This episode, I'm joined by Dr. Michael Dudley, who is a trumpet player, composer, producer, educator, and photographer. We broke down how he balances all of the different passions, inspirations from areas outside of music, and even discuss a past photography collaboration.

After almost a year off, I️ return with a conversation with my roommate of 2 years Derian Rowe. He is an oboist, composer, audio engineer, and much more, but recently he has been working on officer training with the National Guard. We discuss where he's been, what led him to the National Guard/experiences with that, and we give each other a challenge for the next few months.

I️n this episode, I️'m joined by pianist, performer, educator and activist Albert Marques. We discussed some topics along the lines of assessing and being a role model for your students, the album Freedom First and the fight for justice with Keith Lamar, and lots more. Check it out, as well as the links included! I️ntro Music: Jump the Turnstile- Jordana & TV Girl  Outro Music: Love Affair- UMI Keith's compaign website www.keithlamar.org Video where you can see one of the tunes included in the Freedom First album and how we recorded it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrCv97Y-3JI The projects website www.albertmarques.com/freedomfirst Next concert, Friday May 20th, Jazz Gallery NYC https://www.jazzgallery.org/calendar/freedom-first

This week, my guest is guitarist Captain Kirk Douglas from The Roots. We had a conversation about balancing gigging while performing on Jimmy Fallon, how The Roots got hooked up with Jimmy, his journey from being a preschool teacher to performing professionally with the band and how he manages to deal with/dealt with performance anxiety. We also talked about meditation and how he has brought it into his music, and my executive producer Derian makes another guest appearance! Intro music- Proceed II- The Roots Outro music- Datskat- The Roots

My guest this week was guitarist and touring musician Will Brahm. We had a conversation about the effects and benefits of college and truly tackling the argument of is it worth it? We also talked about his experiences of touring with Arturo Sandoval. Intro music: Lujon- Henry Mancini Outro music: Self Help Tape- Moses Sumney

This week I'm joined by music education professor and trombonist Dr. Peter McCoy, from the Crane School of Music. We tackled some difficult classroom topics such as how to incorporate other musical traditions without just checking off the boxes. We also discussed ways to show students you are there to support them when they are going through issues in life from stress, home life, etc. without being too overbearing.  I️ntro: Marcel- Her's Outro: Bluebird- Gus Dapperton 

This episode is in collaboration with my good friend Erika, check her out @thisisme.em28. We did an interview together of one of our music business professors, Josh Rabinowitz. We covered a wide variety of topics including the transition from student to entering the music business career field, how his political science degree helped him in his everyday life with music and how he was able to balance teaching while also running his own company the Brooklyn Music Experience. He also talked about his relationship with one of my idols, Kanye West himself. Check it out! I️ntro music: Odd Octubre- brandUn DeShay Outro Music: Headshots(4r da locals)- Isaiah Rashad

Another week including interviews with two of my good pals, where we tackled some of the same questions regarding plans post graduation and growth and development over their 4 years at our school. Enjoy!  I️ntro Music: Flower Moon- Vampire Weekend Outro Music: Theme from the Planets- Dexter Wansel 

After a week hiatus due to finals and my birthday, I️ am back with a much different episode than usual. Instead of the same episode with sitting down for an hour or so interviewing my guest, I️ recorded 4 smaller interviews with graduating seniors who are getting degrees in music education. In the first part, we have Joseph Johnson Jr. and Matt Smith and I️ asked them all the same questions along the lines of the best things they learned whether it was a positive or negative learning experience, how they grew and matured as a person and where music fit into that and where they see themselves in 5 years time. All gave really solid answers and I'm really happy with how this turned out, hope you all like it and can take something from each of these admirable people! I️ntro music: Kids-Busty and the Brass Outro music: Fill me up Anthem- Gus Dapperton 

This week I'm joined by my housemate and fellow saxophonist Nick Dombroski. We talked about the effects of NYSSMA on students mindsets in school and how Nick managed to pursue degrees in music and computer science. It is quite apparent that we are burnt out from this semester, but had a good time chatting!  I️ntro- Lil Dicky Sway in the Morning Freestyle Outro- You Look Like a Flower- Richard Caiton