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Susan Eldridge | Classical Musician and Educator

Season 1, Ep. 8

SUMMARY

Join us for a riveting discussion with Susan Eldridge, a classical musician and educator with a fervent mission to foster safe and empowering creative spaces. Listen in as we unpack the emotional side of the arts, championing the power of self-advocacy and self-worth. Susan's transformative journey from community band performer to nurturing the future of creative talents underscores the imperative of cultivating environments that celebrate vulnerability and embolden artists to take risks without fear of judgment.


In our enlightening conversation, Susan contrasts competitiveness in classical music with inclusiveness in community music. She sheds light on the scarcity mindset that plagues many classical institutions and offers ways to counter the traditions that stifle innovation. Moreover, Susan shares an innovative Australian model aimed at instilling a collaborative spirit in young musicians from the outset, equipping them with the tools for community building and entrepreneurship that are so vital in today's artistic landscape.


Rounding out our exploration, we delve into the importance of nurturing professional and sustainable relationships within the creative industry, emphasising the significance of valuing one's work in the face of challenging client negotiations. Susan introduces the Navigate Well career guide, which she wrote to help artists and creatives understand the industry and decide whether it's for us and, if so, practical things we can do to be successful.We wrap up by highlighting how we can shape a kinder, more accountable cultural milieu. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom and strategies that any creative, educator, or industry leader will find invaluable in our pursuit of a flourishing artistic community.


LINKS

Connect with Susan on LinkedIn or at https://www.notablevalues.com/

You can download Navigate Well from The Arts Wellbeing Collective

And here's the AMEB website.


EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Creating Safe Spaces in Creative Industries

(0:15:30) - Promoting Community in Classical Music

(0:28:11) - Navigating Well in the Creative Industry

(0:44:49) - Navigating Vulnerability and Transparency in Work

(0:54:53) - Creating Professional and Sustainable Relationships

(1:02:58) - Embracing Individual Responsibility in Creativity


EPISODE KEYWORDS

Classical Music, Emotional Wellbeing, Arts Community, Trauma, Vulnerability, Self advocacy, Safe Space, Collaboration, Entrepreneurship, Creative Industry, Success, Community Contribution, Inclusivity, Equitable Participation, Mental Health, Career Guide, Professional Relationships, Client Negotiations, Individual Responsibility, Kindness, Human Connection.


PHOTO CREDIT: Lulu and Lime.


This podcast was edited using Podcastle; these show notes were generated by Podium and reviewed and refined by Tim.


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