"Think Divergent: Improv in the Classroom" produced by Jake Cassman @jakecassman www.jakecassman.com - Jake Cassman discusses what can be learned from improv comedy when teaching songwriting and musical creativity.

Intro - Perspectives in Popular Music Teaching and Learning is the outcome of a graduate seminar class taught in the Fall of 2021 at the USC Thornton School of Music. Collaboratively produced by Dominic Anzalone, Jake Cassman, Courtney Fortune, Josh Gronlund, Michelle Kardos, Mark Kveton, Doug Mattingly, Jorge Padron and Julio Sequira – each student chose a topic in popular music teaching and learning that was of particular interest and explored it further to produce their own episode. For more information about the USC Thornton School of Music visit www.usc.edu/music

“Behind the Song: Songwriting as a Positive Practice in the Classroom” produced by Courtney Fortune @courtneyfortunemusic @songmakersessions – Courtney Fortune takes us behind the scenes of her songwriting class at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.

“The Unsung Heroes aka The Mentors in Music” produced by Dominic Anzalone @dominicanzalone_ – Dominic Anzalone profiles several prominent musicians to explore the importance of mentorship in popular music teaching and learning.

“Three South LA High School Students Search for University Music Programs” produced by Josh Gronlund @joshgronlund – Josh Gronlund let’s us listen in as he advises some of his students who want to take the next step in their music education.

“Strings and Popular Music” produced by Jorge Padron @jl_padron – Jorge Padron, an experienced school orchestra teacher, discusses the potential of strings in popular music teaching and learning.

“Understanding Gender Equity in Relation to Teaching and Learning Popular Music” produced by Michelle Kardos @michelle.kardos – Michelle Kardos discusses how gender equity and inclusion benefits popular music and the music profession as a whole.

“Popular Music In the Classroom” produced by Julio Sequeira – Julio Sequeira, an experienced classroom music educator, looks at different approaches for including popular music in the k-12 environment.

"Goin' Down to the Crossroads: at the juncture of formal and informal teaching and learning in popular music" produced by Doug Mattingly @dougmattingly www.dougmattingly.com – Doug Mattingly focuses on popular music teaching and learning at the college level in 2-year and 4-year settings. Doug’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougmattingly/

“Harmony In Numbers: Group and Collective Songwriting” produced by Jake Cassman @jakecassman www.jakecassman.com – Jake Cassman discusses the surprisingly complex dynamics of collaborative songwriting.

“Punk Education” produced by Mark Kveton – Mark Kveton explores the ethos and potential of including punk rock in popular music teaching and learning.

Roxana Amed lives artistically between two worlds. Originally from Argentina, but now immersed in the culture of the US, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter explores this duality in her new record, Ontology. We talk with Roxana about these influences as well as hear three performances - "Solitude," "Vanishing," and "Infant Eyes." Follow Roxana @roxana.amed Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Gina Brooklyn is a fan favorite. This proved true when fans voted her as the first winner of the Djooky Music Award which earned her a trip to Los Angeles to record in the famed Capitol Records Studio with acclaimed producer, Brian Malouf. Gina talks about this experience as well as shares two singles: "No More Hiding," and "Hey, Man." Follow Gina @ginabrooklyn

Sub-Radio has momentum. After earning an incredible 7 million unique viewers through a series of livestream performances on Reddit, the DC based indie-pop band is ready to spring into their next phase. They continue to expand their audience by regularly releasing singles that are high energy and have infectious pop hooks. We talk with Sub-Radio about their history, their creative process and what’s ahead in their future. Also during the episode, we hear two of their recent singles – “King of My Heart,” and “Out of My Mind.” Follow Sub-Radio @subradioband Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Zayde Wolf is the solo project of Nashville based, GRAMMY nominated songwriter and producer, Dustin Burnett. Zayde Wolf just released his new album, Neon Blood Type. Spending many years developing his craft behind the scenes producing other artists and writing for sync, we’ll talk about how Zayde Wolf originally came about a bit unexpectedly for Dustin. Also, during the show, we’ll hear three tracks from Neon Blood Type – we’ll hear the latest single, “Holy Water,” “The Reason,” and “Madness.” Follow Zayde Wolf @zaydewolf. Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com.

Rare Americans has created their own universe. Beyond just a collection of songs, their latest record, Rare Americans 2, is accompanied by an elaborate animated video series for each track that bring their storytelling to life. In this episode, we talk with James Priestner of Rare Americans about the creative process behind the record and how the band completely defies any genre categorization. During the show, we’ll hear three tracks from Rare Americans 2: “Hullabaloo,” “Berlin,” and “Gas Mask.” Follow Rare Americans @rareamericans Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

The Spill Canvas wants to be a conduit for connection. After having hits and numerous albums to their discography, The Spill Canvas recently released their album, Conduit, their first LP in almost a decade. We were fortunate to have Nick Thomas and Geoff Black in the Joy Sounds studio to talk about Conduit and play a few songs from the record. During our conversation, Nick is truly open and honest about the confessional nature of the songs on Conduit. During the episode, they play three songs live from the Joy Sounds studio – “Molecules,” “Firestorm,” and “All Over You.” Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Merk is gathering experience. From working as an intern in Neil Finn’s studio to starting his career as a touring musicians, the New Zealand based artist has been putting in the hours. Merk’s new record, Infinite Youth, reflects on the passing of time and how he’s grown and evolved as a person and an artist. We talk with Merk about Infinite Youth and hear three tracks from the album: “GOD,” “Laps Around the Sun,” and “Deep Dive.” Follow Merk @merkperk Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com

Therese Curatolo will win you over. Whether it's with her songwriting, her incredible voice, or her unfailingly cheerful disposition - one way or another, you'll become a fan. We talk with Therese about her latest single Braille, and she performs three songs live in the Joy Sounds studio - "LA Struggle," "Unhappy," and "Song For a Sad Boy." Follow Therese @reesetea. Presented in partnership with Music Connection @music_connection and www.musicconnection.com. (Livestream replay)

ENZI has a vision. ENZI has a very clear concept of her sonic palette, live performance experience, and visual aesthetic – which is often rare in an artist who is also a full-time college student. In this episode, ENZI talks about how she arrived at this concept and what her plans are for the future. She also shares three recent releases – we hear “I Worry,” “Mad Chemistry,” and “Retrograde.” Follow Enzi @iamenzi Presented in partnership with Music Connection www.musicconnection.com