Tag Archives: Adam Reifsteck

“MFM Speaks Out” EP 26: Geraldine Anello on Building a Successful Career as a Broadway Musician

“Success in music is not guaranteed, but as long as you are persevering and helping others along the way, you will reach your goals.”

Geraldine AnelloIn this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews conductor and pianist Geraldine Anello about immigrating to the United States from France in her early 20s which ultimately led to a career as a Broadway musician. Topics discussed include how she created an online community and professional development resource called Theatre Music Directors, the issue of gender inequality on Broadway, and finding a new creative outlet as a writer and poet during the pandemic.

Geraldine Anello has conducted Kinky Boots and School of Rock on Broadway, The Fantasticks off-Broadway, and played in the orchestras of Broadway’s School of Rock, Bronx Tale, Aladdin, and On the Town. She has also worked on the Broadway productions SpongeBob the Musical, An American in Paris, On Your Feet, and Matilda. Anello served as music director of We Are the Tigers off-Broadway, and of Renascence for the Transport Group, Finian’s Rainbow at the Irish Repertory Theatre, and Children of Salt at the New York Musical Festival.

Continue reading

“MFM Speaks Out” EP 24: Roger Blanc on Working as a Musician During a Pandemic

“We’re operating under a significant cloud… it is important to not only take care of yourself but support your fellow musicians in any way that you can.” – Roger Blanc

Roger BlancIn this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews composer, guitarist, and MFM Board member Roger Blanc about navigating today’s music industry landscape, adapting and finding ways to work as a musician during the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of music rights advocacy, and his involvement with MFM.

The following music is featured in this episode:

Continue reading

“MFM Speaks Out” EP 22: Chris Reza on Activism in the Broadway Music Scene

“Employers benefit from the disorganization of freelance musicians.  But when we come together and have conversations about our working conditions, there is a power that arises which brings about change.” – Chris Reza

In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews multi-instrumentalist Chris Reza about his work in the Broadway music scene and activism while serving as vice-chair of the Broadway Theatre Committee, the liaison between the Broadway Musicians Community and the American Federation of Musicians Local 802.

Please subscribe this podcast!

Continue reading

“MFM Speaks Out” Podcast EP 18 – William Deresiewicz on How Musicians Can Survive in the Digital Age

“Now is the time to organize…[in the face of the pandemic] as inequality and workers issues get put on the table more, artists need to make sure they are not left out of the conversation.” – William Deresiewicz

William DeresiewiczIn this episode of the MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews William Deresiewicz, a leading critic of the arts and contemporary culture and New York Times bestselling author about his new book, The Death of the Artist: How Creators Are Struggling to Survive in the Age of Billionaires and Big Tech – specifically, what he learned from artists that are managing to make a living today in this digital era, how exploitation and instant gratification have changed our perceptions of art, and the importance of coming together as a community to stop the exploitation of musicians and creatives by Silicon Valley.

Please subscribe to the podcast.

Continue reading

“MFM Speaks Out” Podcast EP 16 – Donald Malloy on Creative Ways to Monetize Your Music Online

“If you want to make money with your music, make it happen…you just gotta find the way.” – Donald Malloy

In this episode of the MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews trumpeter and producer Donald Malloy, aka Wave Magnetik. The topics discussed include how he infuses jazz with electronic dance music to reach new audiences, creative ways to monetize music online while live gigs have been canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of reclaiming respect for the livelihood of musicians.

The following music featured in this episode is from Virtual Vibes EP by Wave Magnetik:

Continue reading