Best William Montgomery and Hillary Lester Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 052 - Lucia Lucas - Adding Depth to Villains 57:25

2y ago57:25

57:25

On todays episode, we interview world renown baritone singer, Lucia Lucas. We talk with her about her life, how she got into opera, studying french horn, and how being a transgender opera singer has added more depth to her portrayals of some of the greatest villains such as Don Giovanni. She also has some inspiring words for anyone feeling like the…

1
Episode 050 - Jimmy Lopez - Finding Your Voice 45:02

2+ y ago45:02

45:02

Today we have the absolute pleasure and honor of talking to rising classical music star composer, Jimmy Lopez. We discuss his humble beginnings in Lima, Peru, his education in Finland and California, and his advice for composers that want to have performances of their music but are finding many doors closed in their faces. We also talk about how he…

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Episode 051 - Steve Marz - Loving Oneself and Finding Purpose 47:44

2+ y ago47:44

47:44

Today we talk with Steve Marz! Steve is a musician originally from Boston and making his way with some great songs. We talk about religion, the infamous Boston accent, the bands he played with, moving to Denver, being true to oneself, and being a performer in a pandemic world. We talk about being grateful during the hardest times and how music is o…

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Episode 049 - Team Louie - Tik Tok Cat Rapper 1:12:31

2+ y ago1:12:31

1:12:31

Today we have a wonderful episode with the suddenly viral and extremely humble, Louie Benson, a.k.a. Team Louie. We discuss his attempted stand up comic career, how he got into music, his love for rap, his alter ego The Party Planner, and, ultimately, how overnight he became a viral sensation. Louie is an amazingly humble person and a complete crac…

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Episode 048 - Alex Millar - Self Made is a Toxic Myth 58:38

2+ y ago58:38

58:38

We are back with another amazing episode and inspiring interview with the Tik Tok star and core figure to the band Vattica, Alex Millar. Today we talk to Alex about life, music, and Tik Tok video success. Alex is best known for the segment, Self Made is a Toxic Myth, where Alex debunks the American myth that if you work hard enough you will make it…

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Episode 047 - King Konye - Creating a Kingdom 57:41

2+ y ago57:41

57:41

Today we have the great honor to introduce and talk with a young rapper from New York, King Konye, as well as have a guest co-host, Abigail Montgomery. We get to talk with King about his musical dreams, creating a following, and dive deeper into what he enjoys in life. Thank you so much King and thank you Abigail for jumping in and helping out. Gue…

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Episode 046 - Doug Bielmeier - Drone Electronic Music 1:10:35

2+ y ago1:10:35

1:10:35

In this episode we have the wonderful honor to talk to Dr. Doug Bielmeier. We get to talk with him about electronic and electroacoustic music. We also talk about his brand new record out “Ambient Works”, his previous albums, and the importance of the genre in the musical world. Not only is Doug a wonderful composer but he is also a host of his own …

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Episode 045 - Anthony Parker a.k.a. Wordsmith - Combining Hip-hop and Classical Music 1:08:53

3y ago1:08:53

1:08:53

Today we are in Baltimore speaking with singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and all around inspiration Anthony Parker, a.k.a. Wordsmith. We speak to him about being a military child, writing hip-hop music that is relatable for those that haven't grown up in the quintessential neighborhoods, using your position for positive change, and much …

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Episode 044 - YoonJae Lee - Creating Musical Space 1:05:51

3y ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Today we have the honor of speaking with conductor/arranger YoonJae Lee! YoonJae is a Korean American and currently lives in New York City. We talk with YoonJae about discussing musical topics and mental health on Clubhouse, connectivity of classical music, individuality versus group, music appreciation, arranging the giant Mahler symphonies for ch…

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Episode 043 - Vic Ritchie - Any Given Sin 44:25

3y ago44:25

44:25

Today we are in the Maryland/Virginia area speaking with the lead singer of Any Given Sin - Vic Ritchie! We talk with him about our mutual friend (and previous guest) Dusty Grant, the formation of Any Given Sin, Vic’s song writing process, our favorite beers/liquor, practicing and producing music during the pandemic, talk about hip-hop and rock mus…

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Episode 042 - Tom Morrison - Big Sky Composer 1:01:04

3y ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Welcome to the Big Apple! We have a very special guest and special host today! Our special co-host today is Abigail Montgomery, Bill’s wife. And we are talking with composer Tom Morrison. He is a good friend of Hillary’s from the University of Montana where he started as a forestry major but then quickly found a place within the music studies. Hill…

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Episode 041 - Marwan Mrag - Tunisian Rapper 46:17

3y ago46:17

46:17

Welcome to Sousse, Tunisia! Today we speak with the fascinating and so humble rapper, Marwan Mrag. He started as a b-boy with numerous groups and eventually worked up to being featured with other rappers from around the Tunisian area. We saw him featured on a song via Instagram and knew we had to know more about him. This is his first ever intervie…

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Episode 040 - Austin Franklin - Composer Interview 53:28

3y ago53:28

53:28

We have come to the deep south where we have the wonderful opportunity to speak with Austin Franklin. Austin is from Jasper, Texas, by way of Oklahoma, but went on to Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and is currently at Louisiana State University where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Experimental Music and Digital Media. His music is ethereal, sublim…

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Episode 039 - Glory St. Germain - Overcoming Adversity 58:39

3y ago58:39

58:39

We are in the Great White North speaking with teacher and business woman Glory St. Germain. Glory St. Germain is the Founder/CEO and International Bestselling Author 50+ Ultimate Music Theory Books & The Power of WHY. She is also the Host of the Magic of Music Movement Summits, Expert Coach & Course Creator - UMTC Elite Educator Program. Glory brin…

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Episode 038 - Jerod Tate - Combining Indigenous and Western Classical Music (Part 1) 1:13:17

3y ago1:13:17

1:13:17

Today we are in Oklahoma where we have the distinct honor of speaking with Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate and premiering the first part of a two part interview. Jerod is a member of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma and proudly represents his traditions. He is also a wonderfully gifted composer and performer that works to combine his Native American t…

1
Episode 037 - Ulises Ramirez - Mariachi Music 58:16

3y ago58:16

58:16

We are in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in our latest episode. We get to connect with Bill’s old college friend Ulises Ramirez. We talk with him about his musical upbringing, playing drums/trumpet, the pressures of growing up as the child of immigrants, and mariachi music. From his upbringing in Montana/Idaho to being thrown in to the deep end at Unive…

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Episode 036 - Liz Jackson Hearns - Teaching the Trans Voice 51:28

3y ago51:28

51:28

Today we are in Chicago talking with our dear friend and inspired vocal teacher, Liz Jackson Hearns. Liz Jackson Hearns, MM (she/her/they/them) is the Co-Founder of The Voice Lab, Inc. in Chicago; co-author of The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices, Co-Founder of Resonate, Chicago's all-trans chorus; Co-Founder of Trans Turning Point, a …

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Episode 035 - Shawn Renzoh Head - Shakuhachi Flute 1:13:07

3y ago1:13:07

1:13:07

We have a very special guest here today from Japan, Shawn Renzoh Head. Born in St. Charles, Missouri, he began his musical education at 10 where he started on viola. He was introduced to music composition quickly after and began composing for ensembles at 15. Within a year, he had music performed throughout America and Europe. At 18, he discovered …

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Episode 034 - Tatev Amiryan - Echoes of Armenia 1:04:15

3y ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Our guest today, Tatev Amiryan, was born and raised in Armenia in the Caucus Mountains. She has received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in music composition and music theory at Tchaikovsky Special Music School and in composition and musicology at the Komitas State Conservatory in Yerevan, Armenia and holds a doctorate of music arts degree i…

1
Episode 033 - Dorothea Taylor - The Matriarch of Percussion 1:19:14

3y ago1:19:14

1:19:14

Our guest today is Dorothea Taylor. She was born and raised in Michigan and started playing drums at 13 when she joined a drum and bugle corps in her hometown. She got her first set of drums in high school and joined a band after she graduated, playing five nights a week. She started teaching drumline for her high school’s feeder program when she w…

1
Special Episode with Dusty Grant! 39:35

3y ago39:35

39:35

We have a very special episode today. We get to talk to an amazing and up-and-coming musician Dusty Grant. We talk about his latest single "Through the Cracks", divorce, what is manly, jiu jitsu, being an artist in the modern world, Covid, and so much more! Make sure you go check him out and listen to all his music! You can find him on iTunes, Spot…

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Episode 032 - Kurt Skrivseth - Rolling with the Pale People 1:36:17

3y ago1:36:17

1:36:17

Today is a very special episode and comes to you completely unedited. We meet Hillary’s dear friend, guitarist/bassist, and funny man Kurt Skrivseth. He was born and raised in Missoula, Montana, and overcame a sever spinal injury at birth to perform with some of the biggest names, including Snoop Dogg and Slash, and co-founded the punk-cabaret-rock…

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Episode 031 - Annie Nikunen - Dancing Through Music 1:20:45

3y ago1:20:45

1:20:45

We are in New York City again and we have the wonderful opportunity to talk with Annie Nikunen. born in Northport, New York, and now lives in New York City. She received a BA in music theory and composition at Barnard College/ Columbia University, and pursued flute performance at the Manhattan School of Music. She was referred to as the “best flute…

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Episode 030 - Bahar Royaee - Electronic Music from Iran 1:10:02

3y ago1:10:02

1:10:02

We are in New York City today and we have the wonderful opportunity to talk with Bahar Royaee. Originally born and raised in Iran, she moved to the United States to pursue a music education. She received her Master’s of Music in composition from the Boston Conservatory, where she studied with Felipe Lara and Marti Epstein. She is currently pursuing…

1
Episode 029 - The Riverview Band Interview 1:12:32

3+ y ago1:12:32

1:12:32

Welcome to Little Rock, Arkansas. Today, we have the privilege to speak with Jacob and Tyler from the pop-punk band Riverview. They are based out of Arkansas and they bring an energetic and interesting blend of emo and pop punk that creates a unique and undeniably distinct sound. They have released their single, Knuckles. We talk about how the band…

1
Episode 028 - Jennifer Jolley - #Composerfails and Community Engagement 1:10:08

3+ y ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Welcome to Lubbock, Texas! We have the honor to talk with composer and cat lover, Jennifer Jolley. We discuss being Korean but cooking poorly, musical security blankets, learning from Frank Ticheli, composing for band, finding your voice, and celebrating all your fails! You’ll love the message that she shares and feel the encouragement that we coul…

1
Episode 027 - Logan Kendell - Canyonlands and Cocoa 1:20:21

3+ y ago1:20:21

1:20:21

We are out of the cold and into the warmth with a stop in St. George, Utah. Here, we will marvel at the red dirt and the many bluffs looking over the Virgin River, and talk with an incredible singer/arranger/song writer Logan Kendell. In this episode, we will talk about living in Boston, music you think is amazing when you’re a kid but you don’t un…

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Episode 026 - Tõnu Kõrvits - Estonian Classical Music 49:16

3+ y ago49:16

49:16

Today we travel to Tallinn, Estonia, and we have the honor of speaking to the wonderfully humble and fascinating composer known for his choral, and string works, Tõnu Kõrvits. We talk to him about how he started creating his style of music, favorite rock bands, growing up in the USSR, being an Estonian composer, and highlighting some of his music! …

1
Episode 025 - Jonathan Scales - Steel Pans Reimagined 51:56

3+ y ago51:56

51:56

Our episode today is coming to you from New York City! Today we meet Jonathan Scales! He is a master steel pan performer and has changed the way people think about the instrument. What is usually thought of as a Caribbean instrument for resorts, something to listen to while sipping pina coladas, or samba music of Trinidad, Scales takes the instrume…

1
Episode 024 - Mara Gibson - Where Art and Music Intersect 53:10

3+ y ago53:10

53:10

We are in the “Red Stick” today; Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Not only is it home to the LSU Tigers (GEAUX TIGAHS) and Southern University Panthers, but it is also home to our next guest: Mara Gibson. She is originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, and eventually went on to Bennington College and then SUNY Buffalo where she completed her Ph.D. She has…

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Episode 023 - Alan Theisen - THEisen Journal 1:03:50

3+ y ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Today we are in Asheville, North Carolina, to talk with saxophonist, composer, music historian/theorist, and scotch/whisky lover, Alan Theisen. We discuss his early life as the only musically inclined person in his family, studying at Southern Mississippi and Florida State, musical theater, failing up, avant punk music, over analyzing yourself, Ham…

1
Episode 022 - Paul Novak - Feathery Complexity 55:49

3+ y ago55:49

55:49

In today’s episode, we are in the “Windy City”, the “City of Big Shoulders”, or more commonly Chicago! He is originally from Reno, Nevada, but now lives in Chicago where he attends the University of Chicago in pursuit of his PhD in Music Composition. I met Paul when he was just in high school and he blew me away with his musical knowledge and insan…

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Episode 021 - Catherine Likhuta - Composing for the Wind World 1:08:08

3+ y ago1:08:08

1:08:08

In today’s episode, we travel to the “Land Down Under” but not before we make a short pit-stop in Kiev, Ukraine. Catherine Likhuta comes from Kyiv, Ukraine, but currently lives in Brisbane, Australia. She received her bachelor’s degree in jazz piano from the Kyiv Gliere University and a post-degree in music composition from the Kyiv Conservatory. S…

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Episode 020 - Matthew Lau - Contemporary Percussion 1:22:49

3+ y ago1:22:49

1:22:49

Today’s guest comes to us from Hong Kong. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Contemporary Percussion Performance from Stony Brook University in New York where he studied with Eduardo Leandro, and a Master of Music degree from NYU where he studied with Jonathan Haas, Simon Boyar, and James Saporito. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at …

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Episode 019 - Joshua Trentadue - Composing in a New Millennium 1:11:12

3+ y ago1:11:12

1:11:12

Today we travel to Connecticut to talk with a young and inspiring composer. Joshua Trentadue enjoys exploring philosophical and spiritual views on humanity, nature, and life itself. He balances contemporary and evocative textures with unconventional and experimental soundscapes. He has been performed by the Zenith Saxophone Quartet, Sputter Box, an…

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Episode 018 - Joel Thompson - Fighting for Community One Note at a Time 1:05:11

3+ y ago1:05:11

1:05:11

In today's episode, we travel to New Haven, Connecticut to talk with a composer born in the Bahamas but raised in America. Joel (pronounced Joe-elle) Thompson talks to us about composing for voice, how composing can release the inner feelings that you might have, social awareness, and how to build a better community through music. Joel is an amazin…

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Episode 017 - Bryan McAllister - Politics in Music 1:12:00

3+ y ago1:12:00

1:12:00

Today we are in the wonderfully beautiful Long Beach, California. We speak with an inspired musician/composer/producer, Bryan McAllister, about finding your way in life, working on cruise ships, meme music, human rights, baseball, GIF culture, and making cultural changes while not self-hating. We also discuss his album "Very Stable Genius". I’ve kn…

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Episode 016 - Dad Bodi - Life, Music, and Image 45:26

3+ y ago45:26

45:26

Welcome to the “City of Oaks”, Raleigh, North Carolina. We get to meet a wonderful hip-hop artist that goes by the name, Dad Bodi. There was not much on the internet about this wonderful young man, so we did a bit of a change to our interviews. This episode is a biography episode where we discover his background, how he got into rapping, discuss a …

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Episode 015 - Quinn Mason - Composing from Youth 51:49

3+ y ago51:49

51:49

Today we travel to north Texas and speak with Quinn Mason. Quinn is a wonderful composer that is more accomplished at his young age than many older composers. We discuss his life, love of classical music, YouTube stardom, and Stravinsky. We also talk about new music, the future of the classical music world with new and upcoming composers, and where…

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Episode 014 - Tyson Davis - Musical Depictions of Life 1:05:08

3+ y ago1:05:08

1:05:08

We have traveled back to America this episode with an interview with a young, up-and-coming composer from North Carolina, Tyson Davis. He began composing music at 8 and just graduated from the North Carolina School for the Arts where he made some seriously big waves with his music and artistry while studying with Lawrence Dillon. He began his first…

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Episode 013 - Eero Saunamaki - Reconsidering the Recorder 50:49

3+ y ago50:49

50:49

In today's episode we travel to Helsinki, Finland, to talk with professional saxophonist and recorder superstar, Eero Saunamaki. We ask him about his musical life, how he discovered his passion for the recorder, and techniques for the recorder (for any composers that are listening). But we will also ask him about what we can do to change the pre-co…

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Episode 012 - Rob Deemer and the Institute of Composers Diversity 1:15:39

3+ y ago1:15:39

1:15:39

Today we speak with Rob Deemer from the State University of New York in Fredonia. He is a music composition professor and head of the composition department at SUNY Fredonia. He is also the founder and director of the Institute of Composer Diversity. We talk about his musical education, and what inspired him to create the database of names and piec…

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Episode 011 - The Delta Waves 51:01

3+ y ago51:01

51:01

In our newest episode, we talk with a band based out of Chicago named The Delta Waves. They describe themselves as a Jazz/Funk/Pop/Soul Super Sexy Badass Fusion band. A "Vulfpeck + Snarky Puppy + Lettuce + The Fearless Flyers + Roy Hargrove. I was first introduced to this band after talking with their saxophonist Mark Lesser at Louisiana State Univ…

1
Episode 010 - Anahita Abbasi and Niloufar Iravani - Iranian Composers in America 1:09:58

3+ y ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Today we have a wonderful double guest episode. We have the honor to speak two quickly rising stars in the contemporary classical music world, Anahita Abbasi and Niloufar Iravani. We talk about their music, their lives in Iran as well as in America/Europe, and the Iranian Female Composers Association (IFCA). In our discussions we destroy myths Amer…

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Episode 009 - Brandon Jenkins and The Sonic Boom! 1:15:56

3+ y ago1:15:56

1:15:56

In today's episode, we travel to Jackson, Mississippi, to talk with Mr. Brandon Jenkins, assistant band director at Jackson State University. We talk to him about the origins of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band programs, the founders of the art form, technique, and social reactions to what is still a predominantly mino…

1
Episode 008 - Casidy Reed - HERstory 59:22

3+ y ago59:22

59:22

A special cross-podcast guest! In this episode we talk with music educator and podcaster, Casidy Reed, about her life, being a female trumpet player, teaching in a Title 1 school, and her podcast: HERstory. We will learn about her strength, struggles with teaching in a Covid world, and what she wishes parents understood about teachers. Make sure yo…

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Episode 007 - Veronika Vitazkova - The Fujara 55:05

3+ y ago55:05

55:05

We travel to the mountains and hills of Slovakia today to talk about a fascinating instrument related to the flute and recorder. The fujara is also known as the overtone flute. We speak with Veronika Vitazkova who has recently felt some notoriety because of a video she had posted that was then distributed by ClassicalFM. We talk about the fujara, p…

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Episode 006 - Chatori Shimizu - The Sho 49:59

3+ y ago49:59

49:59

Our episode today is joined by the Japanese born - German residing composer, Chatori Shimizu. We discuss his life, moving often, piano, electronic music, gagaku, noise music, time identity theories, and the sho. Join us as we explore this fascinating instrument and approaches to time in music. Also, subscribe to our Patreon to hear extended discuss…

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Episode 005 - Benjamin Staern - Seeing the Colors of Sound 48:48

3+ y ago48:48

48:48

In this episode, we have the honor of talking with Swedish composer Benjamin Staern. We discuss his youth, education, synesthesia, and his music. In particular, we talk about his first symphony, The Polar Vortex. We hope you enjoy learning about Benjamin's form of synesthesia and listening to examples of his music! *Contains mild adult language* Al…

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Episode 004 - Hannah Selin and Hannah Nicholas - Wild Echo 49:00

3+ y ago49:00

49:00

This is a special episode where we have the pleasure to talk to Hannah Selin and Hannah Nicholas about their brand new beautiful piece for vocal, viola, and electronics called Wild Echo. This is a gorgeous piece that perfectly captivates our Covid times. From nature to soaring overhead, the piece is sublime, wistful, and entrancing. Make sure to go…

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William Montgomery And Hillary Lester Podcasts

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