Come with me on my journey as a composer and clarinetist, with episodes once a month. After taking the practical route after college, I've recommitted to the musician life. Learn about composing, playing clarinet, and navigating other aspects of being a professional musician. Episodes to air once a month.
Synopsis: Get an intro to the concept of flex band and hear about (and support) my latest project for that ensemble. “Into the Mystic Earth” commission consortium "With Joyful Abandon" world premiere by Crystal Lake Community Band Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon or via PayPalTonal Diversions Websitepodcast@tonaldiversions.com
12/20/23 • 09:32
Synopsis: I reflect on a college performance from many years ago. Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon or via PayPalTonal Diversions Websitepodcast@tonaldiversions.com “Russian Christmas Music” (Finale), performed by OSU Symphonic and Concert Bands OSU School of Music Crystal Lake Community Band
11/1/23 • 05:10
Synopsis: Here are a few tips and trick for writing for woodwind instruments Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon or via PayPalTonal Diversions Websitepodcast@tonaldiversions.com Instrument studies for eyes and ears – Jacobs School of Music Tonal Diversions Music Podcast Episode 2: Writing for Clarinet
6/28/23 • 10:20
Synopsis: Part 3 of Lori’s adventures with Dorico notation software (and NotePerformer). I’ve spent more time with the software and wanted to give an updated episode Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon or via PayPalTonal Diversions Websitepodcast@tonaldiversions.com Dorico Dorico YouTube channel NotePerformer Elaine Gould’s “Behind Bars” (Amazon link) Samuel Z. Solomon’s “How to Write for Percussion (Amazon link)
5/24/23 • 18:27
Synopsis: The latest music projects that have been keeping me busy here at Tonal Diversions. Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon Bohemian Rhapsody for Clarinet Choir (audio) Sneak peek of “With Joyful Abandon” (piano reduction) International Clarinet Association Knock on Wood Clarinet Choir Tonal Diversions Websitepodcast@tonaldiversions.com
4/5/23 • 08:38
Synopsis: This was my second year at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. A good time was had by all! Find out what I experienced, who I met, and my thoughts on it all. #midwestclinic Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon Or make a donation via PayPal Transcript Photo album Proclamation Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Joseph Sowa Michael Paul Mitchell Empowering Female Conductors panelists Conducting, Composing, and Performing With Disabilities: An Accessible, Inclusive, and Empathic Vision for Neurodiverse Music When Conductor and Composer Are One Why Audiences Clap: Creating Exciting and Memorable Performances Through Creativity, Connection, and Communication Bud Beyer’s “Completing the Circle” (Amazon link) Brass Band of Huntsville French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts John Mackey Julian Bliss Baylor University Wind Ensemble Bands of the Air National Guard Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com
2/1/23 • 10:53
Synopsis: Life loves to throw us curve balls. Like getting diagnosed with ADHD in my 40s. Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon Or make a donation via PayPal ADDitude Why ADHD in Women is Routinely Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Treated Inadequately Why ADHD Masking Is a Form of Self-Sabotage ADDA CHADD Tracy Otsuka - ADHD for Smart Ass Women What Is ADHD Masking? How to ADHD YouTube channel Underdiagnosis of Adult ADHD (HCP Live) Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v. 1.1) Books (Amazon affiliate) ADHD 2.0 by Edward Hallowell and John J. Ratey Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russell A. Barkley A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden and Michelle Frank Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com
1/4/23 • 11:32
Synopsis: Life loves to throw us curve balls. Like getting diagnosed with ADHD in my 40s. Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon Or make a donation via PayPal ADDitude Why ADHD in Women is Routinely Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Treated Inadequately Why ADHD Masking Is a Form of Self-Sabotage ADDA CHADD Tracy Otsuka - ADHD for Smart Ass Women What Is ADHD Masking? How to ADHD YouTube channel Underdiagnosis of Adult ADHD (HCP Live) Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v. 1.1) Books (Amazon affiliate) ADHD 2.0 by Edward Hallowell and John J. Ratey Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russell A. Barkley A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden and Michelle Frank Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com
12/7/22 • 08:40
Synopsis: I’m sharing my thoughts on writing an artist resume and more as I apply for a state arts grant. Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon New England Conservatory tips for writing artist resumes Lori Archer Sutherland’s Artist Statement Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com
11/3/22 • 06:42
Synopsis: My husband and I went to band camp for adults! In this episode, find out more about our experience at Birch Creek Wind Ensemble Retreat. Transcript Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com Photo album Birch Creek Wind Ensemble Retreat
10/5/22 • 11:19
Part 2 of 2 of Lori’s adventures with Dorico notation software. Here I’ll talk more about using the software and some of the cool things it can do. Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/ https://www.youtube.com/c/dorico Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com
9/7/22 • 19:33
Synopsis: Part 1 of 2 of Lori’s adventures with Dorico notation software. I’ll cover the purchase and installation process, plus some initial thoughts on the program Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon https://www.steinberg.net/dorico/ https://www.youtube.com/c/dorico Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com
8/3/22 • 12:43
Synopsis: Part two of a two-part episode. In this episode, I talk about some of the tools I use as a clarinetist. Including a metronome. How on earth did I forget to mention that in this episode? Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com A selection of my music on YouTube Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon. Product links: SoundCorset (metronome app that I forgot to mention!) TE Tuner Snark Tuner (Amazon affiliate) Légère reeds Eddie Daniels gold ligature Rovner ligatures Wiseman Cases Mobile Sheets AirTurn Duo foot pedal Earspasm accessories and ligature video D’Addario mouthpieces Backun mouthpieces
7/6/22 • 14:20
Synopsis: Part one of a two-part series about the tools of the trade. In this episode, I'll talk about composition tools. Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com A selection of my music on YouTube Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon. Product links: Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Amazon affiliate, but Costco often has good bundles for sale) StaffPad Finale Dorico AKAI LPK-25 midi keyboard (Amazon affiliate) Mini Piano Lite Zoom H2N recorder (Amazon affiliate)
6/1/22 • 12:09
Synopsis: It’s nearing six months since I left my library job to become a full-time musician. How has this transition been going? What projects am I working on? Find out how “music and life, intertwined” is playing out for me. Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com Proclamation for horn choir Shooting Star Ocarina A selection of my music on YouTube Find Lori’s sheet music at: Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link), JW Pepper, and Sheet Music Direct (new!) Support Tonal Diversions when you shop at Amazon
5/4/22 • 13:12
Synopsis: Musicians are constantly told to go practice. But what does that really mean? We’re not always shown how to practice. There are methods and techniques for practicing that will help you achieve your goals. Links: Transcript (PDF) Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com “I Can’t Play That Run Yet” by Lori Archer Sutherland (PDF download) Bulletproof Musician by Noa Kageyama The Art of Practicing: A Guide to Making Music From the Heart by Madeline Bruser (Amazon Affiliate) Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most by Hendrie Weisinger (Amazon Affiliate) Practicing Sucks, But It Doesn’t Have To! Surviving Music Lessons by Phyllis Sdoia-Satz and Barry Satz (Amazon Affiliate)
4/6/22 • 12:34
Many people in the arts are no stranger to self-doubt and impostor syndrome. In this episode, I talk about what imposter syndrome is, what some of the causes are for me, and how I’m trying to deal with it. Transcript Tonal Diversions Website Podcast@tonaldiversions.com “I have written 11 books but each time I think ‘Uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’” – Maya Angelou “If you have imposter syndrome, you probably are worthy.” – Tunde Oyeneyin Hidden Brain (Shankar Vedantam) episode: The Psychology of Self-Doubt Dare to Lead (Brené Brown) episode: Impostor Syndrome Dr. Valerie Young – Impostor Syndrome Quiz 5 Different types of Impostor Syndrome (and 5 ways to battle each one) by Melody J. Wilding Psychology Today: Top 10 Fears That Hold People Back in Life by Amy Morin Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena” by Erin McCarthy
3/2/22 • 10:02
Hear about some of the sites now available for composers to self-publish their music. Learn about my own journey with publishing and find out if this route is an option for you. If you’re not a composer, please consider visiting one of these sites for your next music purchase and support an independent composer. We’d truly appreciate it! Links: Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com Self-publishing sites: JW Pepper's MyScore | My music on JWP ArrangeMe (via Sheet Music Plus) | My music on SMP (affiliate link) New Music Shelf Sheet Music Marketplace Music4Gigs ScoreExchange
2/2/22 • 24:00
Quick announcement from Lori about the podcast publishing schedule. Links: Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com Additional links: Welder
1/19/22 • 03:15
I went on an adventure to the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. A good time was had by all! Find out what I experienced, who I met, and my thoughts on it all. #midwestclinic Transcript Photo album Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com Knock on Wood Clarinet Choir Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Who I saw: John Mackey Michael Lowenstern: Website | YouTube channel Joseph Sowa Garrett Hope | Ultimate Music Business Summit (Jan 6-8, 2022) Jessica Harrie | International Clarinet Association Matt Johnston Johan de Meij John Mackey’s “& Friends”: Minoo Dixon Henry Dorn Jeremi Edwards Jordan Jinosko Gabrielle Liriano Allison Loggins-Hull Lauren Spavelko
1/5/22 • 21:28
I took a big leap! Find out what I did—and what I’ll be doing next with my music. Covering topics from my early and lifelong love of music to my upcoming adventure at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Links: Transcript Tonal Diversions Website podcast@tonaldiversions.com Blog posts from Tonal Diversions: Musical Ability and the Perspective of Being a Late Bloomer From Fearing Writer’s Block to the Excitement of Premieres Lori’s 7th grade contest solo
12/15/21 • 09:44
Here are some things I've learned about the composing process and how it applies to me. Topics include: what I didn't learn in college, inspiration, bad first drafts, how composers write, and how I'm working to make the process better for myself. Links: Trancript PDF Books on composing and creativity (Amazon affiliate) Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert The War of Art – Stephen Pressfield Staying composed – Dale Trumbore A Practical Guide to Being a Composer – Arthur J. Michaels Notation software: StaffPad Other links: Tonal Diversions website Email me! FaceBook page
12/1/21 • 13:38
Learn tips and tricks of writing for the clarinet, specifically for non-pro (beginner, intermediate, and adult amateur) players. Discussion points include key signatures, the break, large leaps, and trills and tremolos. Transcript Visit the website: https://tonaldiversions.com Orchestration books (Amazon affiliate link) https://tonaldiversions.com/product-tag/orchestration/ Email me at podcast@tonaldiversions.com FB page https://www.facebook.com/TonalDiversions
11/17/21 • 11:18
Today's topic is writing for beginner/intermediate/non-pro musicians. I'll discuss what influenced me to focus on this group: my experiences in high school district band (and two conductors in particular); a student and her friend who wanted to play a duet for solo and ensemble contest; and how writing for beginners strengthens my composition skills. Transcript (PDF) Tonal Diversions Website Fanfare for Forest and Fable: YouTube performance Sheet music JW Pepper Sheet Music Plus (affiliate link) Contact me at podcast@tonaldiversions.com or on Facebook
11/3/21 • 12:59
Introducing "Tonal Diversions: Music and Life, Intertwined." In this trailer episode, I introduce myself and the podcast.
10/5/21 • 02:22