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.