The Fourforty (440) with Eric Branner
The FourForty Podcast is where musicians and music teachers share their journeys as educators, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders. Each conversation explores the real work of building a meaningful career in music... and the impact it makes beyond the studio.
Episodes
18 episodes
A Gratitude Practice for Music Teachers with Eric Branner
In this solo episode, Eric explores gratitude as a critical skill for musicians, educators, and creative entrepreneurs. Practice a guided meditation, hear stories from the studio, and craft your own gratitude statement. This o...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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38:14
Scaling with Soul: The Sloan School of Music Story
In this episode, Eric talks with guitarist and entrepreneur Anthony Sloan: co-founder and CEO of the Sloan School of Music.What started as a family idea grew into a two-location music school, retail operation, and community hub offering ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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55:45
The Three-Legged Stool: Building a Successful Music Career with Joe Bergamini
Drummer, educator, author, and industry leader Joe Bergamini shares how he built a resilient, multi-hyphenate career spanning Broadway pits, international touring, best-selling drum books, and more than 35 years of private teaching.We ta...
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54:08
Make an Offer, Add Value, Create an Asset: Studio Growth with Josh Gillis
Today I’m talking with Josh Gillis, founder of Catfish Alley Studio in Columbus, Mississippi. Josh is one of the kindest, most curious, and most future-leaning educators in the Fons community. He’s building a modern, community-centered music st...
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55:15
Magic in the Small Moments: Teaching, Leadership & Balance with Kevin Chance
How do you stay joyful and grounded when you’re teaching, performing, and leading at a high level?In this episode, Eric talks with Kevin Chance, President of MTNA and Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Alabama about...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:18:38
Seasonality & Self Love: Building a Creative Life That Works with Allie Tyler
Marketing mentor, voice teacher, and choral director Allie Tyler joins Eric Branner to explore how to grow a creative business without losing your joy. From running The Voicepreneur Program to directing a non-audition community choir i...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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54:44
The Virtuous Cycle of Mentorship: Three Stories That Changed My Life
In this solo episode, Eric shares three vivid mentor stories. Pete (artist–entrepreneur), Terry (the open-hearted teacher), and Bryce (the student who became a guide) to unpack what mentorship is, how it shows up, and why becoming both mentee &...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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39:10
The Path of a Pioneering Educator: Rob Hampton on Purpose, Joy, and Pricing
Guitar teacher and Heartwoodguitar.com founder Rob Hampton joins Eric to share how a simple shift in mindset changed his life and career. Rob talks about The Jam, his all-day student concert that’s anything but a recital, and opens up ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:03:44
Curiosity, Courage, and Connection: Angelica Cortez on Leading with Intention
How do we make arts education thrive in a world that’s changing faster than ever?Eric interviews Angelica Cortez, Executive Director of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She shares how curiosity is a leadership tool, the power of m...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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59:58
Artistry, Entrepreneurship & Building a Life in Music with Brenda Earle Stokes
How do you build a creative career that’s sustainable and joyful?In this episode, pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Brenda Earle Stokes joins Eric Branner to share practical lessons from her journey of bala...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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57:06
Dr. David Cutler on Innovation, Demand, and Redefining Success in Music
In this episode, Eric sits down with his longtime friend Dr. David Cutler... composer, author, and Distinguished Professor of Music Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of South Carolina. David is one of the world’s leading voices ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:07:42
Paths to Paid Work for Pianists: with Rachel Ehring
Pianist, educator, and conservatory director Rachel Ehring joins Eric to unpack the real career paths pianists can take beyond solo work. Rachel runs St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts and coaches pianists in collaborative skills through YouTu...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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39:56
David Chang on Music, Mindset, and Building an Impactful Business with Joy
Pianist, teacher, and entrepreneur David Chang shares his journey from discovering his teaching gift at 13 to building one of the most successful adult piano programs in the U.S. We dive into his unique methods for learning, his philosop...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:04:58
Building Thriving Music Studios with Kelly Riordan
In this episode, Eric sits down with musician, pedagogue, and music business strategist Kelly Riordan, co-founder of Outside the Bachs. Kelly helps teachers design profitable studios, attract students through organic marketing, a...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:03:15
Steve Treseler’s Entrepreneurial Blueprint: Follow Your Interests, Show Up, Add Value
Seattle-based saxophonist, composer, and teaching artist Steve Treseler joins Eric to explore the building blocks of a joyful and long-lasting career in music. Steve shares how he designed a portfolio life as a performer, educator, and author…...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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54:50
From Piano Bench to Publishing Desk: Davis Dorrough’s Creative Journey
In this episode of The Fourforty, Eric sits down with Davis Dorrough, Piano Editor at Alfred Music. Davis is a third-generation pianist, teacher, and composer. He brings creativity to every corner of his work, whether that’s polishing new piano...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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52:24
Owning Your Career as a Musician: Welcome to The Fourforty Podcast
In this solo episode, host Eric Branner shares why The Fourforty Podcast exists and what musicians and teachers can expect each week. Learn why every musician is an entrepreneur, and how embracing business skills alongside artistry allow...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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8:32
Introducing The Fourforty Podcast
In this short trailer, I’ll share the vision behind The Fourforty... why it exists, who it’s for, and what you can expect each week. The Fourforty is built on the belief that music teachers, artists, and creatives can, and should make great liv...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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1:20