Little Sparks

Send us a text Discernment - it can feel like a Catholic buzzword sometimes, with it's increasingly casual use in day-to-day life. But what does discernment really mean and why does it matter? For musicians, especially those forms that require the explicit telling of stories, discernment is a critical part of incorporating their faith into their profession. Art can be very subjective, so how do musicians go about this critical discernment process? Tara shares her thoughts on all this and more on today's episode! Give a listen to this truly fascinating and insightful conversation on discerning roles, and let us know your thoughts! What we're listening to: Tara- Gaudete Shreds Cecilia- A Little Christmas Music, The King's Singers

Send us a text We have a very special guest on this week's episode - Cecilia's mom, Olivia Leskowicz! Sharing her personal story of growing up in a musical family, and balancing a budding career and a young family, this episode is dripping with wisdom and insights. Can you really "have it all"? How do you go about discerning God's Will for your career and family? We're tackling these questions and more on this week's Little Sparks Podcast! What we're listening to: Cecilia- Halo App, Emmanuel Playlist Olivia- O Come, O Come Emmanuel Tara- The Color of Your Eyes

Send us a text Theology of the Body was one of the most widely known works of Pope Saint John Paul II, and its message has broken barriers in teaching us about our own humanity and the Divine Character of God as understood through His beautiful creation of human bodies and human sexuality. When we think of Theology of the Body, we usually think of marriage and human sexuality - and for good reason. But how does this document inform our work as musicians? What does it mean for achieving bodily freedom in our performing? What about our teaching? On today's episode, we're giving a brief overview of the history and significance of Theology of the Body, before diving into just a few of its implications for our music making. Come join us! What we're listening to: Cecilia: Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 - II. Adagio sostenuto Tara: The Muppet's Theme Song

Send us a text Following last week's episode, Cecilia addresses an important and easily overlooked form of mistreatment: emotional abuse. Broaching this difficult topic, Cecilia shares candidly from her own personal experience and healing journey. If you or someone you know is suffering from emotional abuse, please check out the resources at the link below- https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/emotional-abuse-resources-n1260929

Send us a text Power imbalance is an unfortunately common problem in the music industry. It can be personally and professionally devastating to be on the receiving end of unfair treatment or inappropriate behavior of any kind. In today's candid episode, Tara shares her own experience with harassment and inappropriate behavior from a colleague, and how this experience changed her understanding of the industry, herself as an artist, and what it means to forgive. TW: sexual harassment and assault are discussed in this episode. Click here to watch Sister Miriam James and Fr. John Burns- "Seeking Healing Through Forgiveness". If you are experiencing any kind of inappropriate behavior from a colleague, friend, family member, or anybody else in your life, please keep yourself safe, and speak to someone who you trust. Below are some resources that may help you- CatholicTherapists.com Rainn.org JoyfulHeartFoundation.org What we're listening to: Cecilia: She Moved Through the Fair Tara: Flight

Send us a text You may have heard of St. Alphonsus Liguori, but how much do you really know about his life? St. Alphonsus was a moral theologian, extraordinary musician, intelligent lawyer and much more. He suffered with chronic pain, experienced a total life 180° turn, and founded a respected global religious order. So what can we, as Catholic musicians, learn from the Faith and life of this exceptional saint? Join us for this fascinating conversation about St. Alphonsus Liguori! What we're listening to: Tara: In the Bleak Midwinter Cecilia: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree

Send us a text If you've ever experienced a performance-impacting injury or illness, you'll know well the feeling of desperation to find healing. For many musicians, this becomes a gateway to new-age practices, which can be encouraged by teachers, coaches or even doctors as a means of seeking physical or mental healing. But how do we deal with this as Catholics? What's the problem with these practices, and are there feasible alternatives we can seek? We're diving into this controversial topic on today's episode of the Little Sparks Podcast - and, spoiler alert, we're barely scratching the surface! What are your thoughts on this topic? We'd love to hear from you! What we're listening to: Tara: Cormacus Scripsit Cecilia: Autumn playlist

Send us a text Send us a text After a deep-dive into the Cardinal virtues last week, we're back discussing the Theological virtues! Everyone knows these terms - Faith, Hope and Charity, but what do they mean, why are they important, and how do they apply to our lives as Catholic musicians? These virtues are gifts from God, and there's PLENTY of wisdom and insight to share about Faith, Hope and Charity! What we're listening to: Tara: Ave Generosa Cecilia: Cody Fry's The Sound of Silence

Send us a text When you think of the word virtue, what comes to mind? If your answer is somewhere along the lines of "dry," "old-fashioned," or "prudish," you need to listen to this episode! The virtues are actually good habits – which we all need to cultivate in order to have a well-ordered life! Today, we're talking about the Cardinal Virtues: four virtues the ancient world recognized and the Catholic Church see as necessary for the moral life. Prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance aren't just the names of Puritan-era girls. They're the backbone for a good life. We had a thoroughly great conversation on what these four virtues are and how they can show up in the life of a musician. We hope you enjoy! What we're listening to: Tara: The Sound of Music Cecilia: Rhapsody in Blue

Send us a text Join us for our first episode of season 5! Today we're chatting about moral theology, what it's all about, and why it's relevant for us today. A book we love on this topic: Made by God, Made for God: Catholic Morality Explained, by Matthew K. Minerd.

Send us a text We are excited to announce that our Season 5 preview episode is here! Listen in to hear the theme of the upcoming season, what we’re most excited for, some super exciting updates on the podcast and more! Trust us, you definitely don't want to miss this!

Send us a text Here we are at the end of Season 4! We're taking some time to reflect on our favorite moments from Season 4, as well as the big life changes we've each been experiencing between the beginning and end of this season. This has been such an incredible fourth season, and we're so grateful to have had such wonderful guests and fantastic conversations. We will be back later this year with Season 5 – stay tuned for more on that soon! What we're listening to: Cecilia: Firebird and Petrouchka suites by Igor Stravinsky, Daphnis et Chloe Suite no. 2 by Maurice Ravel Tara: Lost at Sea from the Finding Dory soundtrack by Thomas Newman

Send us a text Join Tara as she discusses pride versus stewardship, and the distinction that lies between them! What we're listening to: Tara: This fun playlist

Send us a text After an unexpected, short hiatus, we're back! Today, we're sharing our own career stories and how the Lord helped us to both surrender to His Will, and rejoice in it. What we're listening to: Cecilia: Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome – Ottorino Resphigi Tara: Better With Time – Emily Scott Robinson

Send us a text How do we define success, and what does success look like when we focus on what God wants, instead of the world? Tara's discussing these questions in today's bonus mini-episode through the perspective of her own struggles and dreams.

Send us a text Throughout music history, we can find numerous Catholic composers who were devoted to their faith. Today, we're chatting about the lives and examples of just three of these composers. We're covering Franz Liszt's inspiring reversion story as he journeyed from living a playboy life to taking minor orders, Antonin Dvorak's devotion to God through his music and his family life, and Anton Bruckner's unwavering dedication to doing God's will in spite of the opinions of others. What we're listening to: Tara: To Morning, by Gabriel Jackson Cecilia: Wachet Auf, by J.S. Bach

Send us a text Andddd we've got a special bonus episode today on the Little Sparks podcast! Cecilia's talking about the purpose of Lent (hint: it's not to see who's the best Catholic), exploring definitions of intimacy and how they apply to learning a piece of music as well as to developing a relationship with another person, and suggesting a few practical ways to grow in intimacy with Christ.

Send us a text This week, we're thrilled to be chatting with Patrick O'Connell, a music educator and conductor located in Massachusetts. We had a great conversation about his role as a music educator, balancing a career in music with the vocation of marriage and family life, and being a witness to the faith – even when it's difficult. Patrick's got a lot of great wisdom to share, and we had an awesome time recording this episode! What we're listening to: Cecilia: "Miracle of Miracles" from Fiddler on the Roof Tara: Thy Strong Word Patrick: The High Kings Patrick's bio: Since completing his undergraduate and graduate music studies, at Ithaca College and Yale University respectively, Patrick O’Connell has enjoyed an active musical life in the Capital and Tri-State Region of Vermont, New York and Massachusetts. Patrick has an active performing schedule with the Berkshire Symphony, Glens Falls Symphony Orchestras, Berkshire Opera Festival. He has performed with the Albany Symphony, Vermont Symphony, Boston Chamber Orchestra, Capital Repertory Theatre, Proctor's Theater, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. In addition, Patrick is an enthusiastic music educator who believes music is an essential aspect of a well-rounded education and the living of a full life for all people, regardless of age. In fact, he has worked with students of all ages who desire to make music a priority in their life. Patrick has had the privilege of teaching elementary string orchestra for 10 years in New York State, directing the wind ensemble at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, coaching sectionals with the Empire State Youth Orchestra, and teaching music at the collegiate level (College of Saint Rose, Union College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Ithaca College Summer Music Academy). He currently teaches middle and high school orchestra at Mount Greylock School in Williamstown, MA. He is also the director of the Southern Vermont Sinfonia, a youth/community ensemble which welcomes students of all ages, from elementary through retirement age.

Send us a text Introducing Season 4's saint feature! In today's episode, we're chatting about Bl. Dina Belanger, a Canadian religious sister who attended a conservatory in New York to study piano prior to entering religious life. The order she entered was a teaching order of religious sisters, and her assignment was to teach music in one of their schools. Bl. Dina’s story is an amazing example of how Jesus desires to use our talents at His service. Even when we think certain talents might not be of any use in the path we feel called to, Jesus might have some surprises up His sleeve! What we're listening to: Tara: Cecilia:

Send us a text Today we're chatting about a musical profession that we've never had a chance to talk about before here: music therapy! Senior music therapy major Amelia Glikin sat down with us to chat about music therapy, and what unfolded along the way was her beautiful story of her return to the Catholic faith, and a moving conversation about how music therapy affirms the dignity of life in every circumstance. We loved having Amelia on the show, and we're so excited to introduce you to her! Short bio: Amelia Glikin is originally from Towson, MD and is currently in her final semester of coursework studying Music Therapy at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. She loves anything and everything related to choir and is blessed especially to be a member of the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers. Amelia also is passionate about the tradition of sacred music and works as a section leader and cantor at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville. Amelia loves to share the joy of music and its ability to build and strengthen communities of all kinds.