Sing, Coach, Conduct

How does a producer and recording artist become the voice behind more than 140 audiobooks?

In this episode of Sing, Coach, Conduct, I sit down with Talon David—a London- and Nashville-rooted singer, songwriter, and producer whose musical journey began before she could write full sentences. After discovering songwriting at fifteen, Talon found a powerful new language for expression. Since then, she has earned GRAMMY recognition, completed three diplomas, released three self-produced albums, and is preparing a double album project that continues to expand her artistic voice.

But her path didn’t stop in the studio.

Talon shares how she transitioned from musician to full-time audiobook narrator, bringing stories to life with the same nuance, discipline, and emotional depth she honed through music. We explore the parallels between songwriting and storytelling, the technical and artistic demands of narration, and what it takes to authentically inhabit someone else’s truth.

She also reflects on narrating my memoir, Dissonance, and the unique responsibility of giving voice to a deeply personal story.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that artistry is transferable—and that at its core, every form of performance is about communicating truth.

After several months away, Megan returns to Sing, Coach, Conduct with gratitude for listeners around the world and a reflection on the challenging times we’re living in. This episode centers on why educators—especially music teachers—play a vital role beyond technique and performance. From modeling healthy authority and clear boundaries to fostering safety, empathy, and resilience, teachers shape far more than musicians—they shape humans.

A grounding reminder that your presence, integrity, and care leave a lasting impact, even when you can’t always see it.

Dr. Nancy Menk opens up about her forty-year career as a music professor at Saint Mary's College in South Bend, Indiana.

Soprano and voice coach Erin Whitfield shares compelling insights into singing and teaching voice that can be applied in the studio, classroom, stage, and beyond.

Royce Mann is a community organizer, poet, activist, and former nonprofit organization leader who could become the youngest ever citywide elected official in Atlanta, Georgia.

Traumatic events shape our lives in a multitude of ways. For Dr. Joey Weisler, the 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida was one of those events. In this episode, Dr. Joey opens up about his journey of transforming "scars into stars," and how his experiences have shaped the way he approaches student safety and well-being in the classroom.

For additional resources see:

Instagram

@throneintheclassroom

@classroomnarrativespodcast

Facebook

The Throne in the Classroom

Classroom Narratives Podcast

LinkedIn

Joseph Weisler

Website

www.josephweisler.com

Matt Shephard, who has been a finalist for GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year multiple years in a row, shares what it means for small schools to have big dreams.

After thirty-two years as a beloved choral director, Nate Degner is finally enjoying retirement. In this episode, he looks back on his journey to becoming a music educator, and he offers wisdom to those still in the trenches of teaching.

Stephen Ridley, an international artist who got his start playing piano in streets all over the world, talks about his transition from performer to teacher. Stephen's Ridley Academy, through its piano masterclass series and personalized mentorship program, has helped over 33,000 fulfill their dreams of learning to play piano.

https://www.ridleyacademy.com

This episode is for anyone—parent, educator, counselor, or community member—that works directly with children. As a society, we have a collective responsibility to protect children from harm. This relies heavily on our ability to recognize and respond to harmful behaviors toward children. Clinical social worker and author, Anna Sonoda, spent years counseling convicted sex offenders. In her book, “Duck Duck Groom: How a Child Becomes a Target,” Anna reveals the observable patterns that connect all child predators, and she lays out a clear path for interrupting the grooming process before it escalates to abuse.

Russian-American composer Jane Kozhevnikova shares how she transitioned from jazz pianist and composer to choral composer, and why directors should take more chances on newer works.

Bass-Baritone Jace McCloy, former teacher at School of Rock Chicago, explores the vocal benefits of cabaret, crooning, and pop music.

Michigan State University Assistant Professor of Music Education and elected member of the State Board of Education provides insight on what teachers, students, and communities are facing at the state and federal level.

Stacy Daniels has a wide range of experience in the field of music education. In this episode, he shares some of the wisdom he's gained, and what he aims to provide every student so that they're equipped not only as musicians but as functioning members of society.

Megan's former high school student, Maggie Reed, seeks advice as she navigates her first year as a professional music educator.

Brittany Chanell Johnson, the first black woman to conduct the American Pops Orchestra, is on a mission to help her students discover their personal vocal fingerprint. She believes that our individual uniqueness allows us to work best in community with one another. Also, that students can (and should) enjoy an education free of trauma.

Mike Ferry is a middle school history teacher by day, and a performer and fiddle teacher by night. He founded "The Mindful Fiddlers Club" to help adults overcome personal obstacles and enjoy music through group fiddle lessons.

After spending time in New York City as a professional musical theater actor, Laura Brigham has been dedicating her life to directing and creating art that amplifies the voices of others in her local Michigan community and beyond. Every year, she hosts an "Art Speaks" event where playwrights from anywhere in the world submit to have their work performed live for the first time.

In this episode, host Megan Farison talks to GRAMMY award winning conductor Jerry Blackstone, who spent thirty years of his teaching career at the University of Michigan.

In this three-part episode, host Megan Farison invites Elephant Alliance Co-Founder Mackenzie Bufis to walk Megan through her personal account of educator sexual misconduct.

In this three-part episode, host Megan Farison invites Elephant Alliance Co-Founder Mackenzie Bufis to walk Megan through her personal account of educator sexual misconduct.

In this three-part episode, host Megan Farison invites Elephant Alliance Co-Founder Mackenzie Bufis to walk Megan through her personal account of educator sexual misconduct.

Host Megan Farison talks to singer/songwriter Spencer LaJoye about their song "Plowshare Prayer" that went viral in 2021.

In this episode, host Megan Farison shares a conversation with composer Andrea Ramsey on vulnerability, grief, and its impact on art.

Michigan music educators Aaron Hotelling and Jessica Tippett share their research on imposter syndrome as it relates to teaching.

In this episode, Eric Cadena—choir director in East Lansing, Michigan, and an avid leader in the MSVMA scene—talks about Stephen Covey's 7 habits of highly effective people.

Sarah Stockton, an experienced choir director and music leader in the Michigan, uses a change of career to offer invaluable online resources for music teachers. 

In this episode, host Megan Farison uses Tony Bennett's singing technique to dive into pedagogical strategies for singing the rest of our lives and teaching others to do the same.

Dance teacher, studio owner and competition coach Natalie Schweikert talks about her experiences with singing and dance.

In this episode, host Megan Farison interviews chemical engineer Steven Holty about how theater helped him find his people and himself.

Host Megan Farison speaks with Mackenzie Bufis and Patty Sampson about their organization The Elephant Alliance, which is aimed at preventing educator sexual misconduct.

Before John Jacobson became a surprise internet sensation for his “Double Dream Hands” YouTube video, he was already an internationally recognized music educator, performer, composer and choreographer. John believes teaching is a “higher calling”, and he’s dedicated his life to improving the lives of children, youth, and adults through music. In this episode, John talks about the story behind Double Dream Hands, growing up in a family of ten children who all became teachers, his career at Disney, latest event projects and resources for educators and students-including America Sings and JJ&Me-and why there's nothing more important than the creative arts for building better human beings.

This episode is part of a series that explores how the roles of choir director and vocal coach can be united to better serve the needs of individuals in a choral classroom setting. Host Megan Farison uses her experience as a choir director and private voice instructor to offer helpful suggestions for building stronger choirs using vocal pedagogy based strategies. Just like a sports team, the stronger the individual players, the stronger the team!

What do great teachers have in common? How can we have a lasting, positive impact on our students, colleagues and friends? Educational Arranger, Mac Huff, is a classically trained pianist who found his niche in arranging pop and broadway songs for choral ensembles, and he owes his success to the people who have been highly influential in his life, starting with his father, Mac Huff Sr., a famous barber shopper and world-class coach and presenter. This episode is full of stories that inspire and educate, that teach us what it means to be a great teacher, and how we pass invaluable gifts from one generation to the next.

Emily Crocker's music has been performed all over the world for decades, and she continues to be a powerful force in the world of music creation and education. In the past thirty-five years, Emily has taught in the public school system, became Vice President of Choral Publications at Hal Leonard, and, in 1994, founded the the Milwaukee Children's Choir. Her newest resource for choral classrooms, Sound Patterns, helps to break down the process of reading music in a way that is both accessible and fun for students. In this episode, Emily shares her journey of becoming a teacher and composer and offers incredible wisdom for new and seasoned teachers alike.

How do we light a fire in the hearts and minds of our students? What are practical ways we can meet students where they are and help them to become successful? In this episode, Cristi Cary Miller shares the story of how she went from a middle-of-the-road clarinet player to a nationally recognized master teacher, conductor, composer and arranger. Cristi offers her energy, enthusiasm, and perspective on what we can do as teachers to get kids excited about choir, how to provide the tools they need for growth and success, and she talks about her recently published resources for the choral classroom.

In the words of Roger Emerson, "I will compose until I decompose." Roger is a prolific and world renowned composer and arranger whose work has spanned decades. His mother, a professional arranger for live radio in the 1930s and 1940s, brought Roger into a world of music that formed the basis for his eventual career path. Roger is not only a writer of music but a teacher, performer, presenter, friend, husband and father. In this episode. Roger offers insight on his music, on teaching, composing, copyright, his latest projects with Hal Leonard, and his family.

When Dexter Brigham was eight-years-old, he auditioned for the American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey, which set him on a path to one day becoming a professional opera and musical theater performer. But just when everything seemed to be going right-landing national tours, starting a theater company, meeting the love of his life-he noticed strange occurrences with his hearing. He would later discover he has a rare condition, Meniere's Disease, for which there is no cause and no cure. In this episode, Dexter opens up about his life with the American Boychoir School, his encounters with Jessye Norman and other influential conductors and performers, the struggles of his adolescence, how a voice teacher and a heavy metal band saved him. Dexter's humor and honesty about music and life offer an entertaining and heartfelt journey for listeners.

In this episode, I sit down with my high school choir director, Richard (Rick), and his brother, Rod, both of whom are retired from highly successful careers in secondary choral music education. Together, they share stories and advice for teachers at any age and any stage: recruitment, student leadership, literature, relationships, and they reflect on the decades of memories they've made sharing their love of music with students, family, and community.

Music educator and organization leader, Virginia (Ginny) Kerwin, has inspired people of all ages to experience music in a way that is personal and impactful. Ginny has been an elementary music teacher, secondary and university-level choir director, she served as the Executive Director of MSVMA (Michigan School of Vocal Music Association) for 20 years, and she is the Founding Director of Voca Lyrica, an adult women's choir based in Big Rapids, Michigan. In this episode, Ginny shares her reflections on leadership, teaching, and ways we can all create deeper, more meaningful experiences for our singers and audiences.

Molly Grace Young was born into a musical family, so music and performing have always been a part of her life. When she discovered she had cancer at the age of twenty-nine, Molly found a way to shine light into the darkness of despair and uncertainty by using her love of music, knack for comedy, and talent as a performer to make the world a less scary and more joy-filled place for everyone.

When soprano and philanthropist Katie Travis graduated from her undergrad program, she immediately moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a Broadway performer. Her ambition and determination (and willingness to take on interesting jobs) led her from one opportunity to the next, until she landed the role that dramatically changed her life. Years later, a traumatic vocal injury would awaken Katie to a new perspective on vocal health, abandoning shame, and embracing a fuller understanding of our voices.

Link to SPARK Artistic Mentorship Program

https://www.bayfoundation.org/spark?fbclid=IwAR0qBSH1dpBYLFMfHpewMdydzuCurHvZbodHWsgiWTptyFmh5AEYUu-AMto

By the world's standards, Randy Gist has made it big in the music business. He is a professional composer, producer, saxophonist, sound designer, orchestrator, and DJ who has performed with celebrity artists like The Jonas Brothers, John Legend, Kesha, Aloe Blacc, and Jamie Foxx. Randy was featured on the FOX hit TV show "Glee" and "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. His DJ-ing gigs include the World Premiere of Disney's live-action Aladdin, Lion King, and Toy Story 4. But what does all this success mean? In this episode, Randy provides a raw and unconventional perspective on how anyone can achieve success and happiness by letting go of ego and, instead, letting curiosity lead the way.

How can we become a champion of social justice in the choral classroom, in our private studios...in our everyday lives? Seasoned Choir and Theater Director, Adam Gardner-Northrop, is passionate about creating a classroom culture of inclusion and diversity. How does Adam begin this process? By sharing his true, authentic self with students, friends, family, and community. This episode provides invaluable information about language, context, and it offers specific strategies for developing music programs that welcome, encourage, and advocate for all human beings. 

Which is more important, possessing natural talent or making a choice to pursue your dreams in the face of challenges and adversity? Dr. Brandon Johnson, Director of Choral Activities at Eastern Michigan University, shares the story of how persistence, perseverance, and “finding the right fit” have guided him as a musician and teacher throughout life. 

Sometimes, the most difficult seasons of life can inspire the greatest moments of growth and creativity. Artists know this better than anyone. We live to create, to find beauty in the world, and to give back to those who have helped us become the musicians and people we are today. The premier episode of Sing, Coach, Conduct is a behind-the-scenes look into the life of Host Megan Farison, her career as a musician and educator, and how the world of Sing, Coach, Conduct came to be.