The Limitless Musician

In this episode, Nathalie and flutist-composer-educator Alyssa Mercedes Mena discuss how cultural identity, personal experiences, and diverse interests shaped her music career. Alyssa shares her journey as a Cuban American musician, the importance of representation in classical music, and how she uses composition to tell stories that reflect her family, heritage, and relationships. Together, they explore challenging traditional expectations, embracing multiple passions, and finding the confidence to share your voice before you feel ready.
 
Main Points:
Alyssa's early connections to music and heritage

Challenges first-generation musicians face when pursuing artistic careers

The importance of cultural representation in classical music in all facets

Incorporating personal experiences, family history, and cultural heritage into compositions

Challenging traditional music education and expectations

Exploring composition and working through imposter syndrome

Creating music that reflects individual and universal experiences

Embracing your identity, trusting your voice, and pursuing new opportunities before you feel ready

Finding success through community, meaningful connections, and the impact you have on others

Get to Know Alyssa:
Visit her website: http://alyssamena.com/

Check out her compositions: https://colemanpagemusic.com/composer/alyssa-mercedes-mena/ 

Follow her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/alyssamenaflute/

In Part 2, Nathalie and Miles discuss the behind-the-scenes work of organizing their TraverSura Duo recital tour. They share a behind-the-scenes look on how they developed their idea, built on new and existing connections, and navigated the process of organizing a profitable recital tour while living in completely different states.
Main Points:
Turning an artistic idea into a performance opportunity

Building connections and put yourself out there

Finding ways to offer value to communities beyond a performance

Planning and organizing a recital tour across multiple locations

Coordinating schedules, travel, and other logistics with a collaborator

Preparing promotional materials and program notes

Balancing creative goals with financial realities

Navigating the challenges and vulnerability of creating your own opportunities

 
Get to know Miles:
Check out his IG: @milessuttonpiano

Visit his website: https://www.milessuttonpiano.com/

 
Looking for FREE career resources?
Check out KE Creative's Freebie Library with resources for private music teachers and freelancers!

Welcoming Miles Sutton, friend of the Limitless Musician and KE Creative family! Pianist and duo partner Miles Sutton joins host Nathalie for this episode, all about how musicianship flourishes through collaboration.
Follow their journeys that intersect in key moments that challenged traditional definitions of success in Classical Music, encouraging experimentation on what can or can't work for their individual careers, and how collaborating on bringing passion projects to life has made room for further musical growth.
Check out the next Episode for the breakdown of how Nathalie and Miles created a financially profitable recital tour for their flute-piano duo!
Main Points:
The pressure that classical musicians feel to follow traditional music career paths

Recognizing when career choices no longer feel fulfilling or purposeful

How the Pandemic became a pivotal point in their careers

Using shared values and interests to create their own performance opportunities

The virtues of collaborating on smaller scales than traditional orchestral settings

Connecting with audiences through intentional concert programming

Balancing artistic and administrative sides of musicianship

The differences between collaborative and solo performances

The significance of vulnerability and trust within Classical Music

The personal foundation of creating musical passion projects

Get to know Miles:
Check out his IG: @milessuttonpiano

Visit his website: https://www.milessuttonpiano.com/

Looking for FREE career resources?
Check out KE Creative's Freebie Library with resources for private music teachers and freelancers! 

Get The Musician's Real-World Survival Guide

Being busy has become a badge of honor in the music profession—but is it actually helping us build better careers? This episode explores why constantly hustling often leads to burnout, reduced creativity, and missed opportunities, and how musicians can replace busyness with intentional productivity. Learn how to be more intentional about your time, energy, and the opportunities that lead you to the career you actually want.
Main Points:
The difference between being busy and making meaningful progress

How busyness is praised through music education and the Classical Music Industry "Bubble"

The reason classical musicians are afraid to say no

The significance of the life you build outside of your career

Seeking opportunities that align you more with your long-term life goals

Links:
Study from Frontiers in Psychology 

Follow Katherine on IG: @katherineemeneth

Looking for FREE career resources?
Check out KE Creative's Freebie Library with resources for private music teachers and freelancers!

In this episode, Nathalie and special guest Dr. Roya Farzaneh discuss the reality of pursuing a college professor career as a classical musician. From the traditional expectations of academia, the winding path to a faculty position, and the realities of building a career in higher education, Roya shares her experience navigating the world of collegiate teaching while staying true to herself.
If you've ever wondered what the path to a "traditional" classical music career can look like, this conversation takes a transparent look at how even traditional music career path have unconventional turns.
Main Points:
The pressure surrounding the "traditional" academic career path

Roya's pivotal experiences in pursuing a music professor career

The reality of pursuing a faculty position in classical music

The difference between expectation and reality of being a professor

How teaching, performing, and other professional experiences can intersect within an academic career

The non-linear paths of pursuing jobs in higher education

Balancing personal and professional aspirations with an academic career

 
Get to know Roya!
Website: https://www.royafarzaneh.com/

Instagram: @royaflute and @wcu.flutestudio

Book recommendations

"Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown

"Start Where You Are" by Pema Chodron

 
Looking for more FREE career insight?
Get The Musician's Real-World Survival Guide