This week, host Isaac Butler talks to Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist for the New York Philharmonic. In the interview, Anthony describes his weekly routine, which includes practicing lots of different pieces at any given time, rehearsing, and playing multiple shows per week. He also talks about his meditation practice, his ability to play and be swept away by the music at the same time, and his Grammy-nominated album American Stories.
After the interview, Isaac and co-host Ronald Young Jr. discuss the different preparation timelines of musicians and actors.
In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Anthony talks about meeting some of his musical heroes.
Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.
Podcast production by Cameron Drews.
If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Working Overtime: Money Advice for Freelancers
A Broadway Hit That Defies Genre
Working Overtime: When Life Gets in the Way
A Classic Opera Gets an Overdue Update
A Much-Needed History of Queer Women’s Spaces
Working Overtime: Keeping the Faith
The Evolution of One of Scotland’s Best Indie Bands
Writer Anne Lamott’s Difficult Personal Truths
Working Overtime: Staying Accountable To Yourself
Interviews That Get to the Point
How Fact-Checking Can Improve Your Fiction
Working Overtime: Collaborating Through Conflict
How to Be Both a Critic and a Creator
Working Overtime: Creator Mode vs. Editor Mode
How a Magician Designs Original, Mind-Blowing Tricks
How to Curate a Small Town Art Museum
Working Overtime: Finding Your Why
From Corporate Job to Broadway Playwright
An Acting Coach’s Tips for Beginners and Experts
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Slow Burn
Slate Debates
What Next | Daily News and Analysis
Decoder Ring
The Gist