Step into the world of vocal pedagogy with a fresh perspective! Join us in this eye-opening episode as we dive deep into the fascinating history of how the operatic Fach system has unwittingly perpetuated a rigid gender binary. Lucas Coura, a professional singer and passionate voice teacher, uncovers how the gender binary has woven itself into the fabric of vocal training and still holds sway over modern singers, placing them in confining boxes.  Lucas shares his teaching philosophy that...

In honor of spooky season, we are discussing the death and rebirth of classical music. The classical music world innovates at a snail's pace, and so many young musicians are tired of it (including myself). In this episode, I dive into the reasons why I think the classical music world refuses to move forward and innovate to meet modern audiences where they're at. From the deification of composers to problematic traditions, join me as I face these issues head on and I offer possible solutions...

Music hasn't always been used as a source of entertainment. Research shows us that our ancient ancestors used music for sex, magic, and violence. Join me as I unpack the first 3 chapters of "Music: A Subversive History" by Ted Gioia, in which I discuss music as a source of power, the research and theories behind the origins of music, and the elitism and misinformation of modern music academia. There is so much more to Music History than what conservatories have fed to classical musicians...

Shadow work is uncovering parts of your subconscious that you repress or hide from. Learning to integrate your shadows as a performer is essential to building confidence in your artistry. Are you interested in learning more about bringing your true self to your work? Join opera singers Nina Evelyn and Maria Dominique Lopez we dive into skills you can use as a performer to learn more about your inner world and how it relates to your artform. Nina is currently studying reiki under Maria's...

The goal of becoming an independent artist can seem daunting. I asked Brittany McKay to help me unpack this topic through the context of her personal journey to success in the music industry. In this episode we discuss the first steps to becoming an indie artist, red & green flags for potential collaborators, and how to balance humility and confidence in the spotlight. Brittany also offers her insights on the intersection between artistry and spirituality. B. Rose is a musician based in...

There is no doubt that the performance industry is traumatizing. It can be a hard topic to face. I invited Maria Dominique Lopez to unpack this challenging topic as compassionately as possible. On this podcast we discuss Maria’s story as an opera singer and Reiki Master, nervous system regulation tools for performers, and rediscovering your resilience as a creative. You can find Maria on Instagram @ascendingarts and check out her reiki and coaching life-practice on her website...

Creating a safe space for Queer artists to fully express their authentic truth is so valuable. In this episode, I will be interviewing Hannah McEachern about a new business she co-founded called Queer Theater Collective Boston. We have a candid conversation about the importance of queer visibility in artistic spaces, and how important it is to normalize our existence. Being a positive voice for change is what QTCBoston is all about! If you're a queer actor or playwright in the Boston area, or...

Annie Calvaneso is an opera singer, business coach, and fitness coach who helps her clients reach their highest potential. Join us in this episode as we discuss practical ways artists can use their intuition and manifestation to create their dream life, how to create an authentic brand with aligned business practices, and creating boundaries as an artist to maintain a balanced life. You can find Annie on Instagram and Facebook @anniecalvaneso to follow her inspiring journey and check out her...

This episode of Music on Mushrooms is the one-stop-shop for all musicians and artists to grow their presence in their communities and online. Nick and I discuss all things marketing for the modern artist, including: creating a personal brand, community building, networking, social media promotion, and all with a dash of my usual unhinged shenanigans. I hope you enjoy this resource as it was such a joy to record with professional singer, marketing specialist and my good friend,...

Join singer, Matti Avery and I as we dive into topics like music school burnout, balancing performing and a work life, and just general goofs and gaffs! Matti is a skilled vocalist across multiple genres; jazz, classical, and musical theater, and in this podcast we discuss how she got there. You can find @mattijo_ performing with @arcadebops , a video game-inspired fusion jazz group in Las Vegas, NV. a safe space for creatives @musiconmushrooms

Join Emiland Kray and I as we discuss our recent video game collaboration, You can only turn left, a narrative piece with thought-provoking art and storytelling paired with experimental minimalist music. We also unpack the realities of making a living as a visual artist and maintaining balance in your artistic practices. Emiland Kray is a visual artist based in Tucson, AZ who specializes in watercolor and the printing press. https://www.instagram.com/troctopus/ You can play You can only...

We're back for Season 2! Join music educator, Stevie Baker and I as we dive into innovation in music curriculum, wellness tips for teachers, and hilarious choral experiences from our undergrad days. Get ready for an inside look at how the pandemic shaped our philosophy as artists, as well as our favorite choral pieces performed with the Shrine of the Ages Choir at Northern Arizona University. Follow for more wellness tips for artists and creative life hacks...

Perfectionism, comparison, self-judgment, and fear are all things that can get in the way of allowing ourselves the permission to be creative. For classical musicians especially, it can be tough to break through our conditioning to push through and be unapologetically ourselves. In this podcast, I discuss creative blocks and how to break through them. We are all creators, we just have to give ourselves the grace to be imperfect and just say f*ck it! Classical Music on Mushrooms looks at...

Should music and art be a competition of superiority? Music competitions, while there are many pros, come along with performance anxiety, financial risk, and comparison. In this podcast, I discuss the intersection between the culture of seeking superiority, and how it breeds perfectionism, gossip, and self-doubt. Choosing kindness for yourself and others is at the forefront of the solution for a more positive space in the sphere of classical music competitions. Classical Music on Mushrooms...

Taking care of our voices as singers is easy on paper, but more complicated in practice. In this episode Mary discusses work/life balance, joyful movement, substance use, menstruation, and mindset in conjunction with vocal health. Classical Music on Mushrooms looks at various topics through a inclusive, sex-positive, and spiritual lens with the intention of making the classical music world a better place. Good Reads: How menstruation affects opera singers by Justin Chandler (CBC) Resources...

A psychic nun? Huh? Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th century abbess, mystic, and composer whose works continue to intrigue its modern consumers. In today’s episode, Mary discusses the life and accomplishments of Hildegard as well as some of her intriguing writings and cult-like behavior. Classical Music on Mushrooms looks at various topics through a inclusive, sex-positive, and spiritual lens with the intention of making the classical music world a better place. Good Reads: Hildegard von...

The power of creation is within all of us! What if I told you that you could achieve your wildest dreams through the power of your mindset? In todays episode Mary provides some witchy life hacks and discusses how to program your mind in a way that serves you highest potential. Classical Music on Mushrooms looks at various topics through a inclusive, sex-positive, and spiritual lens with the intention of making the classical music world a better place. Good Reads: “The Ultimate Guide to...

From abusive gatekeepers to misogynistic critics; today we discuss how and why fatphobia is so pervasive in opera culture. Weight stigma exists in all media, so it is no surprise that the same is true for the opera world. Mary talks about her own experiences with fatphobia and offers solutions to make opera a more welcoming space of all shapes and sizes. Classical Music on Mushrooms looks at various topics through a inclusive, sex-positive, and spiritual lens with the intention of making the...

From Liszt's fan girls, Debussy's crazy love life, to Chopin's zodiac sign; today we discuss all the facts we need to know to decide who we would f*ck, marry and kill! In this podcast, Mary responds to this hard-hitting, very serious question by using historical context, humor and logic. Classical Music on Mushrooms looks at various topics through a inclusive, sex-positive, and spiritual lens with the intention of making the classical music world a better place. Good Reads: Secret Lives of...