PODCAST

Leading Notes Podcast

Melissa Forbes

Make music that matters.

music music interviews

All Episodes

51:27

10. Creative compassionate disruption through music...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/10/31

In this episode, Melissa speaks with Phoene Cave, a registered music therapist, creative project manager, singer, trainer, and reflective practice supervisor who has spent two decades building social connections through music in some of the most challenging settings imaginable.From working with female offenders in high-security prisons to pioneering Singing for Lung Health programs, Phoene brings a unique perspective on how music can create meaningful change. She's trained over 350 facilitators

8:39

9. Making music that matters: The book! Solo episode

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/10/21

In this special solo episode, Melissa announces the publication of her new book, "Making Music That Matters: Positive Music Leadership for Social Health". She explores how musicians can address the crisis of social connection through community music-making, offering evidence-based frameworks for building meaningful careers whilst fostering social health and wellbeing."This book is my attempt to bridge two realities—to show that there's a way to have a fulfilling, sustainable career in music whilst

40:30

8. Singing as collective care: Trauma-informed choral...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/10/02

Singing as Collective Care: Trauma-Informed Choral Leadership with Joanna BrookeIn this episode, Melissa speaks with choral conductor and soprano Joanna Brooke about her unique approach to music-making that sits at the intersection of musical excellence and trauma-informed care. Joanna shares how she creates spaces where people can reconnect with their birthright to sing, moving beyond Western cultural barriers of musical elitism to foster genuine human connection through voice. Drawing on her

44:49

7. Making loud mistakes: The serious business of play...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/08/31

Jane York shares her insights on the importance of community music-making, creating safe and playful spaces for singers, and how language choices can either include or exclude participants. She discusses her approach to leading community singing groups, including her "show and tell" performance model that creates a more comfortable alternative to traditional concert performances.Topics Discussed - The importance of community in our individualistic society - How community music provides connection

44:37

6. From wrong to strong: Positive psychology and...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/07/31

From wrong to strong: Positive psychology and character strengths for musiciansBoth positive psychology and music leadership focus on human potential and growth. While traditional psychology often focuses on fixing what's wrong, positive psychology emphasizes developing what's strong - a principle that aligns perfectly with effective music leadership. Understanding our character strengths helps us lead authentically, create psychologically safe spaces for music making, and guide others toward

42:39

5. Singing through burnout: Balancing giving and...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/06/30

In this powerful episode of Leading Notes, we speak with Melissa Gill, former program leader of the Absolutely Everybody Choir, about the transformative power of singing for mental health and wellbeing. Drawing from her unique background in both music and human resources, Melissa shares how she created safe spaces for people experiencing mental health challenges to rediscover their voices – literally and metaphorically.With remarkable candor, Melissa discusses the delicate balance between

49:15

4. Singing from the football terraces to the BBC: The...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/05/31

In this episode of Leading Notes, we speak with James Sills, a vocal leader, energizer, and connector who's revolutionizing how we think about group singing. From football terraces to corporate boardrooms, James shares how he's bringing the transformative power of singing to unexpected places, including his groundbreaking new BBC project 'Bantam of the Opera.'Drawing from his journey from high school music teacher to innovative community music leader, James reveals how he creates safe spaces for

39:33

3. Leaning towards joy: The importance of singing for...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/04/30

Episode DescriptionChris Blain discusses his evolution from professional a cappella performer to community music facilitator, sharing insights about inclusive music making and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can participate. Learn how his work with Men in Suits and With One Voice is helping to rebuild singing traditions and foster positive masculinity through group singing. Key Topics Discussed Creating inclusive spaces for all abilities and backgrounds The importance of joy over

42:13

2. Five keys to connection: Belonging for...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/03/31

As universities face what Vicki Bos calls a "crisis of connection," with international students increasingly disconnected from campus life, group singing emerges as a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships and fostering genuine belonging. Episode Description Vicki Bos shares insights from her work leading UQ Voices, a mental health research choir at the University of Queensland. Learn how her five key community-building strategies through choral singing create meaningful connections

41:02

1. That fizzy feeling: A musician's path to purpose...

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/02/27

Melissa is joined by Emma Dean, an accomplished Australian musician, performer, and community choir leader. They discuss Emma's journey from classical violinist to professional performer, and her eventual transition to leading community music projects. Emma shares candidly about experiencing "cruel optimism" in the music industry and how hitting "rock bottom" led her to start the Cheep Trill community choir from her friend's veranda in Brisbane - a decision that would transform not only her career

02:39

Season 1 Trailer

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/02/03

The musicians who make a real difference in our communities aren't household names – they're the leaders creating meaningful social connections through participatory music-making.Join singer, researcher, and community music leader Dr Melissa Forbes as she explores how these remarkable but unsung musicians are revitalizing our social health. Drawing on insights from positive psychology and leadership research, each episode features conversations with music leaders who are building belonging through

00:37

Teaser

Leading Notes Podcast ·

2025/01/29

Introducing a new podcast, Leading Notes, which showcases musicians leading the revitalization of social health in our communities. This project was made possible by The Winston Churchill Trust’s Impact Fund, supporting Churchill Fellows to achieve impact in Australia following their Fellowship travels. Read more about the Churchill Trust and other Fellowship stories at ChurchillFellowship.com.au

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