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Creating Your Own Path in Music with Sumina StuderThis episode of B4 The Stage features guest Sumina Studer, who shares what it really looks like to create your own path in music. We go behind the scenes of how she broke the mold in the classical world, choosing not to pursue a traditional violin performance career, instead building a multifaceted identity as a content creator, presenter, speaker, and entrepreneur. Today, she runs her own social media management business, Animus, helping musicians and creatives grow their digital presence.What talk about:- How Sumina shifted from a performance-first path to a diversified creative career- What pushed her to reimagine what a “successful” music career could look like- Building Animus and supporting artists through social media strategyIf you’re exploring your identity as a musician or navigating a career pivot, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.Connect with Sumina:Website: suminastuder.comAnimus: animussocial.comYouTube + Socials: @suminastuderFollow B4 The Stage:Substack: b4thestage.substack.comInstagram: @b4thestageGrace’s Instagram (Host): @gracesviolinhttps://www.gracesviolin.com/podcastFind the podcast on YouTube and more! https://www.gracesviolin.com/podcasthttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...Enjoy the episode?Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, career building, and the modern music industry.

Alright, where have I been? I paused the show for a couple of years here! But I’m back and ready to be creating once again. :) Tune into this show to go behind the scenes of my own life and what I’ve been up to while I’ve been gone! Also, I’m starting an email list. Be sure to join my Substack! Find your host, Grace, on social media: ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Youtube ⁠ follow on IG: ⁠@B4thestage⁠ + ⁠@gracesviolin⁠

Sophia Kannathasan studied at the University of Leeds. Sophia was also a member of the Chineke! Junior Orchestra. At the time of recording, during her journey to becoming a professional musician, she had been working outside London in Essex, working at a concert hall for an entire year while juggling her solo violin development. In this episode, we talked about: The "Am I good enough for music school?" How diversity plays a role in her relationship to music Practice routines Injuries Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin If you have any questions or topics you would like covered on the show, please contact me at [email protected]

Internationally acclaimed violinist Timothy Chooi, (pronounced “Chewy”), continues to mesmerize global audiences with his electrifying performances and profound musical interpretations. Renowned for his passionate renditions and extensive repertoire, Chooi has cultivated a vast following, with millions of viewers captivated by his artistry both on stage and across digital platforms. Timothy Chooi talks about his relationship with social media, working with managers, and finding new ways to promote your musical career. In this episode, we talked about: How to travel with an instrument working with a manager vs. by yourself. Personal finance tips for musicians, and promoting yourself online  | RESOURCES |timothychooi.com follow on IG:@B4thestage +@gracesviolin

Gina Luciani is a flutist and recording artist. Gina has a broad range of interests from branding, website building, and building good relationships. This episode of B4thestage explores the importance of creating opportunities for oneself. Gina's passion for film music goes back to her childhood and still lives in her today. In addition to being on 6 Oscar nominated films, Gina has performed with artists such as Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Carrie Underwood, Chance the Rapper, as well as recorded for various shows found on Netflix, including Arcane, and Cobra Kai. In this episode, we talked about: Gina's start with recording and path toward entering the industryImportant things to check when starting to record yourselfHow her mindsets lead her to succeedNetworking as a musician| RESOURCES | Website Instagram Youtube  Tiktok Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

Nathan Chan currently is a content creator, and assistant principal cellist in the Seattle Symphony. Listen along as we hear about Nathan's aural explorations as a cellist in different genres and formats (recording, performing, etc), his thoughts on cello technique, as creating music beyond the stage through content creating. In this episode, we talked about: His journey towards entering the professional music worldThe learning pacing he adopted for absorbing orchestral repertoireUsing recording as a tool to develop heightened listening skillsRelationships with social media and creationFind your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

Kimberlee Dray is a performing musician who experienced hearing loss due to Ménière's disease. After studying music in college and switching to an English major, picking her violin back up became therapeutic and helpful for her condition. Listen to Kimberlee encourage being a doer, making a tribe for yourself, and serving others. In this episode, we talked about: 1. Meniere's Disease 2. Self-marketing and management 3. Intentionality in choosing repertoire 4. Serving the donors Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

John Zion has served as the Managing Director of MKI Artists since taking ownership of the firm in 2015. He oversees strategic planning and operations, and directs the careers of a prestigious roster of international artists. He serves on the board of Chamber Music America and has presented on arts-related issues at the Manhattan School of Music, the University at Buffalo, APAP|NYC, Chamber Music America’s National Conference, and the Avaloch Farm Music Institute. In 2012, he was named one of the “Rising Stars in the Performing Arts” by Musical America. John studied at Lawrence University and the Hartt School of Music; before coming to MKI Artists, he performed regularly as a violinist with orchestras throughout New England, taught public-school music, and toured Vietnam with his string quartet. In his free time, John enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling.  |MENTIONED|WebsiteOur Concerts  Instagram  Editing software Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

Anne Sophie Beranger is a violinist and teacher based in London, UK. She spends most of her time as a music teacher in the primary phase (from nursery to age 11), as well as private teaching. She’s been also broadening her Instagram page in creating a series dedicated to sharing musical facts. This episode explores how her musical upbringing lead her to a career of teaching. In this episode, we talked about:1️⃣ How Sophie got started with teaching2️⃣ What drives Sophie to teach music to young kids3️⃣ Curating a series on instagram4️⃣ Getting rid of her fears to then share her passions online | MENTIONED | Anne's Website Instagram Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

Drew Forde is a violist also best known as ThatViolaKid. He runs an improv comedy podcast that talks about music (faking notes podcast). In asking Drew for tips on podcasts, listen along to their conversation about creating connections with people, speaking to your audience, putting the social back into social media and more. In this episode, we talked about: 1️⃣  Finding your "why" 2️⃣  Conveyance of stories to your audience 3️⃣  Tips on how to start and develop your podcast 4️⃣  The next stops in the classical music world 5️⃣  Kindness and giving to others OR listening and getting to know your community (This was for Drew's story about DMV) | MENTIONED | Faking Notes podcast found on all podcast streaming services Instagram Facebook twitter Drew's website:http://thatviolakid.com/ | RESOURCES | Japanese concept Ikigai Atomic Habits by James Clear How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

Taylor Rossi is a Boston based flutist and website designer for Nicole Riccardo Media, a digital marketing company for musicians and creatives. In this episode, we talked about: 1️⃣  Being able to show your authentic self and help others find you through a website 2️⃣ How to decide if hiring a website designer is a good fit for you 3️⃣  How to write effectively on a website 4️⃣  The importance of establishing your website early | MENTIONED | Nicole Riccardo Media Website Taylor's Instagram Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

Hyunji Yi is a professional cellist based out of LA working as an educator and performer. She talks about growing up in a family that encouraged music making, her experience in college, and her pathway to teaching. In this episode, we talked about: 1️⃣  Tips on how to start your own studio as a student 2️⃣  The gift that teaching gives us 3️⃣ The importance of asking questions |MENTIONED| Hyunji'sInstagram Hyunji's Youtube channel  Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

Alice Ping is a violist graduated from Juilliard currently based in LA. She has done freelancing work on movies, scores, shows, and more. In this episode, Alice shares about her experiences with navigating chronic diseases, all the while debunking myths about being afraid to share about our health to others. In this episode, we talked about: 1️⃣  Alice's first signs of having chronic diseases 2️⃣  Why she shares about health journey online 3️⃣  Her exploration of physical exercise and reclaiming control of her body 4️⃣  Shifts in mindsets to find a happy place with career and personal health 5️⃣  How making youtube videos boosts Alice's creativity and motivation | MENTIONED | Instagram Alice's website youtube channel Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG: @B4thestage + @gracesviolin Podcast edited byGalle Studios

This episode was recorded in early spring of 2021, just getting to release it now. I hope you will enjoy the episode!  Jeff Counts is the general manager of the Grand Teton Music Festival, located in Jackson Hole. What makes Grand Teton a festival like no other is their fresh cycles of new musicians each week. Jeff brings to light how managing a 7-8 week-long festival comes to life through diligent planning during its surrounding months. Jeff sheds insight on how you can best succeed by believing in what you do and making your pitch memorable. In this episode we talked about: The complexities of running a music festival you may not expect Being able to address and validate concerns on a large scale The importance of preparation and polish that makes your project memorable  |MENTIONED| Ghost Light Podcast  Grand Teton Music Festival Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG:@B4thestage +@gracesviolin

In this episode Gina Morgano, a singer located in NYC. She currently runs the podcast The Practice Parlour where she interviews musicians to discover the practices that shape their lives and art. In this episode, we talked about: 1️⃣ Her musical journey & creating your own opportunities and events 2️⃣ Starting the Practice Parlour & becoming an entrepreneur 3️⃣ Mindset hurdles musicians work through | MENTIONED |Gina's InstagramGina's Podcast: The Practice ParlourWaitlist for The Practice Society Find your host, Grace Lamb, on social media: Website Youtube  follow on IG:@B4thestage +@gracesviolin