In Episode 46 of The Music Mind Podcast, we sit down with Sydney-based jazz trumpeter and music educator Todd Hardy for a fascinating conversation about life as a professional musician.

Todd shares insights into the realities of recording and performing live, the importance of versatility as a working musician, reading music, improvisation, and the rewards and challenges of building a career in music. We also explore Todd’s past work as a Music Director and Performer on National TV and his current work as a music educator within the Sydney school system.

Todd has performed both as a leader and sideman with some of Australia’s finest singers and musicians, and he has recently released a new album on vinyl, Something Old, Something New. We talk about what it’s like to record a jazz album, the current vinyl revival, as well as the unique experience of bringing a jazz project to life on record.

The conversation also delves into the balance between written music and improvisation, why professional musicians need to be adaptable, and the many different skills required to make a living as a musician.

To finish the episode, Todd performs on flugelhorn, joined by Brian Hayes on bass clarinet and baritone saxophone, in a beautiful unaccompanied arrangement of a famous jazz standard, Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise.

A wide-ranging and insightful conversation for musicians, music educators, jazz fans, and anyone interested in the life of a professional musician.

🎺 The Music Mind Podcast – Episode 46
🎶 Featuring Todd Hardy
💿 Something Old, Something New – available on vinyl

#TheMusicMindPodcast #ToddHardy #Jazz

In Episode 45 of the Music Mind Podcast, Brian Hayes sits down with master vibraphonist and marimba player Tim Collins for a fascinating conversation about jazz, education, improvisation, and building a sustainable career as a professional musician.

Originally from New York, Tim moved to Europe around 16 years ago and eventually established a successful career in Germany. He shares his journey from the New York jazz scene — where club gigs were a regular part of life — to a European music landscape where concerts and performance opportunities have become the norm.

Tim discusses his formal studies in music education and jazz performance, his approach to improvisation, and the unique challenges and opportunities of making a living as a specialist jazz musician. He also talks about his online jazz vibraphone course and the multiple income streams he has developed to create a sustainable career.

The conversation offers an insightful look at what it takes to build a life in music beyond simply playing gigs — combining performance, teaching, online education, and entrepreneurial thinking.

The episode concludes with a special musical performance: Tim Collins on vibraphone and Brian Hayes on tenor saxophone, performing the Duke Ellington jazz standard “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.”

🎵 In this episode:

• Tim's journey from New York to Germany
• Building a career as a jazz vibraphonist and marimba player
• Music education and jazz performance studies
• The difference between the New York and European jazz scenes
• Developing an approach to jazz improvisation
• Tim's online jazz vibraphone course
• Creating multiple income streams as a professional musician
• Making a sustainable living within a specialist musical community
• Live performance: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

🎧 Music Mind Podcast – Episode 45
A conversation about music, musicianship, creativity, and the realities of making a life in music.

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.

This episode of The Music Mind Podcast features Award Winning Boston based USA acoustic guitarist, performer, educator and composer, R.D. King.

Mr King is an associate lecturer in guitar at UMAS, Boston. He has released 6 albums under his own name and has a substantial presence on Social Media.

Music education forms a big part of his life. He regularly performs as a solo artist at weddings and corporate events, ensuring that his teaching is matched by regularly live performances.

Throughout the episode we get to see and hear Mr King play his own solo arrangements on acoustic fingerstyle guitar. These include classic melodies from the likes of James Taylor and the Beatles, together with Mr King's own compositions.

For the music collaboration on this episode, Mr King chose a great pop classic, Going to California, made famous by the legendary pop/rock band, Led Zeppelin. It features acoustic guitar and concert flute.

You can reach out and connect with RD King at www.rdkingmusic.com

For further information on The Music Mind Podcast or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

My special guest for Episode 40 of The Music Mind Podcast is rising New York Jazz Trumpet Star, Kellin Hanas.

At just 24 years of age, Kellin is making positive waves on the New York Jazz Scene and beyond.

She is very much living the life of a full time performing musician with a wide variety of gigs from small group jazz to Big Bands and Broadway pit orchestras. As a music educator, Kellin is in high demand across the USA providing clinics and workshops at schools and universities on a regular basis.

Kellin has a strong social media presence is a great example to younger musicians that despite what career guidance counselors may advise, a fulfilling life in the music business is very much possible.

For the music collaboration on this episode, Kellin and I composed an original piece in the style of the theme of the episode. We called it New York Oz Blues. It features Kellin's creative jazz trumpet playing and I accompany her on the 6 String Electric Bass Guitar.

You can reach out and connect with Kellin at www.kellinhanas.com

For further information on The Music Mind Podcast or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

This episode of The Music Mind Podcast features Top UK Session Trumpet Player Johnny Thirkell.

Johnny holds the distinction of having played on 38 Number Hit recordings in the UK. In addition, for more than a decade, his horn playing was featured on at least one album sitting in the UK Top 50 charts every week.

Thirkell is a successful businessman outside of his life as a tradesman trumpeter. He discusses the importance for him of finding passive income streams when facing the reality of life of battling the aging brass musician syndrome.

Music education forms a big part of his life. Johnny runs regular music camps for musicians where students interact with acclaimed professionals in small group classes.

Good Enough is Good Enough for Johnny Thirkell. You don't have to be the best musician in the world to play with some of the best and enjoy a life in music.

Johnny has written a book called BLOWN IT which is available directly from his website. It charts the life of a highly successful session musician and is a fun read.

For the music collaboration on this episode, Johnny chose a great pop ballad written by Michel Legrand titled 'How Do You Keep The Music Playing?'. This was a vocal hit for Patti Austin and James Ingram. It is performed here as an instrumental collaboration featuring Johnny Thirkell on trumpet with Brian Hayes on tenor saxophone.

You can reach out and connect with Johnny at www.JohnnyThirkell.com

For further information on The Music Mind Podcast or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44