Episode 1 - Merrie Klazek: The Life of a Trumpeter in North America
In this episode, Marianna Cortesi is joined by Merrie Klazek, a professional trumpeter and Associate Professor at the University of Victoria. Merrie shares the story of how she found her way into music and fell in love with brass instruments. She reflects on the twists and turns of building a career in performance and teaching, and opens up about the challenges and changes facing musicians and music educators in North America today.
Episode 2 - Nick Able: Resilience and Renewal from the UK to India
In this episode, Marianna Cortesi is joined by Nick Able, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and performing musician from Newcastle upon Tyne. Nick talks about his musical journey, from starting out on the guitar to discovering the sitar and falling in love with Indian music. He reflects on his time as a student and disciple of the late Pandit Ravi Shankar, touring internationally and performing at some of the world’s most prestigious venues. Nick also speaks candidly about a darker period in his life and career, and how resilience, reflection, and a deep passion for music shaped his path forward as an artist.
Episode 3: Anna Détári - Crafting a New Musical Identity and Rebuilding a Life in Music
In this episode, Federico is joined by Anna Détári, a flutist, researcher, and Lecturer in Performance Science at the Royal College of Music. Anna reflects on her classical training and musical journey in Hungary, speaking candidly about the hidden costs of elite performance and the cultural taboos surrounding mental and physical health in music education. She shares the story of a sudden, career-altering challenge that led to a "fork in the road" for her musical journey. Through her story of redirection and resilience, Anna discusses how this pivotal moment fuelled her mission to bridge the gap between scientific research and musical practice, exploring the systemic barriers to well-being in music education environments and offering practical advice to support future generations of musicians.