Best Conservatoire Podcasts (2024)

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Autumn Inspiration: Reignite Your Practice Power 13:07

3d ago13:07

13:07

It's finally autumn! In this new season, I challenge you to set your intentions for this autumn. So grab a cozy drink and let's have a chat all about how we can start autumn off musically! This episode is available as a blog post! Click here to read Ready for your roadmap to your goals? Click here! Confident auditioning is a skill. Start building i…

1
Need To Prepare For Auditions? Start here. 9:40

10d ago9:40

9:40

Auditioning might not take long, but the effects can be life-changing. Let's get you auditioning with confidence! At Confident Musiciaining, my mission is to fuel your confidence to help you achieve your musical goals. Through the podcast, different series, and guides, you are equipped with the resources you need. Today we are discovering some of t…

1
Episode 16 - Cesar Franck rediscovered with Richard Brasier - Christopher Stokes demonstrates Manchester Cathedral's Tickell Organ 56:11

10d ago56:11

56:11

In this episode, Richard Brasier talks about some of the startling discoveries he made whilst researching for his new edition of the organ and harmonium works of Cesar Franck. He also plays an unpublished work by Franck for the first time. After five years' work, having studied previously lost manuscripts, Richard explains the approach to registrat…

1
How To Write A Standout UCAS Personal Statement For Music School 20:46

17d ago20:46

20:46

It's happening... we are reading my UCAS personal statement that got me into the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Join me as we reflect on my personal statement and I show you how you can make yours stand out. This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read. W…

1
Setting up for back to school: Lessons from moving for music college 15:24

24d ago15:24

15:24

Join me for a cozy chat as we get ready for the school year and with some behind the scenes for setting up my space in the UK, as I prepare to start my studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Being a musician can mean a lot of things, but it also means preparing for your growth. Today we talk about how we can make space in our life for that…

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Episode 15 - A tour of Harrison & Harrison's workshop with Head Voicer Andy Scott - Katelyn Emerson talks about her concert career and musical approach to the organ 1:00:47

24d ago1:00:47

1:00:47

In this episode, Harrison & Harrison Head Voicer and Managing Director, Andy Scott, takes Mark O'Brien on a tour round the workshop in Durham to highlight the importance of apprenticeships in sustaining the skill and craft of organ building. Andy also talks about his experience at Harrison's, having started as an apprentice himself, aged 16, before…

1
Need To Experience More Joy In Your Practice? Start here. 10:09

1M ago10:09

10:09

When we start playing our instruments, it's the joy that catches us. But as we progress, that joy can sometimes fade. Let's get you experiencing that musical joy! At Confident Musicianing, my mission is to fuel your confidence to help you achieve your musical goals. Through the podcast, different series, and guides, you are equipped with the resour…

1
[Interview Clip] Preparing Mindful Performances and Auditions with Dr. Jason Worzbyt 24:03

1M ago24:03

24:03

I sat down with Dr. Jason Worzbyt, an adjunct professor of bassoon at IUP. We talked all about: Performing bassoon premieres - being in the right place at the right time 🏆 What younger musicians can do to prepare for auditions -- from a PMEA adjudicator 🎶 Staying mindful in performance 🧠 Networking in music 💪 And much more! Click here to listen to …

1
Episode 14 - Music therapy and the pipe organ - The organ at the West London Synagogue 45:27

1M ago45:27

45:27

In this episode, Mark O'Brien visits the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, where the recent restoration of a 1938 Robert Spurden Rutt pipe organ has opened the door to the instrument being used for therapeutic purposes and wellbeing. Mark talks to a Consultant Neurologist about the therapeutic qualities of music and the po…

1
Need To Practice More Strategically? Start here 10:07

2M ago10:07

10:07

Ever wondered why some musicians excel while others struggle despite putting in endless hours of practice? Let's get you practicing efficiently! At Confident Musicianing, my mission is to fuel your confidence to help you achieve your musical goals. Through the podcast, different series, and guides, you are equipped with the resources you need. Toda…

1
How To Get Into The Zone For Auditions 16:13

2M ago16:13

16:13

When we audition, we need to prepare both mentally and physically. In this episode, we focus on how you can get into the zone for your audition. We focus first on mental ways, and then on physical. Get into the zone with this episode! This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read. Click here to listen to episode 2: Transforming A Dis…

1
Episode 13 - Pipe Organ Rescue with Martin Renshaw and Pipe-up - Katherine Dienes Williams on pressures facing cathedral organists 47:15

2M ago47:15

47:15

In this Episode, Mark O'Brien joins Martin Renshaw, from the organ charity, Pipe-up for Pipe Organs, as he and a team of volunteers remove an organ from a closed-down Baptist chapel in Hertfordshire. Mark also has a look around Martin's warehouse, where several historic organs are lying in storage, waiting for a new home in the UK - or about to be …

1
3 Things I Learned From Working With A Top Symphony Player 11:20

2M ago11:20

11:20

Working with a professional orchestral musician changed my oboe career... and my life. I learned so many valuable lessons. So today we are diving into 3 lessons I learned from working with Max Blair, the Associate Principal Oboist of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Click here for this episode's blog post Click here for the interview with Max Blair Celebra…

1
Secrets to Crafting High-Quality Audition Videos 12:16

2M ago12:16

12:16

Can a simple smartphone and an affordable microphone transform your audition video into a professional masterpiece? Heck yeah! Today we dive into how you can take your audition videos to the next level and convey your professionalism! This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read! Your Audition Guidebook? Click here. Click here for m…

1
Navigating Juilliard, Working in a Professional Orchestra, and Performing in the Tchaikovsky Competition with Max Blair 49:06

2M ago49:06

49:06

Today we are chatting with Max Blair, the Associate Principal Oboist for the Pittsburgh Symphony. We chat all about: Auditioning for Julliard Playing in the Pittsburgh Symphony Surprising differences between youth symphony and professional orchestra Competing in the Tchaikovsky Competition (and loosing your reed equipment on the flight!) Effective …

1
Episode 12 - BBC Radio 3's Choral Evensong at King's College Cambridge - Gordon Stewart demonstrates the J J Binns organ at Rochdale Town Hall 52:39

2M ago52:39

52:39

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of a live broadcast of BBC Radio 3's Choral Evensong from the chapel of King's College, Cambridge. We hear from the programme's Producer and Sound Supervisor, as well as from the Director of Music at King's - Daniel Hyde. The Choir of King's College, Cambridge BBC Sounds - Choral Evensong Gordon Stewart demo…

1
Unlock Your Musical Potential: The Power of Intentional Listening 8:33

3M ago8:33

8:33

Listening is so important for us younger musicians. But how do we do it? In this episode, we dive into how a simple exercise helped my listening tremendously, and how you can do it too. This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read. Click here for the episode show notes Click here for Maestro Joyce's podcast: Attention to Detail: The…

1
[Interview Clip] Switching from violin to conducting, studying econ and music, and finding interests outside of music with Maestro Jacob Joyce 17:29

3M ago17:29

17:29

This is episode is a clip from an interview with Maestro Jacob Joyce, the associate conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony. To listen to the full interview, click here. Sometimes, we don't have time to listen to a full podcast interview. So this is a little snippet from my conversation with Maestro Jacob Joyce. In this clip, we discuss: Switching ins…

1
Episode 11 - York Minster's Organ - RCO in State Schools - Wayne Marshall's Musical Life 1:02:43

3M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

In this episode, Robert Sharpe, Director of Music at York Minster, gives a tour of the sounds and colours of the organ at York Minster. Following the major restoration undertaken by Harrison & Harrison from 2018 - 2021, Robert explains why they looked back to the golden era of Arthur Harrison and Sir Edward Bairstow for their tonal inspiration, and…

1
Applying for music school? Here's how to make connections with the professors BEFORE the audition 11:28

3M ago11:28

11:28

Imagine this: you are sitting in the audition room. Judging the contestants. One after another all day long. Then you see a contestant you know. They reached out to your beforehand and have made a connection with you. Don't you want to be that contestant? Today we dive into how. This episode is available as a blog post! Click here to read Click her…

1
What collaborative pianists/accompanists wish you knew and studying abroad from Brazil with Dr. Nathália Kato Giordano 47:11

3M ago47:11

47:11

Do you know how to work with a collaborative pianist/accompanist? Are you sure you know all of things to remember? Check your knowledge with this conversation! Today we are chatting with Dr. Nathália Kato Giordano, collaborative pianist and adjunct professor of voice at Duquesne University. We dive into: Studying music in both Brazil and America Ho…

1
Episode 10 - Anna Lapwood - Abandoned Monastery Organ - Crisis in Scotland 1:07:08

3M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

In this episode, Mark O'Brien is joined by organ builder David Wood as they engage in some organ archaeology whilst exploring an abandoned organ in an old monastery chapel in Staffordshire. https://www.woodofhuddersfield.com/ https://npor.org.uk/survey/D02316 A crisis is facing the pipe organ in Scotland as hundreds of churches are earmarked for cl…

1
Here's How You Can Work Through Frustration in Practice 10:43

4M ago10:43

10:43

Feeling stuck during your practice sessions? You're not alone. Today we are diving into what to do with frustration in practice. Because, let's be honest, we don't have time to carry it around! This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read! How can musicians rest? Click here for episode 23 to learn how! Want some musical motivation? …

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Overthinking That Audition? Here's How You Can Stay Calm Before Your Performance 11:59

4M ago11:59

11:59

We've all been there. OVERTHINKING that audition. It's totally normal! But how do we stay calm and not overthink? By staying in the moment. Easier said than done, I know. So today we are diving into simple ways for you to stay in the moment and keep calm before that audition or performance. This episode is available as a blog post! Read all about i…

1
Coaching bands, performing premieres, and finding your sound with Dr. Jason Worzbyt 40:37

4M ago40:37

40:37

Today we are speaking with Indiana University of PA professor, Dr. Jason Worzbyt! In this conversation, we are diving into how you can find your unique sound and perform well in concerts and auditions. In this episode, we dive into: Performing bassoon premieres - being in the right place at the right time 🏆 What younger musicians can do to prepare …

1
Episode 9 - The Wurlitzer at Blackpool Tower - Liverpool's St George's Hall Willis Organ - Discovering 17th Century Composer, John Lugge 1:08:14

4M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

In this episode Phil Kelsall, organist at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, showcases the world famous Wurlitzer organ - and his own world famous playing technique! https://www.philkelsall.co.uk/ Ian Tracey talks about the history of the Henry Willis organ at Liverpool's St George's Hall. As a new appeal has been launched to help raise fund for its …

1
Feeling unmotivated? Here's some quick ways to boost that motivation 12:02

4M ago12:02

12:02

We all know the feeling of feeling stuck in our practicing. It can feel so draining! Like, where is the motivation!? Look no further. Today we are diving into five quick ways to boost your motivation and get back on track in your practice! Click here for the episode show notes. Need that musical motivation? (cause we all do), get the Spring Roundup…

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Episode 8 - Richard McVeigh reflects on his YouTube success - William McVicker on the difficulties of organ advising - Anne Marsden Thomas looks back on her teaching career and challenges for women organists ... 1:00:43

4M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

In this episode, Hauptwerk genius and YouTube star, Richard McVeigh talks about the rise of his channel 'Beauty in Sound' as a platform to live-stream hymns to a global audience, as well as recording some of the UK's finest pipe organs and organists. https://www.youtube.com/@beautyinsound/videos William McVicker gives a glimpse into his role as one…

1
Human First, Musician Second: How to Set Boundaries and Take Care of Your Mental Health As A Musician 11:09

5M ago11:09

11:09

Last summer, I was working myself way too hard. I had so many things on my plate, not only practicing, but also reed making, creating this podcast and so much more. The result? I got migraines every weekend. That was my body telling me to stop, and for a while I didn't listen to it. Flash forward, and I have found some crucial skills to make sure t…

1
Want Something to Go Well? Envision It First 10:21

5M ago10:21

10:21

I recently did a competition, and it went SO WELL. How did I do well? I envisioned the success. In every little detail -- showing my brain I can do it. That is what we dive into today. Get your practice playlist here! Click here Click here for the episode blogpost Click here for episode 19: Wanna Capture The Panel In An Audition? Tell Your Story Yo…

1
Episode 7 - David Briggs on his role at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, New York, improvising and his transcriptions - Daniel Moult talks about the new organs for the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire ... 43:36

5M ago43:36

43:36

In this episode, Daniel Moult, Head of Organ at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, demonstrates how a series of new, historically inspired organs that he's commissioned, will transform the musicianship of his students, not just from an authentic approach to early music but across the board in organ playing technique. He also talks about the career…

1
Practice efficiency, finding opportunities, and leading youth orchestras with Maestro Jacob Joyce 45:39

5M ago45:39

45:39

This week's episode is a real treat because we are talking with the one-and-only Maestro Jacob Joyce! Maesto is a world-renowned conductor, working with orchestras including Pittsburgh Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, the London Symphony, the NDR-Sinfonieorchester, and many more! In the episode, we dive into: The power of networking 💪 Making a chan…

1
3 Quick Ways To Get the Spark Into Your Practice 10:06

5M ago10:06

10:06

Ever find yourself staring at the same four walls of your practice room, instrument in hand, utterly uninspired? You're not alone. I've been there too, and that's exactly why I'm sharing three game-changing strategies to reinvigorate your practice sessions and help you tap into your best musical self. From making simple changes to your environment—…

1
Wanna Capture The Panel In The Audition? Share Your Story 12:33

5M ago12:33

12:33

I remember the first time that I knew I wanted to become a professional oboist. I was in sixth grade and had just composed an oboe trio with a friend. When we played it in the school band concert and got a standing ovation, I felt it right there: the connection. The fact that I had just created something, performed something and through that someth…

1
Episode 6 - Liverpool Cathedral's new echo organ - Organic Metal and the pipe organ - Sir Andrew Parmley talks about his role as Chief Executive of the RCO 42:14

6M ago42:14

42:14

In this episode we visit the largest cathedral organ in the UK to follow the organ builders from David Wells as they begin installing a new echo division to the main organ at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. As one of the largest cathedrals in the world, the building has its own micro climate which impacts the tuning of the organ. https://liverpoolc…

1
Mental Practice: The What, Why, and How 13:27

6M ago13:27

13:27

Say you could practice without your instrument (if you need to be quiet or don't have access to your instrument), and still make serious gains? Heck freaking yeah! Well that is a real thing: it's called mental practice! In this episode, we dive right into the what, why, and how of mental practice so that you can start honing your brain for better p…

1
5 MORE Things Confident Musicians Do 16:11

6M ago16:11

16:11

We've talked about 5 things confident musicians do (click here to listen to that episode!), now we are going to dive into 5 MORE things confident musicians do. So that we can implement a few into our musical lives. Let's dive in and gain our musical confidence! Want to remember all 5 things? Here is a blog post about them! Click here to read. Liste…

1
Visiting Music Schools? Here Are 6 Top Things To Keep In Mind 12:41

6M ago12:41

12:41

Visiting music schools? How can you know which one is best for you? It can be really quite overwhelming trying to figure out where you fit. I've been there. I get it. In this episode, we dive right into the top 6 things to keep in mind when visiting a music school, so that you can have a clearer picture of which ones are a good fit for you. Get tri…

1
Episode 5 - Voicing the Guards' Chapel with Harrison & Harrison - Exploring the National Pipe Organ Register - Thomas Trotter talks repertoire and 40 years at Birmingham Town Hall 53:13

6M ago53:13

53:13

In this episode we get a first look at the new Harrison & Harrison organ at the Guards' Chapel in London. Harrison's Head Voicer, Andy Scott, talks about the Harrison & Harrison sound while he demonstrates voicing the organ. https://www.harrisonorgans.com/ https://www.harrisonorgans.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/London-Guards-Chapel-2023.pdf Andre…

1
How To Create Your Balance Between School and Music School Auditions 16:48

6M ago16:48

16:48

Who's the auditioner's best friend? TIME MANAGEMENT. Especially when we are auditioning for music schools, setting boundaries with our academics can be the key to focusing on our auditions and making a lasting impression. In this episode, we dive right into three steps to set boundaries with school so that you can focus on applying and auditioning …

1
Trial Lessons Coming Up? Here's How To Prepare For Them 13:47

7M ago13:47

13:47

Picture this: you're stepping into the studio, your heart's racing, and then... magic. You've found a music teacher who can turn your musical aspirations into reality. Now let's make that a reality. In this episode, we are spilling all the tea on preparing for your next trial lesson. From doing your research to planning to the lesson, we unpack the…

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Episode 4 - Improvising at the movies with Darius Battiwalla - The challenge of rebuilding Sheffield Cathedral's Choir - Blind organist David Liddle 47:31

7M ago47:31

47:31

In this episode we hear Darius Battiwalla improvising to a 1920 silent horror film called 'The Cabinet of Dr Caligari. Sitting at the console of the 1972 Hradetzky organ at the Royal northern College of Music, Darius demonstrates some of the musical techniques he uses when improvising to silent films. http://www.dariusbattiwalla.com/ Tom Daggett, D…

1
How to Make Time For YOU While Preparing For Auditions 12:42

7M ago12:42

12:42

Imagine this: You are stuck, really bogged down, not making progress, or so you feel…you are just STUCK! The audition cycle can really feel like that. You are working so hard on all of your pieces, but you are feeling so tired. Sound familiar? During an audition or audition season, the last thing on our minds is making time for us. And yet my frien…

1
Episode 3 - Bristol Cathedral says 'Goodbye' to its Walker organ - Some extraordinary attitudes faced by women composers for the organ - Richard Gowers talks about his career 51:24

7M ago51:24

51:24

In this episode we join Mark Lee, Director of Music at Bristol Cathedral, as he gives a quick demonstration of some of the distinctive 'Romantic' sounds of the 1907 Walker organ - just before it gets taken away for a major restoration by Harrison and Harrison. https://bristol-cathedral.co.uk/news/work-begins-on-our-organ-restoration-project/ Anne M…

1
That Time I Took A Music School Theory Entrance Exam at 5am 12:09

7M ago12:09

12:09

When applying to the Royal Irish Academy of Music, I had never imagined that I would end up taking the theory entrance exam at 5am. But once I realised, I went all in. In this episode, I take you on a little story through this whole experience, and how I felt through it. So grab a cute drink (mine is tea), and let's have a cozy story time! Wanna re…

1
Here's The Secret to Thriving in Your Auditions 10:35

7M ago10:35

10:35

Want to thrive in your auditions? You have to know how. And to do that, you need experience. Yes, I am talking about mock auditions. They might seem irrelevant, but let me tell you, as someone who has been grateful for opportunities to learn how to audition well, mock auditions can make or break your real audition. So dive in with me as we as the w…

1
Episode 2 - 1688 Smith Organ at Auckland Castle - Lost Bairstow score - Martin Baker talks about life after Westminster Cathedral 53:07

8M ago53:07

53:07

In this episode, Professor Magnus Williamson explores the sounds and history of the 1688 Smith organ in the private chapel at Aukland Castle, near Durham. Reflecting on the political and religious landscape of England during the 16th and 17th centuries, he reveals how close England came to abolishing church organs altogether. https://aucklandprojec…

1
5 Things Confident Musicians Do 14:52

8M ago14:52

14:52

Confident musicians: we all want to be them. And today we will dive into 5 things that they do, that we can all also do! Anything and everything from how they use nerve-racking situations inspiring to how they work up to performing and auditioning... all the way to how they navigate what could be embarrassing situations... and everything in between…

1
The Ins and Outs of My Trial Lesson Experience 10:34

8M ago10:34

10:34

Are you about to take trial music lessons? Is it for a private teacher or a university teacher? Taking trial lessons is a must when finding a new teacher, especially when it's for a music school program. And so we need to take trial lessons to decide on a teacher. And that is exactly what I was doing when I was auditioning for a music school. I end…

1
Episode 1 - Manchester Town Hall's Cavaillé-Coll - Tom Bell records Messiaen - Margaret Phillips talks about her life and collections of historic pipe organs 48:12

8M ago48:12

48:12

In this episode, we get a behind the scenes look at the start of the historic reconstruction of the 1877 Cavaille-Coll organ at Manchester's Town Hall with Andrew Caskie, Managing Director of Nicholson Organs. https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500354/our_town_hall/7676/heritage_and_art/7 Tom Bell talks about his latest project of recording Oliver …

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