In communities the world over, music leaders are quietly transforming lives. These musicians don't sell out stadiums or top the charts, but their impact ripples through neighbourhoods, healthcare facilities, and community centres, building vital social connections in an increasingly disconnected world.
That's why I'm launching "Leading Notes," a podcast that celebrates these positive music leaders and their transformative work in our communities. Each episode features conversations with musicians who are bringing music down from the stage and back into the lives of everyday people through participatory music making.
What do I mean by positive music leaders? It's a leadership approach that I have observed in music leaders - it combines musical expertise with practices from positive psychology and leadership frameworks (psst! I'm writing a book on positive music leadership - watch this space!). Positive music leaders use their skills to foster social connection, belonging, and wellbeing in their music groups. They understand that when we make music together, we create something greater than the sum of its parts – what many describe as "magic moments" of genuine human connection. These positive music leaders skillfully balance artistic goals with social impact, creating spaces where everyone's contribution is valued and where lasting social bonds can form.
The podcast's title "Leading Notes" carries a double meaning. In music theory, the leading note creates a sense of resolution, returning us to the tonic. Similarly, these music leaders guide people back to a sense of connection and belonging – back to themselves and each other through musical experiences. The podcast also provides "notes" or insights for musicians aspiring to create positive change in their communities, offering practical guidance for this meaningful work.
At the heart of music leadership is self-leadership – the foundation that enables these musicians to create meaningful impact in their communities. Our conversations on the podcast explore how music leaders develop deep self-awareness, align their work with their values and strengths, and maintain their own wellbeing while supporting others. This often means reimagining traditional notions of musical success and crafting careers that balance artistic excellence with social purpose.
Through in-depth interviews, the podcast will explore:
- How musicians are reimagining their roles to address crucial social needs
- Practical approaches to building inclusive, connected musical communities
- Innovative ways to develop sustainable careers in community music
- Essential insights for educators preparing future musicians for meaningful impact
These conversations reveal how music leaders skillfully guide people through musical experiences to create something of profound value – human connection, belonging, and better social health. Their stories challenge traditional notions of musical success and demonstrate how musicians can contribute to the "growing good of the world" through their quiet but remarkable work.
Whether you're a musician seeking purpose beyond performance, an educator training the next generation of music leaders, or a health professional interested in music's social impact, "Leading Notes" offers inspiration and practical strategies for creating positive change through participatory music making.
These themes come alive in the first episode featuring Emma Dean, which will be released as episode 1 on March 1st 2025.
After years of pursuing a solo performing career that took her from Australia to New York and performing Off-Broadway, Emma was questioning her path in music, and in life. Her journey to founding the "Cheep Trill" choir began with honest self-reflection about what truly mattered to her (this is what I refer to as "self-leadership"). The answer to this self-reflection was Cheep Trill. What started as a small singing group on a friend's veranda has grown to over 200 members with a waiting list, demonstrating how self-leadership can open unexpected doors to meaningful work. Today, through a variety of community music programs Emma creates vibrant spaces where people from all walks of life experience the joy and connection of collective singing.
I can't wait to share these inspiring stories with you!
Learn more about the podcast and where to subscribe via your favourite podcast platform here.
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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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