Sounds of Encouragement

Interview with Brenda Earle Stokes, Musician, Educator, Jazz Artist

Send us a textBrenda Earle Stokes is a rare jazz artist with a true command of both the voice and the piano. Hailed as “a breezy delight” by Time Out New York, Brenda’s music is rooted in the jazz tradition with influences ranging from Brazilian music to rock radio. As a bandleader she has toured clubs and festivals across the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and has released 6 albums own her own label. As a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2014 studio album Right About Now, Stokes sought to challenge herself to dig deep and share the full scope of her talents in the most intimate setting possible. Brenda Earle Stokes has performed as a side person with John Riley, Dick Oatts, Joel Frahm, Roxy Coss, Wycliffe Gordon, Maurice Hines and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. She has held residences at the Kennedy Center and Banff Center for Fine Arts, was a finalist of the Mary LouWilliams Jazz Piano Competition and was a winner of the IAJE Sister’s in Jazz competition, identifying her as one of the top emerging jazz artists of her generation.To learn more visit https://brendaearle.com/To find the Versatile Musician visit https://pianoandvoicewithbrenda.com/membership/Top 5 Songs of Encouragement1) Song of Life:  Fred Hersch and Norma Winstonehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1rRZnsy8hA&list=RDw1rRZnsy8hA&start_radio=12) Oscar Peterson Trio - Place St. Henrihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nje7TuVJIo3) Morrissey - Back on the Chain Gang (Official Video)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_hInzyYN3o4) No Wonder by Luciana Souzahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttQ8k2vdopo5) CARMEN MCRAE - No More Blueshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0UWu_xchHUSupport the show

Interview with Brian Witkowski, Classical Baritone, Business Coach

Send us a textBrian Witkowski’s path has moved through the worlds of classical singing, voice teaching, and coaching—but the thread running through all of it is his belief in the power of a person’s voice to shape their life. Trained as a classical baritone, Brian spent years performing, teaching, and mentoring musicians, before his work expanded into supporting leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives navigating high-pressure environments and seasons of reinvention.What he discovered along the way is that voice is never just vocal technique—it’s how we express needs, hold boundaries, make decisions, and trust our own worth in the world. Today, Brian helps artists and professionals reconnect with that deeper sense of voice so their work, livelihood, and identity no longer feel at odds with each other.His approach is gentle, grounded, and deeply human.At its heart, Brian’s work encourages one simple truth: You are allowed to take up the space that your voice was always meant to hold.Top 5 Songs of Encouragement1) Schubert - Sehnsucht D.636 - Fischer-Dieskau / Engelhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idlY1ytShmU&list=RDidlY1ytShmU&start_radio=12) “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glenn Campbellhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kAU3B9Pi_U3) “Respect Yourself” by the Staples Singershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InYaB16xEd04) “Cancelled” by Taylor Swifthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij6SgmK8KGQ&list=RDIj6SgmK8KGQ&start_radio=15) “American Anthem” Nathan Gunn, (Gene Scheer, piano arrangement Lee Musiker)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JCLEQALjiUReach out to Brian athttps://thelucrativevoice.com/Support the show

Interview with Katie O’Rourke, Pianist, Feldenkrais Practitioner, Teacher

Send us a textKatie has taught piano for nearly twenty years, and her love for the instrument began after taking lessons with a family friend at age six. Even in moments of deep frustration with the challenges of making ten fingers do ten different things, music kept calling her back.After earning a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Western Washington University, Katie taught at two music schools and enjoyed a vibrant performing career collaborating with local musicians, serving as pianist for the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra. After developing persistent shoulder pain, her teacher suggested  attending a Feldenkrais class where she immediately connected with the subtle movements and student-centered approach. What began as a path toward healing quickly became a new way to teach. In 2021, Katie became a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®. She is also a Certified Oxygen Advantage® Advanced Breathing Instructor and a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music.Top 5 Songs of Encouragement1) Blink by Hiroshi Yoshimurahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaZI5KUC7U0&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=12) Chorale Prelude BWV 639, “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr” by Bach, Performed by Tatiana Nikolayevahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ckdRu6bXlw&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=23) En Gallop by Joanna Newsomhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN6rRJ8ulQ0&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=34) How Far I’ll Go (from Moana) Lyrics : Auli'i Cravalhohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PRQmLXC6TA&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=45) Rachmaninoff: 12 Songs, Op. 21 - V. Lilacs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTbylwbqtGU&list=PLwxMX47xnWxczN8VEKwW16kwnKHYSNtFO&index=5Lyrics: In the morning, at dawn,Through the dew-clad grass,I shall walk, breathing in the freshness of morning;And to the fragrant shade,Where lilacs cluster,I shall go in search of happiness…In life there is but one happinessThat I am fated to find,And that happiness dwells in the lilacs;On their green branches,In their fragrant clustersMy poor happiness blooms…Support the show

Interview with Michael Faire, Bass Trombonist and Music Business Professional

Send us a textMichael Faire is a semi-active musician in North Georgia. A freelance collegiate trombonist turned music business professional, Michael now serves as the Instruments, Sales and Rentals Manager at Big Note Music. Since joining Big Note in late 2022 and rejoining in mid-2023, Michael has been focused on growing an organically started retail and lessons studio. Now on the second year of the studio and 2.5 years of retail, Michael assists the local community from beginning band members to the amateur guitarist. Michael also is learning instrument repair part-time as well, specializing in brass. An avid researcher still from their music history days, Michael also is the instrument research specialist for Big Note Music for sales and repairs.Prior to this, Michael worked with the Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra in a variety of artistic and logistical roles, and was Principal Bass Trombone from 2019-2023. Other organizations Michael played with were the Alpharetta City Band, Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlanta Musicians Orchestra, and more!Top 5 Songs of Encouragement:1) “Run It Up” by Bashttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHpTLKsx7yg2) Symphony No. 2 in D Major by Sibeliushttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9GlKx-3w2I3) Time Adventure by Rebecca Sugarhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrscdXiKnWc4) Clouds from Kurios, Cabinet of Curiosities, Cirque de Soleilhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tx9qhlo6nA5) Adventure Time (feat. Ashley Erikkson)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXQNdUpCQzw&t=2sSupport the show

Interview with Donna Hughes, Singer & Songwriter

Send us a textDonna Hughes has written north of 500 songs.  She has released 6 albums, containing mostly original material. Nominated for Songwriter of the Year in 2024 & 2025, for the SPBGMA Awards, her songs have been recorded & performed by Multiple Grammy Winner Alison Krauss & Union Station, Grammy Nominated Band-The Seldom Scene, Wyatt Rice's solo Album (with Vocals by Dale Ann Bradley & Russell Moore), Caroline Owens, The Snyder Family, Kati Penn, Kim Robins, Linda Lay, Wilson Banjo Co., Amanda Cook, Darren Beachley, A.J. Lee & The (Molly) Tuttles, Grass Country, Carlos & The Banditos, Nu-Blu & 2004 Country Colgate Showdown Winner Heather Shelley, as well as Bria Kelly of The Voice/America’s Got Talent, Newtown, and various other Artists both well known & undiscovered, around the world.  Donna recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and an Award for her "Naomi Wise" Video at the Sunset Film Festival. She wrote the words & music for the Naomi Wise song, based on the life of a girl from her area, who died in 1808. The Video features Jenee Fleenor on Violin, who was awarded the CMA Musician of the Year for the last four years in a row (first female ever to win.) In 2014, Donna was awarded the "Key" to the City of Trinity, (where she resides), from the late Thomasville City Councilman Jesse Hill, as a gift of honor for all of her accomplishments.Donna’s songs have been written about every subject from being stuck at Walmart, to dogs on chains.  She tries to balance life through song, from the spectrum of emotions life has to offer, from hilariously funny, to extremely sad.  Donna has judged Songwriting Contests & Conducted Songwriting Workshops around the Nation. Donna's career received a huge boost, when the Late & Legendary Tony Rice, approached her about producing an album for her, which he did, entitled “Gaining Wisdom.”Her next CD after that, “Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies,” was produced by the Late & Extraordinary J.D. Crowe. Donna's more notable appearances have included private performances for Race Car Giant Richard Childress; opening for David Bromberg at B.B. King’s in NYC, playing the World Renowned Music Festival "Merlefest," playing The Bear Trap in Wyoming, The Ossippee Festival in Maine, the PBS  “Song of the Mountains" in Marion, VA, the PBS Program "Live from the Dennison Lodge" in Dubois, Wyoming, multiple performances at Bluebird Cafe & The Station Inn, both in Nashville, multiple times at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, opening for Marty Stuart at a Premier Dinner Club near Washington D.C. known as "The Birchmere." Donna has opened for many Country Stars such as Ricky Skaggs, at Dollywood, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush & Tony Rice on their solo Tours, Joe Diffie, Gene Watson, and numerous other popular, high profile venues.   Donna is an Award Winning Realtor in North Carolina, and enjoys spending her spare time on her Grandaddy's 3rd Generation Farm with her Belgian Horses, her Bassett Hounds, Beagles, other rescue Animals, and painting Barn Quilts.Check out our Special Episode featuring “Divided We Fall”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ha_duIn0wITop 5 Songs of Encouragement1) “One Less Dog In the Cold” by Donna Hugheshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLfkg-vxkMo2) “The Corona Virus Beer Song” by Donna Hugheshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQAc82DPTNw3) “The Stable Song” by Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphonyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqyAmmEkVvI4) “Barbed Wire Boys” by Susan Wernerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpsF2wb6NmE5) “Picture in a Frame” by Tom Waitshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fphxDPTV2BwSupport the show