1. That fizzy feeling: A musician's path to purpose with Emma Dean
Melissa is joined by Emma Dean, an accomplished Australian musician, performer, and community choir leader. They discuss Emma's journey from classical violinist to professional performer, and her eventual transition to leading community music projects. Emma shares candidly about experiencing "cruel optimism" in the music industry and how hitting "rock bottom" led her to start the Cheep Trill community choir from her friend's veranda in Brisbane - a decision that would transform not only her career but her sense of self and wellbeing.
The conversation explores how leading community music provides a different kind of fulfilment from professional performing. Emma shares practical insights about inclusive teaching methods and creating safe spaces for musical expression. Her story illustrates how musicians can find meaningful work beyond traditional performance careers, while still maintaining their creativity and musical excellence.
Other resources mentioned during the show:
Musgrave, G., Gross, S. A., & Klein, M. (2024). The dark side of optimism: Musical dreams, belief, and gambling. Musicae Scientiae, 28(4), 634–648. https://doi.org/10.1177/10298649241230673
Gross, S. A., & Musgrave, G. (2020). Can music make you sick? Measuring the price of musical ambition. University of Westminster Press.
Upbeat Arts Absolutely Everybody Choir
Too Fat For Ballet
This one time at bandcamp
Zen Zen Zo
Rainbow Bop
This project was made possible by The Winston Churchill Trust’s Impact Fund, supporting Churchill Fellows to achieve impact in Australia following their Fellowship travels. Read more about the Churchill Trust and other Fellowship stories at ChurchillFellowship.com.au
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41:02
Season 1 Trailer
The musicians who make a real difference in our communities aren't household names – they're the leaders creating meaningful social connections through participatory music-making.
Join singer, researcher, and community music leader Dr Melissa Forbes as she explores how these remarkable but unsung musicians are revitalizing our social health. Drawing on insights from positive psychology and leadership research, each episode features conversations with music leaders who are building belonging through their work.
Whether you're a musician seeking meaningful work, a music educator training future leaders, or a health professional interested in music's social impact, discover practical strategies for creating positive change through music.
Let's make music that matters.
New episodes are released on the first of the month.
This project was made possible by The Winston Churchill Trust’s Impact Fund, supporting Churchill Fellows to achieve impact in Australia following their Fellowship travels. Read more about the Churchill Trust and other Fellowship stories at ChurchillFellowship.com.au
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2:39
Teaser
Introducing a new podcast, Leading Notes, which showcases musicians leading the revitalization of social health in our communities.
This project was made possible by The Winston Churchill Trust’s Impact Fund, supporting Churchill Fellows to achieve impact in Australia following their Fellowship travels. Read more about the Churchill Trust and other Fellowship stories at ChurchillFellowship.com.au
Australia