This episode of The Music Mind Podcast features a fantastic Australian vocalist, performer, songwriter, pianist and music educator Kelsey Giarola.

Based in Brisbane, Kelsey holds Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Music and Vocal Pedagogy from the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. As an experienced live performer and recording artist, she brings a wealth of practical, real-world knowledge to the conversation.

Kelsey discusses the realities of building a career in music, performing, songwriting, music education and developing the skills needed to succeed as a professional musician. Her Vocal Studio is dedicated to helping students of all ages gain the knowledge and practical guidance they need to achieve their musical goals.

The episode concludes with a beautiful collaboration on the Bill Withers Grammy Award-winning classic “Ain't No Sunshine”, featuring Kelsey on vocals and piano, with Brian Hayes on soprano saxophone and alto flute.

Connect with Kelsey Giarola at www.kelseygiarola.com.au
Connect with Brian Hayes at www.BrianHayes.biz

Subscribe to The Music Mind Podcast for more conversations, collaborations and insights from musicians and educators around the world.

Join Episode 43 of the Music Mind Podcast as host Brian Hayes welcomes acclaimed New York jazz saxophonist and clarinettist Ricky Alexander.

Ricky is renowned for his authentic performances of early jazz, swing and traditional styles spanning the 1920s through to the 1950s. In this fascinating conversation, he shares his journey from early music education to jazz school and discusses what it's really like making a living as a professional jazz musician in New York City.

Topics include:
• Growing up and discovering jazz
• Studying music and attending jazz school
• Performing with a Grammy Award-winning pianist
• Building a career in New York's competitive jazz scene
• Self-promotion and developing a personal brand
• Practical advice for young musicians wanting a professional music career

The episode concludes with a special musical collaboration featuring Brian Hayes on lead clarinet, with Ricky Alexander performing second clarinet and baritone saxophone.

If you enjoy conversations with world-class musicians, please Like, Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the Music Mind Podcast.

#MusicMindPodcast #RickyAlexander #BrianHayes #Jazz #Clarinet #Saxophone #NewYorkJazz #JazzEducation #ProfessionalMusician #TraditionalJazz

Welcome to Episode 42 of The Music Mind Podcast — Collaborations Volume 4.

This special edition features Australian multi-instrumentalist Brian Hayes performing on slide dobro, flute, 6 string bass, tenor saxophone and bass clarinet alongside an incredible lineup of world-class musicians from across the globe.

Featured collaborators include London trumpet legends Louis Dowdeswell and Johnny Thirkell, Los Angeles trombone studio master Alan Kaplan, Sydney electric bassist Emile Nelson, acclaimed USA acoustic guitarists Jacob Davis and R.D. King, New York jazz trumpeter Kellin Hanas, San Diego saxophonist Jason Whitmore, Melbourne based lead guitarist Brett Garsed and Canadian trumpeter Nicolas Bernier.

Blending jazz, blues, cinematic textures, acoustic grooves and improvisation, this episode celebrates the creative power of musical collaboration across continents and styles.

If you enjoy world-class musicianship, inspiring conversations and creative musical performances, subscribe to The Music Mind Podcast and join the journey.