Marc chats with film and television composer Sam Watts! You might have heard his work on hit shows like Doctor Who: Tales of the TARDIS, The Traitors, Planet Earth, and The Sarah Jane Adventures. He’s spent over 20 years in the industry creating music for science fiction, fantasy, reality, drama, horror, documentary, and much more. Sam has worked with Bad Wolf, BBC, HBO, PBS, NBC Universal and many more clients. His work has led to accolades including Emmys, BAFTAs, RTS, TCA, Peabody, Saturn, and Producers Guild awards. He discusses his early career, meeting George Fenton while studying at university, then later Russel T Davies, and learning about networking and the value of working with nice people in the industry. Sam and Marc also share their personal experience of walking the fine line between successful networking and pestering. Sam gives his insights on the importance of ethical journalism in documentary making, which he learnt about when working with Anthony Thomas on the 2010 film ‘For Neda’. The conversation covers topics such as kindness, communication, adaptability, and diversity in the context of the TV show Traitors and Sam shares insights on treating others as they wish to be treated, adapting communication styles, and the power of listening and respect. Though information on the making of the show is tightly guarded, Sam still gives us a peek behind the curtain and discusses his experiences working with Claudia Winkleman and the importance of recognising the contributions of behind-the-scenes professionals. He also shares insights into the process of composing and recording music for TV shows, including the time and budget constraints involved, as well as being candid about how possible it is to make a living as a composer. Finally, they discuss some of his favourite venues and recording studios. 00:00:00 - Episode Begins 00:01:11 - Introduction to Sam 00:04:32 - Writing Music for Documentaries 00:16:30 - The Competitive Nature of the Industry 00:20:09 - Meeting and Working with George Fenton and Russel T Davies 00:29:06 - The Positive Career Impact of Being Nice 00:38:24 - Start of Sam’s Career 00:41:56 - Working on The Traitors 00:49:24 - Diversity in Cast and Crew 01:03:05 - Claudia Winkleman 01:06:45 - Composition Process for TV 01:17:03 - How Much Does this Career Pay? 01:24:35 - Venues Find out more about Sam on his website and keep up to date with his projects on Instagram.

Marc delves into the extraordinary career of composer Gavin Higgins, hailed by critics as "boldly imaginative," "a talent to watch," and "one of the most interesting voices of his generation."

Born in Gloucestershire in 1983, Higgins' musical journey began at Chetham’s School of Music and continued through prestigious institutions like The Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal College of Music.

His portfolio boasts remarkable compositions, including the acclaimed "Der Aufstand" and "Velocity" premiered at the BBC Proms, and the Ivor Novello Award-winning trombone concerto, "The Book of Miracles." Notable for his diverse range, Higgins' works span from operas like "The Monstrous Child" to dynamic brass pieces deeply rooted in his working-class brass band heritage.

As the inaugural Music Fellow for the Rambert Dance Company, Higgins crafted mesmerising ballet scores, earning accolades for works like "Dark Arteries." His debut album, "Ekstasis," showcases his chamber music prowess, described as "seductively sinewy" and "sensuously gritty."

Gavin talks about how being diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and OCD as a child helped him use music a self therapy, as well as the challenges around general misconceptions of Tourette’s.

With the UK's arts and culture sector facing mounting challenges, including funding constraints and limited opportunities, Marc and Gavin explore the imperative need for broader conversations, particularly surrounding diversity and class representation within the arts.

They explore the personal growth and development fostered by music engagement, regardless of proficiency level or instrument choice. While underscoring the pressing need for increased funding, support, and investment in both music education and accessible venues, we also spotlight the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives.

00:00:00 - Episode Begins - Intro to Gavin

00:05:21 - Musical Education

00:07:41 - Brass Bands

00:10:59 - Chetham Music School

00:15:15 - Royal Northern College of Music

00:17:45 - Early Compositions

00:22:44 - Moving to London

00:27:31 - Financial challenges of pursuing a career in music

00:33:44 - Class representation in the arts

00:41:00 - What can be done to get kids more musically engaged?

00:47:12 - Tourette Syndrome

01:02:06 - Venues

01:07:17 - Finding Inspiration and Creative Process

01:14:19 - How do you compose for a whole orchestra?

01:20:26 - Awards

Find out more about Gavin on his website.

For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this one⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Youtube⁠⁠. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Following Atelier Crescendo or the High Point podcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To follow the High Point podcast on Instagram, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We try to share as many pictures as possible of the places we visit. To follow the Atelier Crescendo on Linkedin, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To follow the High Point podcast on Linkedin, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To follow the Atelier Crescendo and the High Point podcast on Twitter, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More tips and guidance on acoustic design of performing arts facilities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- visit Atelier Crescendo's ⁠⁠blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We chat with Dr. Victoria Williamson, a leading expert in the psychology and neuroscience of music, as she takes us on a journey through the pages of her book, 'You Are the Music,' where she unravels the intricate relationship between music, education, and human development. 00:00:00 - Episode Begins 00:01:13 - Intro to Victoria 00:01:31 - Writing the book 'You are the Music’ 00:11:45 - Musical Background 00:13:50 - Stress Hormones in Parents when Babies Cry 00:19:15 - The Mozart Effect 00:25:17 - Screentime for Children 00:29:25 - The Influence of Music on Processing Words 00:36:39 - Importance of Diverse Exposure to Instruments 00:46:58 - Benefits of Music on Motor Skills 00:49:48 - The Developmental Link between Music and Sports Drawing from her extensive expertise, Dr. Williamson shares insights into the profound impact of music education and its far-reaching effects on cognition, emotion, and social interaction. Through personal anecdotes and research findings, she illuminates the motivations behind her exploration of this multifaceted subject, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with both scholars and enthusiasts alike. From the disputed Mozart effect to the modern-day challenges posed by excessive screen time, Dr. Williamson sheds light on the nuanced interplay between music, technology, and child development and explores the diverse benefits of musical engagement, from enhancing motor skills to fostering creativity and resilience, emphasising the pivotal role of educators in nurturing these talents. We also delve deeper into the parallels between music and sports, examining their respective impacts on individual performance and overall wellbeing. Engaging in the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, she unpacks the complex dynamics at play, offering fresh perspectives on how these disciplines shape our identities and trajectories as well as the profound emotional and social benefits of musical and athletic pursuits, particularly during the formative years of childhood. Dr. Williamson sheds light on the therapeutic potential of music, its ability to regulate mood, and its unique capacity to evoke memories and emotions, especially during the tumultuous adolescent years. Dr. Williamson leaves us with a powerful message: that music isn't just a pastime or a form of entertainment but a fundamental aspect of human experience, essential for our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Whether as a form of mental training or a source of solace and support, music has the transformative power to enrich our lives in ways we never imagined. Buy ‘You Are the Music’ on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Are-Music-Reveals-Means/dp/1848316534

“My career and my life have been about listening in the deepest possible sense. Losing my hearing meant learning how to listen differently, to discover features of sound I hadn’t realised existed. Losing my hearing made me a better listener.”

Dame Evelyn Glennie is the first person in history to create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist, performing worldwide with the greatest orchestras and artists. Evelyn has commissioned over 200 new works for solo percussion and has recorded over 40 CDs. She regularly provides masterclasses and consultations to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Leading 1000 drummers, Evelyn had a prominent role in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games which featured a new instrument, the Glennie Concert Aluphone.

Evelyn was awarded an OBE in 1993 and has over 100 international awards to date, including 2 GRAMMY’s, the Polar Music Prize, the Léonie Sonning Music Prize and the Companion of Honour. She was appointed as the first female President of Help Musicians. Since 2021 she has been Chancellor of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Evelyn curates for The Evelyn Glennie Collection which includes in excess of 3,800 percussion instruments. The film Touch the Sound and TED Talk are key testimonies to her unique and innovative approach to sound-creation. She continues her life-long mission to Teach the World to Listen through her charity The Evelyn Glennie Foundation, which aims to improve communication and social cohesion by encouraging everyone to discover new ways of listening in order to inspire, to create, to engage and to empower.

Evelyn explains how she discovered her Impairment, goes in depth on how it affects her hearing, and how she’s been able to excel as a musician despite it.

Discover the fascinating story behind Evelyn's musical education and the rigorous audition process that propelled her into the spotlight. Learn why she was drawn to the path of solo percussion and how she balances the pursuit of musical excellence with pure enjoyment.

Explore the significance of scales and rudiments in Evelyn's practice routine, and gain insight into her unique approach to deliberate practice, honing her craft with precision and dedication. Delve into an in-depth explanation of Evelyn's impairment, and uncover how she navigates the world of sound by reading people's faces to better understand their words.

Checkout Evelyn’s podcast and learn more about her and The Evelyn Glennie Collection on her website.

For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this one⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Youtube⁠⁠. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Following Atelier Crescendo or the High Point podcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To follow the High Point podcast on Instagram, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We try to share as many pictures as possible of the places we visit. To follow the Atelier Crescendo on Linkedin, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To follow the High Point podcast on Linkedin, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To follow the Atelier Crescendo and the High Point podcast on Twitter, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More tips and guidance on acoustic design of performing arts facilities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- visit Atelier Crescendo's ⁠⁠blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When do we Develop our Musical Senses? Annie Pye, lecturer in the psychology of music at Manchester University joins us in this episode, where we unravel the nuances of prenatal and newborn musical development. Delving into the age-old tradition of singing to babies and children, we explore the profound impact it has on their cognitive and emotional growth. We deep dive into the intricacies of voice perception in babies, shedding light on how infants tune into the unique cadences that surround them. We also examine the age-old question: Does exposing children to Mozart's compositions truly enhance their intelligence? Our exploration extends to the fascinating realm of pitch perception, demystifying why some individuals find it challenging to sing in tune. Uncover the secrets of perfect pitch and understand the mechanisms that underlie this remarkable ability. As we navigate through the tapestry of musical development, we shine a spotlight on temporal perception, exploring how children interpret rhythm and timing. Venturing into the emotional landscape of infancy, Annie discusses the development of emotional responses to music, showcasing the power of melodies to evoke profound feelings in the youngest listeners. Our exploration also touches upon the phenomenon of spontaneous singing in children, highlighting the natural inclination for self-expression through song. The joys and challenges of parenthood take centre stage as we examine the delicate balance between nature and nurture in shaping a child's musical aptitude. Whether you're a parent, educator, or a curious soul intrigued by the harmonious interplay between music and child development, this episode promises a rich tapestry of knowledge and insights. 00:00:00 - Episode Begins 00:01:13 - Intro to Annie 00:05:37 - Annie's Course 00:07:34 - Prenatal and Newborn Musical Development 00:11:53 - Why is it Important to Sing to Babies and Children? 00:17:52 - Voice Perception 00:19:21 - Does Mozart Increase Intelligence? 00:21:50 - Pitch Perception 00:30:28 - Why Can't Some People Sing in Tune? 00:32:24 - Perfect Pitch 00:35:29 - Temporal Perception 00:38:42 - Sensitivity to Rhythm 00:40:18 - Development of Emotional Response to Music 00:46:22 - Spontaneous Singing 00:51:28 - Challenges of Parenthood 00:58:51 - Nature vs Nurture Links to follow up after: Northern Network for Empirical Music Research Email Annie: annie.pye@manchester.ac.uk For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this one⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Youtube⁠⁠. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Following Atelier Crescendo or the High Point podcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To follow the High Point podcast on Instagram, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We try to share as many pictures as possible of the places we visit. To follow the Atelier Crescendo on Linkedin, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To follow the High Point podcast on Linkedin, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To follow the Atelier Crescendo and the High Point podcast on Twitter, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More tips and guidance on acoustic design of performing arts facilities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- visit Atelier Crescendo's ⁠⁠blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Carol Jarvis is a highly sought-after trombonist, keyboardist, arranger, orchestrator, and VoiceOver artist. Throughout her extensive career, she’s performed with renowned artists like Sting, Queen, Muse, Taylor Swift, and Amy Winehouse, among many others. She's performed with esteemed orchestras like the London Symphony Orchestra and contributed to numerous soundtracks for films, commercials, and chart-topping pop tracks. Alongside her musical accomplishments, Carol has been a trombone professor at leading music conservatoires for over sixteen years, delivering masterclasses worldwide at including at the Juilliard School in New York, Lucerne Conservatoire in Switzerland, University of California in Los Angeles, Rice University in Houston, Mexico City University, Lima Conservatoire in Peru and at the Jazz Institute in Graz, Austria. Additionally, Carol has held prestigious roles in trombone societies and festivals, becoming the first female President of the International Trombone Association in 2023. At 26, Carol faced stage 2a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her treatment journey started with ABVD chemotherapy, a tough schedule knocking her back every other week for six months, all the while continuing for work as a touring musician. After exhausting all treatment avenues, Carol signed up for multiple clinical trials which finally put her in metabolic remission. After receiving a bone-marrow transplant, it took over two years for her blood type to match her donor's and for her body to start producing blood on its own. She’s now been cancer free for 12 years. Listen to Carol’s incredible survival story, as well is exploring her astounding career in music. 00:00:00 - Episode Begins 00:00:29 - Intro to Carol 00:03:45 - Why Trombone? 00:08:11 - Becoming a Professional Musician 00:16:28 - Voiceovers 00:24:12 - Performing with Big Artists 00:26:30 - Managing Family Life 00:33:37 - Van/Social Media 00:37:28 - Carol’s Cancer Story 01:00:21 - Favourite Venues Follow Carol on Instagram⁠ and Twitter⁠ find out more on her website, and listen to her podcast on Spotify for her full cancer story, told in her own words. For more episodes of the High Point podcast, follow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this one⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for Youtube⁠⁠. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Following Atelier Crescendo or the High Point podcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To follow the High Point podcast on Instagram, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We try to share as many pictures as possible of the places we visit. To follow the Atelier Crescendo on Linkedin, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To follow the High Point podcast on Linkedin, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To follow the Atelier Crescendo and the High Point podcast on Twitter, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠this link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More tips and guidance on acoustic design of performing arts facilities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- visit Atelier Crescendo's ⁠⁠blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠