Guy Donis grew up in Belgium, where he had fallen in love with the banjo and proceeded to dedicate his life to it. In this episode, he describes how he taught himself 5 string banjo, learned about Bluegrass, and expanded his musical horizons by collaborating with jazz and classical musicians. He immigrated to Canada many years ago, and is well-known in the Montreal music scene. He has toured Canada extensively with Notre Dame de Grass and other bands, and in this episode he talks about his newest project, the Montreal Bluegrass League, and a track from their latest album is included in this podcast. Some tracks from his two trio albums are also included earlier in this episode, in which you can hear Guy’s progressive jazz-influenced original music. Like all my episodes, this is available as a podcast, video, and transcript, all linked here.

 The incredibly charming American musician Janie Rothfield, is a great traditional fiddler, banjo player, educator, composer, and so much fun to talk to! This episode features quite a bit of music on both fiddle and banjo. The conversation delved into the best ways to teach music, learn tunes, play with ease, accompany dancers and most importantly find connection with others through music! We talked about her childhood, learning violin in one of the first Suzuki classes in the United States with Louise Behrend, figure skating, learning the banjo, moving to Scotland, playing at music festivals, and why she started her unique “Janie’s Jumpstart Weekend Camps”. Janie records and tours with many bands and teaches both fiddle and clawhammer banjo.

I spoke to the renowned bassoon player Christopher Millard about many topics, including many fascinating insights into the orchestra profession, the physics of sound production on both the bassoon and violin, great advice on how best to practice music, the legendary flutist Marcel Moyse and much more. Podcast Video

I was honoured to speak with Kellylee Evans, who is an amazing award-winning singer, songwriter and motivational speaker. Kellylee Evans: “And then I was interested at that time in minority rights and representation and in legal philosophy. And so I was doing my masters of arts in law. My parents, their hope I think would've been just like most immigrant parents a lawyer, doctor, engineer. And I tried to... I wasn't trying that hard though to really be a lawyer. I really was hiding in school. My goal was to just keep my head down and stay here as long as possible. Because school is awesome, and if you figured out the path, if you know what to do, you attend, you finish the assignments, you hand them in. You do the reading, you get a mark, everybody's happy. That's something that's very doable, I think if you can just follow the script. But real life outside of school is scary. And the music industry, what's the path?”

Towards the end of the conversation, she gives us the gift of an incredible a capella performance of one of the most-requested songs in her repertoire, "Feelin’ Good" by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse. We speak about the many challenges she's faced, including two near-death experiences. To learn more about Kellylee Evans, her recordings and current performances: http://www.kellyleeevans.com/

Sophie Lukacs

In my interview with the kora player, singer, and songwriter Sophie Lukacs we hear her very unique and personal story and also learn about this beautiful instrument. She plays a traditional tune for us and also a couple of her original songs from her new album.

Interview with Lynn Kuo, Violinist and Educator: @violynnkuo In E2 S2 with violinist Lynn Kuo, we delved into many topics, including shifting the classical music paradigm and she gave lots of great advice for other musicians. Lynn:"So, I think it is absolutely possible for every musician to do a little bit of self awareness exercise and discover where exactly do my strengths lie? Where am I unique?"

I speak with Arna Einarsdóttir who was at the time the Managing Director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra Canada. Previously she was the Managing Director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Earlier in her career she worked as a flutist, playing with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra from 2000-2004. In this wide-ranging conversation, Arna's warmth and engagement really come through. It is really interesting to hear her perspectives due to her involvement with the orchestral world in very different roles.

In my very first interview, E1 S1 Kirsty Money introduces us to the nyckelharpa and we learn how she started playing this beautiful and unique instrument. The full transcript is published here, and there are links to both video and podcast, along with bonus episodes. Kirsty performs solo Bach, a traditional Swedish tune and one of her original tunes The Grind Polska during our conversation.