Crushing Classical
Crushing Classical is a series of interviews with classical musicians who are forging unique paths with their talent, creating their own artistic fulfillment and financial comfort, and finding ways to thrive. I celebrate these brave people who are taking routes outside of traditional orchestral or academic employment! As always, I invite you to listen for your own sparks and breadcrumbs, and use these interviews to find the possibilities that exist in your own life.
Episodes
277 episodes
Sam Reti: Founder of Muzie and Hiyve
Sam Reti is a founder, musician, and creator behind Muzie.Live and Hiyve.io. He’s helped power over 250,000 online lessons and is now building AI-native video tools designed to reinvent how people meet and collaborate.You can explore Hiy...
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37:35
Happiest Musician Minisode: Planning Big
I love planning and goalsetting, especially at this time of year. But I'm exploring in a new way right now, and thought perhaps it could interest you as well! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to Crushing Classical, and maybe even...
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13:27
Nicholas McGegan: the JOY of Creativity in Music
Sometimes on this podcast it's just a pleasure to listen to a great artist talk about the art! An “expert in 18th-century style” (The New Yorker), Nicholas McGegan is in his sixth decade on the podium. Following a 34-year tenure as ...
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37:25
Happiest Musician Minisode: Action is Faster than Agony
I just accomplished a task I've been putting off for three weeks. It took five minutes. But over the last three weeks, my Happiest Musician Visibility Lab participants have been KNOCKING IT OUT OF THE PARK in terms of their action t...
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9:36
Ian Maksin: Lullaby for the World
Ian Maksin is a cellist, composer, arranger and vocalist, currently singing in 42 different languages. Known for his soulful blend of classical, world, and contemporary sounds, he has performed across the globe, infusing each project with stori...
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32:54
Should You Negotiate for a Gig?
What if we normalized paying musicians for their expertise and professionalism? What if we normalized asking for the fee we need? This is not ALWAYS possible, and not ALWAYS advisable - but if you've never thought about it, let's think!
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16:28
Radhika Vekaria: Sensory Artist and Composer
Radhika Vekaria is a GRAMMY® nominated, award-winning multi-instrumentalist and sensory artist who fuses her British, East African and Indian heritage to create transcendent music. Renowned for her evocative Sanskrit mantras, Radhika leads list...
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38:51
Happiest Musician Minisode: Feeling Great
Have you ever dragged yourself through your day, your gig, your teaching? Have you ever pushed through a "The Show Must Go On" moment? Might there be a better way?Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to Crushing Classical, and maybe even ...
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11:21
Kim Butler: Financial Strategist
Starting her money journey in 4th grade by selling enough milk to put herself through school, Kim Butler has dedicated over 30 years to helping people buy lifeinsurance nationwide and optimize their finances. Her main effort has centered ar...
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37:03
Happiest Musician Minisode: Do I NEED a Website?
I see this question a lot. Indeed, musicians rarely get work directly from their website, and it can be annoying to have to keep one up to date. But on the other hand...Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to Crushing Classical...
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13:05
Tina Davidson: Let Your Heart Be Broken
Composer and author Tina Davidson’s memoir, Let Your Heart Be Broken, is available in audiobook format on all major platforms starting August 12, 2025 via publisher Boyle & Dalton. The audiobook, read by Davidson herself, features her music...
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37:33
Happiest Musician Minisode: When Should You Play For Free?
Should you EVER play for free, or accept less than your normal rate? Normally I would say no, but I found myself offering the OPPOSITE advice recently to a client and thought I should explore that for you. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to...
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16:27
Devony Smith and Danny Zelibor: In This Short Life
Recognized for her "sensual" and "strong" voice (New York Times), mezzo-soprano Devony Smith is a versatile performer with a wide-ranging repertoire in opera and concert music. Devony is a sought-after collaborator with composers, ...
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40:25
Happiest Musician Minisode: Being Proud of Your Support
I had a real AHA moment in my own life recently, and thought I'd tell you about it. Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to Crushing Classical, and maybe even leave a nice review! Thanks for joining me on Crushing Classical!
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13:20
Nicole Cash: Hornist to Narrator
Nicole Cash is a highly skilled performer whose training in classical music allows her to captivate audiences and connect people through the power of sound. She served as 3rd Horn with the Dallas Symphony, and Associate Principal Horn of the re...
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34:59
Happiest Musician Minisode: Why YOU Need More Visibility
And why we ALL need more visibility! People have been asking: is the Happiest Musician Visibility Lab for me if I don't HAVE an audience yet? If I don't KNOW HOW? Visibility is SCARY for all of us but it is the best way ...
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10:52
Molly Gebrian: the Neuroscience of Practicing
Dr. Molly Gebrian is a professional violist and scholar with a background in cognitive neuroscience. Her area of expertise is applying the research on learning and memory to practicing and performing music. Her book, Learn Faster, Perform Bette...
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35:16
Happiest Musician Minisode: Does it Have to Take Twenty Years?
The story of my reed business is a BORING one, in which for a long time nothing happens. And then suddenly it became a 6 figure revenue stream in which I am able to employ other musicians! What made the magic? Was it just waiting fo...
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9:47
What Got You Here...Day Three
What are the actual action steps that might move you toward your goals? And how might VISIBILITY play into these actions? In this final workshop session, I have a short journaling prompt and an offer for you!
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15:54
What Got You Here... Day Two
Please enjoy this snippet of my workshop, What Got You Here Won't Get You There! Don't neglect to actually DO the little journaling prompt in the middle, ok? Of course, the way to be IN THE ROOM and experience the whole thing is to ...
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16:39
What Got You Here... Day One
Please enjoy this snippet of my workshop, What Got You Here Won't Get You There! Don't neglect to actually DO the little journaling prompt in the middle, ok? Of course, the way to be IN THE ROOM and experience the whole thing is to ...
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13:19
Happiest Musician Minisode: What IS Visibility?
I've been talking a lot about Visibility lately, and you might be thinking that it's not for you because you "hate social media" or because you "don't want to be an influencer".What am I actually talking about? Mak...
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13:34
Happiest Musician Minisode: What Got You Here Won't Get You There
Join me for my FREE three day workshop, What Got You Here Won't Get You There, and find the breakthrough you need to create the career you want. Register at https://jennetingle.kit.com/what-got-you-here to get your invitation...
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13:14
Katherine Needleman: Oboist, Musician, Arranger, Composer, Etc. Queen of Filth
Katherine Needleman is a musician from Baltimore, Maryland, USA. She was introduced to music in the formerly robust music education programs of the public school system, having played violin, clarinet, oboe, keyboards, and percussion there. She...
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40:02