontario). She is an interdisciplinary creative with a multifaceted community arts practice interweaving her work as a poet, musician, and composer/creator. Lauren left her small Ontario town as a young singer-songwriter keyboardist and returned to become Poet Laureate Emeritus (Owen Sound, 2017-2019). Lauren is included alongside other Poets Laureate Emeritus in the City of Windsor’s South Shore Collections series, A Manor of Words: Poetry at the Manor 10th Anniversary Anthology (Black Moss Press, 2022). Her poems are published in Spike: Poems in the Time of Pestilence (Cannon Creek Press, 2021). Lauren’s 2010 chapbook Resound Re:Sound is a collection of lyrics written in Owen Sound between 2004-2008. Lauren’s music has been heard coast to coast since her debut album release in 2011, and she’s collaborated across genres and art forms with work in music, poetry, theatre, film and digital media. During more than a decade of community engaged arts, Lauren has partnered across sectors spanning education, cognitive neuroscience research, healthcare, social service, and cultural organizations. In 2022 she teamed up with Seattle-baed saxophonist Steve Treseler to create the Infinite Improvisation Podcast. Lauren’s new performance pieces combine poetry from her first full-length poetry book Just Leaves (2023), set within a soundscape of keyboard and vocal improvisation paired with lyric melodies. You can learn more about Lauren and order her book, Just leaves at www.laurenbest.com You can also collaborate with Lauren by checking out https://bestpracticearts.com/index.html Tune in for Part II to hear Lauren's Top 5 Songs of Encouragement and MUCH MORE! Support the show

Lauren Best lives where the Pottawatomi River meets Georgian Bay, on the territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (now known as Owen Sound, Ontario). She is an interdisciplinary creative with a multifaceted community arts practice interweaving her work as a poet, musician, and composer/creator. Lauren left her small Ontario town as a young singer-songwriter keyboardist and returned to become Poet Laureate Emeritus (Owen Sound, 2017-2019). Lauren is included alongside other Poets Laureate Emeritus in the City of Windsor’s South Shore Collections series, A Manor of Words: Poetry at the Manor 10th Anniversary Anthology (Black Moss Press, 2022). Her poems are published in Spike: Poems in the Time of Pestilence (Cannon Creek Press, 2021). Lauren’s 2010 chapbook Resound Re:Sound is a collection of lyrics written in Owen Sound between 2004-2008. Lauren’s music has been heard coast to coast since her debut album release in 2011, and she’s collaborated across genres and art forms with work in music, poetry, theatre, film and digital media. During more than a decade of community engaged arts, Lauren has partnered across sectors spanning education, cognitive neuroscience research, healthcare, social service, and cultural organizations. In 2022 she teamed up with Seattle-baed saxophonist Steve Treseler to create the Infinite Improvisation Podcast. Lauren’s new performance pieces combine poetry from her first full-length poetry book Just Leaves (2023), set within a soundscape of keyboard and vocal improvisation paired with lyric melodies. You can find Lauren on socials and at https://laurenbest.com or at https://bestpracticearts.com/index.html Lauren's Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) This Joy by The Resistance Revival Chorus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TbDPwA09Bc&t=15s 2) Soy Yo by Bomba Estereo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxWxXncl53U&t=48s 3) Fool for Waiting by Dan Mangan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W4sCAl1qzY or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJjDQ_OzLt8 4) Mississippi Nuthin' by Shovels & Rope https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMKxTjo21bI&t=21s 5) Don't Quit on Me by Richard Laviolette https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVBDEsGcj8g&t=95s Support the show

Chris Rugowski is the man, or chicken as he is known to many, behind Chicken or The Egg Photography. He is a photojournalist who captures your authentic story. As of 2023, he’s been in photography for about a decade, and in that time has gone from hobbyist with an iphone doing a full time job in software engineering (i.e. living in the matrix) to breaking free of the matrix to become a full time freelancer living the photography, music and journalism life. His main focus of photography is events, music and street lifestyle. His unique vision and ability to capture life and scenes has led to work with high profile music festivals such as Rock Fest and Mile of Music, both of which get 100,000+ in attendance. He has worked with Tough Mudder, and is a staple photographer for the Downtown areas of Green Bay, WI. He is a recording artist, with his band Age of Fable (progressive rock) and solo project The Finest Faux (acoustic rock). Age of Fable has had radio play from the Midwest all the way to Australia, with multiple singles being released from their concept album Modes of Persuasion, which focused on the concepts of Pathos, Ethos, Logos. You can find Age of Fable on any of the streaming platforms. He writes for The Business News covering all types of business news from small startups to companies with worldwide presence. Musically, he writes for MyGlobalMind a metal and rock publication. He photographs and reviews concerts, and writes album reviews. Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Sunshine by Atmosphere https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AckhnLpwceM 2) Lose Yourself by Eminem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YuAzR2XVAM 3) Look What Happened by Less Than Jake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTpAF8PSj-4 4) Disenchantment by Meshuggah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0jlf9MICv4 5) Pardon Me by Incubus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxgHjhc0t3Y Bonus Track Fire Fighters by Age of Fable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap2lmnE1GqU Support the show

Pam Asberry, M.M., has over forty years of professional experience as a music educator, adjudicator, performer, recording artist, speaker, author, composer and arranger. A BMI artist, she has released nine solo piano albums to date and her music can be heard on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Sirius XM, and elsewhere. Described as “a new age solo pianist of uncommon melodic grace, insight and heartfelt intuitiveness” (Jonathan Widran, The JW Vibe), Pam Asberry is an award-winning performing artist and composer who combines contemporary, new age and classical sounds to create music that is alternately melodic and graceful, dramatic and powerful, peaceful and hypnotic. Classically trained from the age of seven, she completed a master’s degree in piano performance and piano pedagogy and maintains a private teaching studio in Lawrenceville, Georgia, offering both virtual and in-person lessons in piano, clarinet, music theory, and composition. She has played concerts across the United States and abroad and her twin passions are sharing her music and the stories behind them with listeners around the world and inspiring others, especially young people, to find their own joy in music making. Follow Pam on Social media and find out more at https://pamasberry.com Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) All Will Be Well by the Gabe Dixon Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2-3ooX_XkQ 2) After the Storm by Mumford & Sons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqUsAHTUPTU&list=RDYqUsAHTUPTU&start_radio=1 3) The Wall by Kansas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKY_Bh53YDE 4) The Wexford Carol with Yo-Yo Ma & Alison Krauss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxDZjg_Igoc 5) Metamorphosis by Pam Asberry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9i49zPO96o To keep the show ad free, go to www.buymeacoffee.com/Encouragement Support the show

Asher began classical violin training at the tender age of 2 and had already performed with the Buffalo philharmonic by age 13. Asher’s expertise in improvisation across multiple genres has led him to a career as a soloist in demand, performing at venues such as Madison Square Garden, Hammerstein Hall, Lincoln Center, the Jacob Javitz Center and across four continents. Asher has also been featured on PBS, and has made headlines on CNN, WABC, NBC, and the New York Post among many other major news sources. He has been booked to perform at special events for Google, Nickelodeon, TNT, National Geographic, Citigroup and a list of notables including George W. Bush, Ivana Trump and many others. In 2014 Asher lived a musician’s nightmare when he lost the strength to play his violin for a number of years. Refusing to accept conventional advice he found a way to heal, building his strength to an unprecedented level. He used this experience as fuel to reinvent his live concerts as a high-energy contemporary violinist. In only a few months, Asher learned to merge, popular tunes and breakdancing choreography into his performances. Asher also uniquely performs as a DJ violinist bringing his experience as a live performer and technical prowess as an audio editing and mixing guru to countless clubs and stages. Asher has been privileged to teach children and adolescents from under resourced neighborhoods in the Bronx for almost 4 years. This has fostered his drive to make a positive imprint on others. With a growing fan base in the tens of thousands, Asher is working to influence societal norms and conventional thinking about musical performance, helping to break down social and physical barriers for his fans and beyond. https://www.asherlaub.com/home Fanlinks: https://fanlink.to/asher https://AWAL.lnk.to/xwoLQ Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) "You Raise Me Up" sung by Josh Groban https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfO8j7ObZVY 2) "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4 3) "Roar" by Katy Perry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CevxZvSJLk8 4) "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn676-fLq7I 5) "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8craCGpgs Bonus track "Subtle Pulse" by Asher Laub and Porter Singer https://open.spotify.com/track/6KRnefUR0QljOpMk0Dfmbp?si=c91cd685d893422a&nd=1 Support the show

Katie Dahl is a songwriter and playwright whose work is as expansive as Lake Michigan and as deeply rooted as its rocky coastal bluffs. A small-town celebrity on the Wisconsin peninsula where her family has lived for 175 years, she is now a radio-charting folk artist who tours around the world. Clear-eyed and tough-minded, fresh and funny, Katie “delivers razor-sharp lyrics with a hearty, soulful voice” (American Songwriter). Katie’s four albums of original songs showcase her creamy alto and trademark wit, as well as her unflinching authenticity. Her recent work finds her exploring more vulnerable territory than ever before, from anxiety to body image to the challenges of growing up queer in an evangelical church. Richly steeped in the American songwriting tradition, Katie navigates the muddy waters between the personal, public, and political with tenderness and dexterity. Katie is currently working with renowned producer Julie Wolf on a new album slated for release in early 2023. Her previous album, Wildwood, was produced by JT Nero (Birds of Chicago) and features Allison Russell; that record’s “Worry My Friend” hit #6 on the folk radio charts in 2019. Her song “Crowns” spent a month at #1 on the charts in 2015. Katie is also a playwright; her latest musical The Fisherman’s Daughters (2021) tells the story of two sisters in 1908 who fight the state of Wisconsin’s efforts to take their rural homestead via eminent domain to make a state park. Victory Farm (2012; co-written with James Valcq and Emilie Coulson) is a fictionalized account of the real-life German POWs who came to Wisconsin to pick cherries during World War II. Both plays were made into live cast recordings. Katie was a college freshman in Minnesota when she slipped on a patch of sidewalk ice and broke her wrist. Suddenly unable to play the oboe in her college orchestra, Katie used her newfound free time to learn guitar, teaching herself chord shapes as she strummed the strings with her stiff right hand. Nine years later, that icy day has proven to be a blessing in disguise, leading Katie into a life of work that Dar Williams calls “the very best kind of songwriting.” Don't forget to buy Katie's latest Album Seven Stones! https://katiedahlmusic.com Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) "May I Suggest" by Susan Werner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW1DDSQnEYo 2) "Grow Your Flowers" by JT & the Clouds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RntOMgWg7SM 3) "Hammer and A Nail" by The Indigo Girls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTI2GGNFR_U 4) "Nobody's Crying" by Patty Griffin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGlNEbFuN9g 5) "Sacristy" by Katie Dahl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8o19TND2yI Photo Credits: Wolfskull Creative & Kelly Nicolaisen Support the show

Owner/Instructor at the Linda Kennedy School of Piano and Voice, Linda began as an educator, arranger and performer at the age of 14. Mrs. Kennedy is both a degreed and Nationally Certified teacher. She is a former instructor for Yamaha International and Kimball International. Mrs. Kennedy is a member of Kansas City Music Teachers Assoc. and former Executive Board member. She is an Executive Board Member of Olathe Music Teachers, member of Kansas Music Teachers, Federated Music Teachers and Music Teacher National Association. Mrs. Kennedy has judged many piano, vocal and instrumental music competitions, and was given a Judge’s Award for her work as a judge in the Iowa Yamaha Clavinova Festival. Linda Kennedy was awarded Teacher of the Year by Steinway & Sons in 2016 and 2021. Linda is currently an executive board member of OMTA, Federated Music Teachers member, and KMTA and NMTA member. https://www.lrkennedypianoandvoice.com Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) "Unstoppable" by Sia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaEG2aWJnZ8 2) The Joy of Life" by Kenny G https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd-A72uoh-U 3) "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyGY2NfYpeE 4) "I'm So Excited" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iwBM_YB1sE 5) "Walking On Sunshine" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPUmE-tne5U Support the show

Amy Rood Miller is an accomplished private music instructor, music therapist, and performer. She has sung numerous roles and performances in and around the NYC and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. In 2014 she founded Creative Music Lessons, LLC, a company that provides a more fun and interactive approach to musical instruction. This distinctive teaching style combines the soft skills of a music therapist or music educator with the technical skills of a classically-trained performer. Her company has now grown to become a group of 10 talented instructors offering in-home lessons and some group programming to students of all ages, levels, and instruments. Amy currently resides in Westchester, NY with her husband, Terence and their toddler Coralyn. You can learn more at https://www.creativemusiclessons.com For more information about music therapy, go to https://www.musictherapy.org Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Baroque and Blue: Suite No. 1 for Flute and Jazz Piano by Claude Bolling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq74JQ1Q9uw 2) Grande messe des morts, Op. 5, "Requiem": Agnus Dei https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjbtWRJQBdc 3) Golden Gate Orch. - Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue - 1925 California Ramblers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9lckkO3izg 4) Sara Bareilles - You Matter To Me (Official Audio) ft. Jason Mraz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH9gLM4I7tY 5) Beverly Sills - Ah fors'è lui...Sempre libera LA TRAVIATA Stereo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mvj1kE91E4 Support the show

For Peter's bio, see the show notes for Part 1 of the interview. Visit Peter's website at https://www.bazylistudio.com/bazyli-studio-wearable-art-gallery Inspirational Art/Artists 1) La Sagrada Familia Basilica by Antonio Gaudi 2) artist Nick Cave 3) "Seaweed" by Lenore Towney 4) "Shakespeare is in the Alley" installation by Skye Ciesla 5) "Seamless Stories Delicious Memories" by Laura Nova and Kristine Diekman Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) The Opera "Tosca" by Puccini; "Vissi d/Arte" sung by Maria Callas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk5KrlxePzI 2) "Pharaoh's Dance" by Miles Davis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtORTuLJw7o 3) "Jokerman" by Bob Dylan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foVjD4xPT1I 4) "In Lamho Ke Daaman Mein" by Sonu Nigam and Madhushree https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIxH4zcUJVE 5) "Equinoxe, Pt. 5" by Jean-Michel Jarre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXBuEcue9tE Support the show

Peter Ciesla is a self-taught textile artist born in Wroclaw, Poland in 1961. Growing up surrounded by theater, visual art and music, he developed a love for textiles and fashion. Peter started experimenting with textiles at age 11 designing and creating street fashion, as well as costume for theatre and dance performances. He emigrated to the United States in 1991 and immediately focused on developing a career as an artist/designer opening “Creative Apparel Design” in Chicago, Illinois. He spent the 1990’s focusing on custom couture work, learning the painstaking attention to detail that this work requires. In addition he developed an art-to-wear clothing and jewelry line during this time, as the Millennium approached. The present incarnation of his business, Bazyli Studio, was launched in 2002. Peter based it in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin together with his life partner and artist, Skye. They combined their talents and efforts to create their unique, one-of-a-kind, sculptural beaded jewelry line. Their work has national recognition and has won numerous awards. Although Peter continued to design art-to-wear in the 2000’s, most of his energy went into hand crafting Bazyli jewelry. In 2012, he went back to his first passion and began designing and creating art clothing on a full time basis. In 2015, Peter and Skye opened Bazyli Studio Wearable Art Gallery in a building adjacent to their home and studios. Peter’s work has always been inspired by the natural world. He has most recently developed an art clothing line integrating his own toxin free, one-of-a-kind, plant-dyed organic textiles. He works with the natural fibers of linen, cotton, silk, hemp, wool, organic when possible. He experiments with local Door County plants, nuts, berries and flowers in his natural dyeing processes. He does botanical printing along with Shibori techniques. He uses his masterful skills to manipulate textiles in a variety of ways, including surface design, texturing, application, quilting and felting techniques. He also creates his own patterns for his signature coats, jackets and vests. In developing his own plant-dyed textiles he has realized his long time dream of creating clothing with a softer ecological footprint. His deep love, appreciation and respect for the breathtaking beauty of the Door County Peninsula is reflected in his work. He looks forward to many more years of discovery and experimentation in the field of natural dyeing and in creating objects of beauty. https://www.bazylistudio.com Support the show

Randy Carter is a film and television editor and director. Born in Flint, Michigan, after 8 years in the US Navy, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the Vancouver Film School. Based in Los Angeles, Randy has been a professional editor for 25 years. Randy’s focus as an editor has always been on clarity of storytelling, molding each film until it tells the story in the most interesting way, while never placing style over substance. His credits include films and TV shows for Netflix, Hallmark, Lifetime Television, Ion, UpTV, SyFy Channel and many others. . His latest project is the Lifetime Television original film, The Gabby Petito Story, which is based on the harrowing true story that gripped the nation of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, which ended in her tragic death. In the past few years, Randy has started directing projects as well, including three films for Lifetime Television. He still considers himself primarily an editor, however. Tune in Nov. 20th for "The Case of the Christmas Diamond" on the ion channel. https://iontelevision.com/holiday-movie/the-case-of-the-christmas-diamond Randy's Top 5 Inspirational or Encouraging Movies (soundtracks used in the episode). Be sure to go find these movies and watch them in their entirety! 1) Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=460kqdhminI 2) Wait Until Dark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AOn6hqj9uQ 3) Chicago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVyhM8gHXS8 4) Star Wars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXDnFYu91vY 5) The Three Days of Condor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3uvjBO39WE Randy's IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003739/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1#editor Support the show

Kayla Peeters is an American Recording Artist. She was born in Wisconsin. She is best known for her solo piano recordings and her unique teaching approach. Kayla is a member of the Music Teachers National Association as well as the Wisconsin Teachers music association. She is set to release her latest composition Nocturne in G minor this fall. Find out more at her website! Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) A Thousand Years by Christina Perri 2) Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen 3) Moonlight Sonata mvt. 1 by Beethoven 4) The Funeral by Band of Horses 5) The Prayer sung by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion Support the show

RAMI BAR-NIV is one of Israel's most acclaimed and sought after pianists. He travels extensively and has become an international citizen, concertizing all over the world. Born in Tel-Aviv, he graduated with honors from the Ron Conservatory and the Rubin Academy of Music, and was the recipient of many prizes and scholarships. He won the America-Israel Cultural Foundation Competition and was awarded a scholarship to further his studies in the United States. After graduating from Mannes College of Music in New York, where he studied with the renowned Mme. Nadia Reisenberg, he won numerous competitions and embarked on a highly successful concert career. He performs regularly in North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and of course Israel, where he received the "Best Performer Award" from the Israeli government. He appears on TV and radio, in chamber ensembles, solo recitals, and as soloist with orchestras. He is always received with great enthusiasm. Often sent abroad by the Foreign Ministry to represent Israel in concerts, he has become an ambassador of goodwill for Israel. Rami Bar-Niv made history by being the first, and so far the only, Israeli artist to perform in Egypt following the Begin/Sadat Peace Treaty. Rami’s recordings for CBS and other labels in Israel and abroad have met with praise and popularity. His recordings and videos have been very successful on the Internet and he has often been at the top of the charts. His compositions are published, recorded and performed all over the world. Rami Bar-Niv offers music of great variety and contrast in style, and is an extremely versatile performer. Rami's master classes, workshops, and private teaching are loved worldwide and he is constantly invited to teach in five continents while on concert tours. http://www.youtube.com/user/barniv http://www.ybarniv.com/rami http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rami_Bar-Niv THE NEW YORK TIMES wrote of Rami: "Effective and Flamboyant" THE BOSTON GLOBE wrote of Rami: "An original major talent" http://www.ybarniv.com/rami http://www.youtube.com/user/barniv http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rami_Bar-Niv http://rami.ybarniv.com/?page_id=198 http://rami.ybarniv.com/?page_id=71 http://rami.ybarniv.com/?page_id=1275 Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Dvorak Symphony No. 9 in E minor Op. 95 "New World" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9RT2nHD6CQ&t=2372s 2) Dvorak Concerto in B minor Op. 104 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJSlmoXpzfM&t=1810s 3) Tchaikovsky, Symphony Nos. 4, 5, 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urj66hSbIiA&t=22s 4) Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16, Arthur Rubinstein https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1Yoyz6_Los&t=109s 5) Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64:1, Jascha Heifetz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0tqdhbnpn8 Support the show

Gerardo Ramos Gonzalez is from Guadalajara, Mexico. He is a professor in the Music Department at the University of Guadalajara. His class is called Inglés Aplicado a la Música - IAM -(English Applied to Music) which under the English as a Second Language category is "English for Specific Purpose." All of his students are music majors within specific divisions: Performance majors (all orchestra instruments and voices, Conducting majors, Composition majors, and Music Education majors). Each student has three semesters of IAM. He studied flute at the same school where he now teaches with Andrezej Bosek, from Poland. He studied music at the University of Guadalajara, then joined a military band in Guadalajara, for three years. After that, he went to the University of Texas at El Paso. He was a linguistics major and Music minor. He had the opportunity to play in different ensembles and take music theory classes there. He did not graduate from UTEP, but he returned to school in 2002 at Metropolitan State University, in Saint Paul, MN. He has been teaching at the University of Guadalajara for over 12 years. During that time, he also earned a Master´s degree in Linguistics at the University of Guadalajara, with some classes at the University of Bielefeld in Germany. During COVID time, he continued teaching online. He has returned to Metropolitan State University and enrolled in the Masters's in Liberal Studies program while teaching long distance with the University of Guadalajara. For Photos of the University in Guadalajara, click here. Top 5 Songs of Encouragement 1) Sonata in F Major by Telemann with Gerardo Ramos on Flute, Miguel Angel Pulido on Guitar, and Julio Cesar Gonzalez on Cello. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFI2H0lAT7A 2) Concerto for Violin, Oboe and Strings in D minor, BWV 1060 - 2. Adagio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEdcD1_qscc 3) Oboe Concerto in D minor - Adagio by Alessandro Marcello https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0BalQMrVDU 4) Casta Diva from Norma (Act I) by Bellini https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDZK33JVxME 5) Vesperae Solennes de Confessore (Solemn Vespers for a Confessor) K.339: Laudate Dominum by Mozart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CveiQojl6Q0 Support the show

Tony Parlapiano is a piano instructor who specializes in teaching popular styles of music through interest-led learning. He is the creator of popMATICS, a concept-based music curriculum that approaches learning by listening and reading through writing. Tony is the owner of Parlapiano Studio, an online studio that provides private instruction and small group training to students and music studios from Seattle, Washington to Syndey, Australia. Tony resides in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, holds a B.A. in Jazz Studies from Westfield State University. Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) Music for Airports 1/1 by Brian Eno https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKZ3fGR2SDY&t=271s 2) Rollercoaster by M. Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0rNk3-NwOI&t=20s 3) Re: Stacks by Bon Iver https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w68krri0bw&t=67s 4) Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU&t=13s 5) Amazing Grace - Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (solo by Victor Wooten) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq_cXjnR-tI&t=158s You can find Tony at: https://www.parlapianostudio.com https://www.youtube.com/c/TonyParlapiano View Victor Wooten's talk at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yRMbH36HRE Support the show

White-facing, biracial, multi-passionate soprano Tara Priolo has cultivated a career including performing, teaching, brand coaching, activism, and arts administration. As an educator she shares her propensity for enlivening student’s confidence paired with her strong interest in vocal pedagogy. Frequently requested as a guest soloist by smaller organizations and colleagues, Tara enjoys performing a variety of new compositions as well as the classics. Based in Minneapolis, MN Tara engages audiences, students, and clients with dynamic, thought-provoking, and unique performances, lessons, and coaching sessions. Tara Priolo (she/her) Multipassionate biracial musician Owner/Operator-Tara Priolo Studio Operations Manager-Thursday Musical www.tarapriolo.com Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) Cardinal Singing and Call Sounds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ezarOZGkyA&list=PLEsyD1RdaugD7NsYE2pvDppAlAjLn9awp&index=1&t=162s 2) Lean on Me by Bill Withers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZ-MySzAac&list=PLEsyD1RdaugD7NsYE2pvDppAlAjLn9awp&index=2 3) Joy by Genius Child sung by Harolyn Blackwell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWqVa0Z_2F0&list=PLEsyD1RdaugD7NsYE2pvDppAlAjLn9awp&index=3 4) Without a Net by Mickey Guyton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWqVa0Z_2F0&list=PLEsyD1RdaugD7NsYE2pvDppAlAjLn9awp&index=3 5) Defying Gravity from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz, sung by Kristen Chenowith and Idina Menzel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEq3xM-i0Ng&list=PLEsyD1RdaugD7NsYE2pvDppAlAjLn9awp&index=5 Support the show

Find Door County Amplify at https://www.facebook.com/DoorCountyAmplify Lachrisa Grandberry is a Milwaukee born native who has made her home in Chicago. She is an actress and singer who has performed on many stages; as well as a writer with a world premiere production coming this fall. She is beyond grateful for her community of family and friends, and Paonessa Talent Agency for their continued love and support. She aims to continue inspiring and transforming the human mind through the power of story-telling. Molly Rhode is Associate Artistic Director of Northern Sky Theater and has helped bring over 20 world premieres to the stage. She also acts, directs and choreographs at theaters across Milwaukee and in Madison. She grew up in Wisconsin where she is proud to make her artistic home. Lachrisa's Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) There's Hope by India Arie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bClxgPvGqRg 2) Brown Skin Girl by Beyoncé https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRFS0MYTC1I 3) We Won't Move by Arlissa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Piun5i_E6-U 4) What The World Needs Now, and Stand Up for Something by Andra Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GhY7qXGx-0 bonus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNQ3vgKNO1g 5) Mighty River by Mary J Blige https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd2ht5aF-2E If you need support now or are struggling, please reach out to one of the following resources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:1-800-662-HELP (4357) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Support the show

Amie Webster is an engaging piano teacher of 25 years, Mom of 3 busy little boys and started Motif Music Studios, alongside her husband, Jeff Webster, in 2010. Motif Music Studios is now a collaborative online music school with a team of creative, heart-led teachers who are focused on nurturing students in their musical growth and seeing students thrive as their individual strengths are celebrated! Their team is brimming with talent and creativity and truly model a willingness to grow personally and musically alongside each other. This has created an encouraging musical community that encompasses students, teachers and families sharing music learning in truly inspiring ways. Amie is fueled by passion, caffeine and curiosity and is so thankful for the ways music has been woven into her life in so many beautiful ways. To learn more, visit motifmusicstudios.com or find their pages on social media. Motif Music Studios Web: www.motifmusicstudios.com Facebook: motifmusicstudios Instagram: @motifmusicstudios Twitter: motifmusic Kindermusik with Motif Music Studios Web: motif.kindermusik.com Facebook: kindermusikwithmotif Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) Sunny Side of the Street by Michael Kaeshammer, From the 1998 Album, "Tell You How I Feel" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBxYWhqfd94 2) Beethoven's Tempest Sonata No 17 in D minor, 2nd Movement | Adagio, Played by Wilhelm Kempff https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A_Ru7ogF0g 3) Lympany Plays Poulenc Novelette No. 1, Recorded 1943 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6q8o9OW664 4) Glenn Gould, Brahms Intermezzo No. 2 A Major Op. 118 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JwKDzPlYQs 5) Carrie Underwood, How Great Thou Art Featuring Vince Gill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ12Fd0AlAw Support the show

Sam Reti is a guitarist, teacher and the Founder of Muzie.Live. Sam was born in Manchester, England and raised in North Andover, Massachusetts. He picked up the guitar when he was twelve and never set it down again. He definitely inherited his dad’s love of music. Together they had father and son jam sessions every day after school. Sam on guitar and his dad on the drums! After accepting admission to Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts, his dreams were coming true following in his father's footsteps. Sam’s father toured through England as a drummer in the 80’s opening for some of the legends such as Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. During his time at Berklee, Sam lived out some of those dreams by playing at Progressive Nation at Sea, Prog Day and the All Stars Tour with his band Zombie Frogs. Sam also discovered his passion for Music Education and Technology. It all started from a college project where Sam and his dad began creating their first software together I Want to Practice, essentially a practice app for musicians. Sam was awarded the Achievement Scholarship for his innovation and dedication to the father and son’s duo’s first project together. After graduating from Berklee, Sam spent his time teaching guitar and continued building innovative tools in music technology with his father. In 2019, they started working on Muzie.Live, an all in one virtual music studio for online music lessons and hybrid learning. Today, Muzie.Live continuously leads the industry in innovation to improve virtual learning and enhance music education. With just over two years since the official launch, Muzie.Live has grown to over 40 countries globally and hosts thousands of lessons per week. You can learn more at http://www.muzie.live Top 5 Songs of Encouragement: 1) Glasgow Kiss by John Petrucci https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aolor5zx3vE&list=OLAK5uy_lMZ5jJcGRDaSM2syapPsKvRL00-8A6Oo0&index=3 2) Wishman by Trevor Hall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGImbv6I3e8 3) Lone Digger by Caravan Palace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrVOmBXiorE 4) Far Far Away by Slade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ5itYUNu70 5) Kingdom by Devin Townsend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nubJjB95VdY Support the show