In this episode of the Win With Music Podcast, we dive into the realities of building a sustainable career in jazz with New York–based clarinetist and saxophonist Ricky Alexander.

From performing, navigating the day-to-day hustle of freelancing, Ricky shares honest insights into what it really takes to make a living as a jazz musician today.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of the Win With Music Podcast! For further information on the Win With Music Podcast, or the Music Mind Podcast, or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

To view the full suite of the Win With Music video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zv6GtBFno&list=PLKtMMbk9TNAUHTSzXXhWi_ufru8XqtiYv

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of the Win With Music Podcast series refer https://rss.com/podcasts/win-at-music/?_gl=1%2a98mwlz%2a_gcl_au%2aMjk2OTAzMjcxLjE3Njg0Mjg2NTI.

In this Episode 15 of Win With Music Podcast, discover the social media strategies musicians can use right now to grow a real audience, boost engagement, and turn followers into loyal fans.

Growing your audience as a musician today means learning how to use social media with purpose. In this episode of Win With Music Podcast, we look at practical strategies to help artists, bands, music teachers, and content creators expand their reach across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of the Win With Music Podcast! For further information on the Win With Music Podcast, or the Music Mind Podcast, or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

To view the full suite of the Win With Music video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zv6GtBFno&list=PLKtMMbk9TNAUHTSzXXhWi_ufru8XqtiYv

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of the Win With Music Podcast series refer https://rss.com/podcasts/win-at-music/?_gl=1%2a98mwlz%2a_gcl_au%2aMjk2OTAzMjcxLjE3Njg0Mjg2NTI.

Ever feel stuck wondering whether you should be grinding scales or actually playing songs? 🤔 You’re not alone—and the answer might surprise you.

In this episode of the Win With Music Podcast, we tackle one of the most common (and confusing) questions musicians face at every level:

What should I really be practicing? Scales build technique, songs build expression—but which one truly moves the needle?

Whether you're a beginner trying to build a solid foundation or an experienced player feeling stuck, this episode will help you practice smarter—not just harder. 🎶 Stop guessing and start improving with intention.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of the Win With Music Podcast! For further information on the Win With Music Podcast, or the Music Mind Podcast, or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

To view the full suite of the Win With Music video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zv6GtBFno&list=PLKtMMbk9TNAUHTSzXXhWi_ufru8XqtiYv

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of the Win With Music Podcast series refer https://rss.com/podcasts/win-at-music/?_gl=1%2a98mwlz%2a_gcl_au%2aMjk2OTAzMjcxLjE3Njg0Mjg2NTI.

Ever wondered if learning to play the piano is worth it?

In this episode of the Win With Music Podcast, we dive into one of the most common questions aspiring musicians ask: Should I learn to play the piano? 🎹

We explore the benefits of piano as a foundational instrument, how it can improve your overall musicianship, and whether it’s the right fit for your personal goals—whether you're a singer, producer, or complete beginner.

Plus, we break down the myths, challenges, and practical tips to help you decide if now is the right time to start your piano journey.

If you’ve been on the fence about learning piano, this episode will give you the clarity and motivation you need to take the next step.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s thinking about learning music! For further information on the Win With Music Podcast, or the Music Mind Podcast, or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

To view the full suite of the Win With Music video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zv6GtBFno&list=PLKtMMbk9TNAUHTSzXXhWi_ufru8XqtiYv

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of the Win With Music Podcast series refer https://rss.com/podcasts/win-at-music/?_gl=1%2a98mwlz%2a_gcl_au%2aMjk2OTAzMjcxLjE3Njg0Mjg2NTI.

In this episode of Win With Music, we break down the art of taking solos—how to build confidence, craft memorable phrases, and truly express yourself when it’s your turn to shine. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll learn practical tips to make your solos more musical, engaging, and impactful. 👍

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other musicians!

For further information on the Win With Music Podcast, or the Music Mind Podcast, or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

To view the full suite of the Win With Music video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zv6GtBFno&list=PLKtMMbk9TNAUHTSzXXhWi_ufru8XqtiYv

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of the Win With Music Podcast series refer https://rss.com/podcasts/win-at-music/?_gl=1%2a98mwlz%2a_gcl_au%2aMjk2OTAzMjcxLjE3Njg0Mjg2NTI.

Stage fright is something almost every musician experiences at some point.

Whether you're performing for the first time or stepping onto a big stage, those nerves can feel overwhelming.

In this video, you'll hear from some of the world's top musicians about practical ways you can manage stage fright, stay focused, and deliver their best performance.

If you’re a singer, instrumentalist, or performer of any kind, this video will help you feel more confident the next time you step on stage. 👍 If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other musicians!

For further information on the Win With Music Podcast, or the Music Mind Podcast, or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

To view the full suite of the Win With Music video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zv6GtBFno&list=PLKtMMbk9TNAUHTSzXXhWi_ufru8XqtiYv

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of the Win With Music Podcast series refer https://rss.com/podcasts/win-at-music/?_gl=1%2a98mwlz%2a_gcl_au%2aMjk2OTAzMjcxLjE3Njg0Mjg2NTI.

In Episode 10 of the Win With Music Podcast we explore the important question of Embracing Artificial Intelligence as a Musician.

We get to hear examples of AI creating a jazz piano trio backing track to support a saxophone and guitar front line for Duke Ellington's famous jazz standard, C Jam Blues.

The episode ends with an AI created song that combines AI created video animation with a classic blues rendition of an original song called 'Rooster Sings The Blues'.

On this track Brian Hayes plays tenor saxophone in support of the AI vocals and band arrangement.

For further information on the Win With Music Podcast, or the Music Mind Podcast, or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

To view the full suite of the Win With Music video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zv6GtBFno&list=PLKtMMbk9TNAUHTSzXXhWi_ufru8XqtiYv

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of the Win With Music Podcast series refer https://rss.com/podcasts/win-at-music/?_gl=1%2a98mwlz%2a_gcl_au%2aMjk2OTAzMjcxLjE3Njg0Mjg2NTI.

In Episode 9 of the Win With Music Podcast we explore the important question of How to Prepare Music to a Professional Performance Level.

We get to hear from Michael Fix, one of the world's top solo acoustic guitar performers.

Michael was the special guest on Episode 23 of The Music Mind Podcast which is available for free on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

The episode ends with an inspiring original acoustic blues vocal song called Don't Waste My Time. On this track Brian Hayes plays slide dobro in support of the fantastic vocals.

For further information on the Win With Music Podcast, or the Music Mind Podcast, or to connect with Brian Hayes go to https://www.BrianHayes.biz.

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of The Music Mind Podcast series refer https://www.buzzsprout.com/1824699/

To view the full suite of The Music Mind video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtMMbk9TNAWHYmFHlCYbG1t7stFnGp44

To view the full suite of the Win With Music video podcasts refer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3zv6GtBFno&list=PLKtMMbk9TNAUHTSzXXhWi_ufru8XqtiYv

To listen to AUDIO ONLY versions of the Win With Music Podcast series refer https://rss.com/podcasts/win-at-music/?_gl=1%2a98mwlz%2a_gcl_au%2aMjk2OTAzMjcxLjE3Njg0Mjg2NTI.