Recording this episode with Dr. Theresa Delaplain was truly a treat! I hope you enjoy her story and get a lot out of what she has to say about work life balance.

Dr. Theresa Delaplain's Bio:
Theresa Delaplain is a dynamic oboist, actively performing as a soloist and chamber musician. She has commissioned, performed and recorded several new works for oboe, and has been a champion of contemporary music. Delaplain is a founding organizer of the SHE Festival of Women in Music, a yearly international festival to promote music written by women. She has performed concerti with the Thai National Orchestra, the Fort Smith Symphony, the North Arkansas Symphony, the Arkansas Philharmonic, and all the University of Arkansas major ensembles.

An advocate of music by female composers, Delaplain has given many concerts presenting newly-commissioned works and historic works written by women, and she was awarded two Southeast Conference grants for this purpose. She was invited to present a paper on the Romantic era female composers of Paris Conservatoire at the Mediterranean Studies Association conference in Valencia, Spain.

Delaplain has been a frequent judge at woodwind events, and has given numerous master classes and clinics. She is the owner of Edmund Nielsen Woodwinds, a shop specializing in accessories and reeds for oboists and bassoonists.

Delaplain’s recent solo album, Souvenirs, has earned glowing reviews, and she is also featured on a recent album of chamber music by Robert Mueller, Dream Gardens. Her album with the Lyrique Quintette has also been favorably received and reviewed. Delaplain has toured widely as a soloist and chamber musician. She is a Lorée Artist and is Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Arkansas.

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On this episode Austin talks with Dr. Larkin Sanders, DMA, a versatile musician and businesswoman based in Kansas City. From her familial echoes of music that shaped her to the bold strides into the entrepreneurial realm, Larkin's journey speaks to the resilience and determination that it takes to carve a path for yourself in today's 21st century landscape.

In this episode, we delve into the practicalities of making a career shift that fills both our personal passion and the marketplace needs. She eloquently recounts her move from the academic to the entrepreneurial world, navigating through the saturated clarinet market towards the creation of her unique ventures—the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra and the Clever Clarinetist retail shop. Larkin's journey to building her career in music demonstrates just one of the many ways that one can harmonize teaching, performing, and business.

Hear Larkin's journey to where she is today and more on this episode of the Community Stage.

Larkin's Bio:

Dr. Larkin Sanders is a native of Branson, Missouri, and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri where she is the clarinet instructor at both Washburn University and William Jewell College, owns the Clever Clarinetist (a clarinet specialty store), is the Executive-Artistic Director of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, and is an active performer. As a chamber music and entrepreneurship specialist, she manages and performs with Porch Music KC, the Bluestem Faculty Quintet at Washburn University, and more. In addition to a variety of chamber ensembles, she also performs with the Springfield Symphony, Topeka Symphony, and other regional orchestras. Dr. Sanders serves on several nonprofit boards such as the American Single Reed Summit and Charlotte House Series. Dr. Sanders is an Henri Selmer Paris, Behn, D’Addario & Co., Brian Corbin Clarinet Products, and Silverstein Pro Team Artist.

In addition to her activities as a clarinetist, teacher, and administrator, Dr. Sanders is also a composer, author, and digital artist who has a fondness for songs, unique chamber ensembles, and animals. Larkin has had her works performed in a variety of settings. Her works are inspired by the talents of her friends and colleagues, and the genres of her works span from chamber operettas, art songs, children's music, and more. Her artwork has been featured by the International Clarinet Association, in the Clever Clarinetist Shop, and is represented in many musician logos. She is also the author of The Creation of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra: The Performer’s Field Guide to Music Festival Foundation and The Clever Clarinetist’s Daily Scale Method: Scales and Exercises for Everyday Use, used by The Florida State University and other studios as their official fundamental method.

Dr. Sanders completed her Doctor of Music degree in clarinet performance and a certificate in arts administration at Florida State University in 2015. At FSU, she studied clarinet with Dr. Frank Kowalsky and Dr. Deborah Bish while teaching a course in clarinet fundamentals for first-year undergraduate students. Larkin also holds a master of music degree from Michigan State University where she studied clarinet with Dr. Justin O’Dell and composition with Dr. Ricardo Lorenz. Previously, she earned her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kansas while studying clarinet with Dr. Stephanie Zelnick and Dr. Larry Maxey.

In addition to her exciting musical activities, Dr. Sanders is an aquatic enthusiast who enjoys sailing and scuba diving, and she is an avid craftswoman who enjoys graphic design, sewing, furniture rehab, and other creative adventures. In her free time, she enjoys creating things, going on adventures, reading, and spending time with her family & friends, her Norwegian forest cat, Miles, an

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Dr. Lawson's Bio
Dr. Tonya Lawson is a musician, blogger, and SEO specialist whose mission is to empower musicians and other creatives to build out passive income streams so they have the financial freedom to live the life they want to live.

Dr. Lawson has been teaching woodwinds in Tennessee and Texas for the past 26 years, she runs 3 different blogs, a membership for creatives who want to get their website found on Google, and has multiple courses. Dr. Lawson holds a Bachelor of Music degree in education from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Music degree in clarinet performance, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Texas Tech University. Dr. Lawson currently teaches at Middle Tennessee State University, Father Ryan High School, and throughout Rutherford County, TN. Her students regularly earn college scholarships and participate in Mid-state, All-state, Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts, Sewanee Summer Music Festival, Interlochen, as well as various other honor bands. When not working, Dr. Lawson enjoys gardening, running, reading, and playing with her dog Buster.

Fascinated by the crossroads of creativity and entrepreneurship? We've got a treat for you! This episode features the immensely talented Dr. Tanya Lawson, a musician, blogger, and SEO specialist, who talks us through her fascinating journey from an English major to a successful music professional. Tanya doesn't stop there though. When faced with the threat of losing her school program, she sought solace in the power of blogging and SEO to build an additional income stream, exploring the realms of affiliate marketing and ad revenue generation. This episode is an absolute treasure trove of knowledge for those eager to chart their unique paths in the music industry.

In the second half of the episode, we plunge into the exciting world of Web 3 and its potential to change the music industry landscape. Dr. Lawson explains how artists can use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to propel their growth and create new opportunities. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of fostering a sense of community in the music world, moving away from a competitive mindset, and embracing individuality. We round off the conversation with an invitation to Dr. Lawson's upcoming challenge on website optimization and SEO, an opportunity you wouldn't want to miss! Let's learn, let's grow, and let's make a difference in the music world together!

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Brian Corbin, an exceptional blend of educator, realtor, performer, and entrepreneur, joins us to script a narrative where passion meets business. His life, a rich tapestry woven from the threads of music education and financial prowess, echoes the profound influence of those who taught him not just to perform, but to thrive. In a candid conversation, we journey with Brian through the emotional landscapes of music, discussing the sacrifices and triumphs that underscore the life of a musician, and how that resilience translates into shaping one's own definition of success. Brian and I discuss the importance of mentorship and fostering a community within the arts that encourages collaboration over competition. We touch on the crucial conversation of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts, acknowledging the complex layers and opportunities these discussions bring forth. Tune in to this episode for an insightful symphony of discussions that promises to leave you inspired to find your own harmony between financial independence and artistic passion.

Brian Corbin Biography

Brian Corbin is a multifaceted clarinetist and music entrepreneur dedicated to enriching and diversifying the music industry through innovative product designs, entrepreneurial education, and addressing underserved communities.

Brian is the President and founder of B. Corbin Clarinet Products, a manufacturing and distribution company dedicated to the highest quality, innovative clarinet products. What started as a clarinet repair venture to serve his students has blossomed into a haven for clarinet enthusiasts, offering meticulously crafted mouthpieces, barrels, and accessories, all proudly made and hand-finished by Brian in Virginia.

As the company's heart and soul, Brian's collaboration with Boston-based Royal Global clarinets reflects his dedication to excellence, innovation, and accessibility in the industry as the principal North American distributor. He is also intimately involved in product design and development for Royal Global and has taken the lead on several projects that have made professional instruments more affordable and accessible.

Beyond the realm of music, Brian is a licensed Realtor and real estate investor. Alongside his wife Lilly, an active duty Navy clarinetist, they specialize in assisting military personnel, first-time homebuyers, and self-employed individuals in building wealth through real estate, underpinned by Brian's certification as a Military Relocation Professional.

Brian is also an avid coffee roaster and has started a new coffee venture to support diversity in music education by donating proceeds to organizations with a similar vision. Brian has also served as President of New Works Project, a non-profit dedicated to democratizing the commissioning of new music by making music more accessible and representative.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana University and a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from Florida State University. Esteemed mentors like Howard Klug, Deborah Bish, and Jonathan Holden have shaped his musical prowess. This rich educational background has translated into a vibrant career, performing with ensembles nationwide and giving clinics and seminars to various music and business students. Brian's passion for nurturing musicians at all stages of their journey, whether through top-tier equipment or entrepreneurial mentorship, helps position him as an inspirational figure in the nexus of music, business, and education.

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Embark on a transformative journey with Dr. Nathan Mertens, our esteemed guest and Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Colorado, Boulder, as he unveils the intersection of music education and entrepreneurship.

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On today's episode, we had the pleasure of hosting this remarkable saxophonist and arts administration professional, who not only reveals the intricate dance behind the curtains of artistic endeavors but also the power of adaptability in a musician's life.

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Our conversation traverses this unique score, as Alexia shares her experiences and insights, shedding light on the oft-unseen roles artists can play behind the scenes in shaping the future of the arts industry.

The pressures and challenges facing musicians today take center stage as we explore the evolving landscape of music education, the strategic use of social media, and the importance of self-discovery in carving out a fulfilling career path. Alexia's story is a testament to the transformative power of personal vision, as she discusses the delicate art of maintaining one's identity while navigating the professional world, and the unexpected treasures found in networking, mentorship, and the simple yet profound act of being true to oneself.

Pulling back the curtain on stereotypes that paint music as a precarious career choice, we celebrate the hidden pathways and rewarding aspects of the industry. From Alexia's advocacy for musicians in educational policy to the creative intricacies of producing multi-track video arrangements, this episode is an ode to the passion, innovation, and resilience of those who dedicate their lives to the arts. So, if you're a lover of music, an educator, or someone fascinated by the inner workings of the arts industry, join us for a narrative that masterfully blends artistry, education, and the undying quest for personal growth.

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