Regarding Music

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Yosra Zekri, an opera and Arabic singer, who shares her inspiring journey from Tunisia to international opera stages. She discusses the challenges of pursuing opera, the importance of mentorship, and her experiences with auditions and collaborations.

In this Episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Logan Stokes, a bassoonist an content creator about his musical journey. The discussion focuses on the challenges of music education, the intricacies of reed making, and the impact of COVID-19 on musical engagement. Logan shares insights on content creation in the music space, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and building connection with audiences. The conversation also highlights the intricacies of storytelling for musicians, the importance of building a personal brand, and the balance between engagement and views in content creation.

In this episode, Eric Sheppard and Lee Litvin discuss the journey of becoming a self-producing artist, the importance of personal growth, and overcoming limiting beliefs. Lee shares his experiences in music production, emphasizing the need for emotional resilience and the significance of putting in the hours to gain confidence. Eric and Lee explore the balance between passion and market needs, the challenges of reinventing oneself as an artist, and the critical role of authenticity in building trust in the digital age.

In this Episode, Eric Sheppard speaks with Beth Tankersley, a conductor and music director based in Seattle. The discussion focuses on Beth's unexpected journey into conducting, the challenges she faced, the importance of mentorship, and the dynamics of leading a musical group. Beth shares her experiences transitioning from classical music to musical theater, emphasizing the need for engagement and energy in performances. They also explore the cultural differences between classical and musical theater settings, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of each.

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Katerina Panopoulou, an audio engineer, music producer, and business coach about the importance of business skills for musicians, the significance of understanding one's ideal client, and how perfectionism can impede the creative process.

In this episode, Eric Sheppard and Oli James, a UK-based music producer, discuss the role of a music producer, how the landscape of music production has evolved over the years, the increased accessibility of music production technology, the changing social perceptions of musicians, and the importance of soft skills in guiding artists through the creative process. Oli shares his journey from being an artist to becoming a producer, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in the producer-artist relationship. 

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Frederik Magle, an organist and composer based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Frederik discusses his eclectic musical journey, his work in church music, collaborations across genres, and the challenge of securing commissions. Eric and Frederik reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on compositions and composers, the importance of networking for emerging composers, the way attitudes towards tonality have changed in the 21st century, and the role of conducting in enhancing one's understanding of choral music.

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with Montreal-based composer Hannah Barnes about her unique approach to composition, the challenges of engaging audiences with contemporary music, and the importance of composers understanding conducting and the rehearsal process. Hannah shares her musical journey, influences, and insights on what makes a good composition teacher and student.

In this episode of Regarding Music, Eric Sheppard speaks with clarinetist and composer Daniel Garcia. Daniel discusses his musical influences, the importance of networking, and the challenges of building confidence as a composer. He emphasizes the role of social media in promoting music and offers valuable advice for aspiring composers, encouraging them to explore non-mainstream music and to keep creating.

Eric Sheppard speaks with Tony Manfredonia, a Michigan-based singer-songwriter and composer about Tony's musical journey, his passion for orchestral sounds, and his transition into composing music for video games. Tony shares insights on his workflow, the importance of networking, and the need for authenticity in professional relationships and emphasizes the significance of finding projects that align with one's personal style and the value of trial and error in the creative process.