Thank you for tuning in to the first episode of the Making Noise Podcast! This initially started as a Zoom call to catch up with some friends, but after having a call with my buddy James Besaw, I thought it would be an informative tool for the music community. Thus the impetus for starting this podcast.
James Besaw is a saxophonist, performer, and educator based out of Saginaw, MI. He is an active performer and advocate of new music. James received his Master’s Degree from Oakland University, studying with Dr. Jeffrey Heisler. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Saginaw Valley State University where he studied with Prof. Susan Littell. He was selected as a performance fellow at the 2015 Nief-Norf Summer Festival, where he collaborated with performers and composers alike. Passionate about music education, James maintains a private studio of beginner to adult students in Saginaw, MI.
James and I met over 5 years ago at the Nief-Norf Summer Music Festival and have been collaborating ever since. Some of the things we discuss in this podcast:
Our experience at the 2015 Nief-Norf Summer Music Festival.
“What was one thing from your experience at Nief-Norf that made you the performer you are today?”
“It doesn’t have to be perfect/perfection is not the thing to strive for”
Rehearsing, performing, and the use of tablature notation for Initial Contact
“…you have to beat your previous self.”
Self-imposed expectations of music students.
Reminding yourself why you’re a musician and harnessing the joy you get from it.