Podcast artwork thumbnail for Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

Brian Balmages, Chris Bernotas

Booking Overview

This is an interview-focused music education show for instrumental music teachers, typically featuring experienced band directors, composers, conductors, and other leaders in music education. Credible pitches include veteran educators with distinctive rehearsal or program-building methods, prominent composers or conductors, and experts in instrumental music teaching; booking difficulty is medium because the show mixes accessible practitioners with highly accomplished field leaders.

Metrics

Episodes: 25

Frequency: Irregular

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Estimated listeners: 100 - 1,000

Listener location: USA

YouTube: 4.0k subscribers

Instagram: 11.0k followers

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

mwhite@makemusic.com

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Host

Brian Balmages - Composer whose works are performed in concert halls and classrooms worldwide, with extensive experience in instrumental music.

Chris Bernotas - Public school music teacher with extensive experience in instrumental music education and the day-to-day realities of classroom teaching.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

medium
Typical Credentials:  
Experienced instrumental music educators, band directors, composers, conductors, and recognized leaders with practical expertise or distinctive results in music education.
Required Achievements:  
Leadership of substantial school or youth music programs, Recognized contributions to middle school or instrumental music education, Commissioning or creating music for young ensembles, Grammy recognition or leadership of major orchestras and festivals

Recent Guest Discussions

Cristian Mcelaru - Score Study, Rehearsal Strategy, Youth Orchestra Leadership, Artistic Standards, And Conducting At The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Darcy Vogt Williams - Building Large Student Programs, Introductory Music Instruction, Instrument Selection, Trust-building, Feedback, Boundaries, And Avoiding Educator Burnout.

Cheryl Floyd - Student Musicality, Rote-based Beginner Instruction, Commissioning Composers, Mentorship, And Removing Barriers For Music Students.

Recent Topics

Education, Music Education, Band Directing, Rehearsal Techniques, School Bands

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas
:

Cynthia Johnston Turner: Student-Centered Rehearsals, Leadership, and Podium Vulnerability

October 07, 2026

In Season 2 Episode 203 of Take Notes, Brian Balmages and Chris "Cool Breeze" Bernotas sit down with renowned conductor and pedagogue Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner (WASBE President-Elect, Wellington Wind Symphony Artistic Director, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the American Band College).From starting music on a moss-green, two-octave toy keyboard in Peterborough, Ontario, to overhauling college curricula and conducting world premieres, CJT shares a candid look at grit, leadership, and ensemb...

Cristian Măcelaru: Score Study with Boulez, Rehearsal Strategy, and the Paris Olympics

September 23, 2026

In Season 2 Episode 202 of Take Notes, Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas sit down with Grammy Award–winning conductor Maestro Cristian Măcelaru (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Cabrillo Festival, Interlochen World Youth Symphony Orchestra).From his early days as the youngest concertmaster in Miami Symphony history to stepping in for Pierre Boulez with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Măcelaru shares incredible stories of luck meeting preparation. He breaks ...

Darcy Vogt Williams: Building 600-Student Cultures, Inviting Growth Critique, and Avoiding Burnout

September 09, 2026

Welcome to the Season 2 Premier of Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas! Brian and Chris jump into the video era (complete with birthday celebrations for Chris) before sitting down with Darcy Vogt Williams, Head Director at Stiles Middle School (Leander ISD). Darcy pulls back the curtain on how she manages a massive program of nearly 600 band students. From a unique two-week "no instrument" front-loaded theory approach to an intentional, non-biased instrument testing model, Darcy shares game...

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Frequently asked questions

Here's some frequently asked questions for
Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas
:

How do I get in touch with Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas?

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is hosted by Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas. Its publicly listed email is mwhite@makemusic.com. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas?

The publicly listed email for Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas: mwhite@makemusic.com.

How many listeners does Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas have?

Podseeker estimates Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas reaches 100 to 1,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas?

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas typically books industry leaders. Typical guest background: Experienced instrumental music educators, band directors, composers, conductors, and recognized leaders with practical expertise or distinctive results in music education. Common among recent guests: Leadership of substantial school or youth music programs; Recognized contributions to middle school or instrumental music education; Commissioning or creating music for young ensembles. Recent guests include Cristian Mcelaru, Darcy Vogt Williams, and Cheryl Floyd.

How hard is it to get booked on Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas?

Medium. Guests usually need solid credentials in the topic and an idea that fits the show.

What topics does Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas cover?

Recent episodes cover Education, Music Education, Band Directing, Rehearsal Techniques, and School Bands. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.

Publicly listed emails

mwhite@makemusic.com

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

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