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As part of the podcast series, “ArtsAbly in Conversation,” Diane Kolin interviewed Mercedes Yvonne Lysaker is a cellist, a teacher and a scholar based in New York City. Listen to Mercedes Lysaker’s interview This post presents the resources that Mercedes Lysaker mentioned during the conversation. Mercedes Yvonne Lysaker A classically trained musician, she holds degrees in cello performance and music education and worked for many years as an orchestral musician before becoming an independent artist outside classical music. As Contraforma, she performs classical fusion, metal, rock, and alternative music, composing and recording from her home studio. Her interests lie in…

As part of the podcast series, “ArtsAbly in Conversation,” Diane Kolin interviewed Traci Foster, a Canadian-based artist and educator living in Regina in Canada. Listen to Traci Foster’s interview This post presents the resources that Traci Foster mentioned during the conversation. Traci Foster Traci Foster is a Canadian-based artist and educator who explores and develops her work through a blend of Fitzmaurice Voicework, extended vocal technique, movement, and mask. She is the founder and artistic director of Listen to Dis’ Community Arts Organization. She is also a faculty member of the University of Regina Conservatory of Performing Arts, Youth Ballet…

As part of the podcast series, “ArtsAbly in Conversation,” Diane Kolin interviewed Precious Perez, a blind Latin artist based in Kentucky. She is also the current President of RAMPD, Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities. Listen to Precious Perez’s interview This post presents the resources that Precious Perez mentioned during the conversation. Precious Perez Precious Perez, also known as “the blind reggaetonera” is a new artist with American and Latin roots. Born in Boston to a Puerto Rican family and currently a resident of Kentucky, Precious is entering her new musical era after graduating with a double major in…

As part of the podcast series, “ArtsAbly in Conversation,” Diane Kolin interviewed Brianna Matzke, a pianist, musical director and music educator, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Listen to Brianna Matzke’s interview This post presents the resources that Brianna Matzke mentioned during the conversation. Brianna Matzke Often called upon for her vision and planning, Matzke is a widely-respected artistic director. As the Executive Director for the Cincinnati-based concertnova new music ensemble, she oversees the production of five mainstage productions each season, as well as other community outreach and educational events. She is also the founder and artistic director of an ongoing and…

As part of the podcast series, “ArtsAbly in Conversation,” Diane Kolin interviewed Louann Carnahan, a neurologist specializing in epilepsy, and an accomplished classical pianist. Listen to Louann Carnahan’s interview This post presents the resources that Louann Carnahan mentioned during the conversation. Louann Carnahan Louann has been a pianist since I was 5. She became a board-certified neurologist specializing in epilepsy. She has a disability caused by a muscle disease that makes her weaker over time. She started needing a wheelchair in medical school. Her shoulders are so weak now that she can no longer lift her arms to play naturally.…