The Limitless Musician

Wrap up the end of Season 2 and the year 2025 with co hosts Dr. Katherine Emeneth and Nathalie Simper! In the final episode of this season, Katherine and Nathalie talk about good news in the Classical Music Industry. They share ways that Classical Music has taken steps toward better wages for orchestral musicians, creating hand-on training for upcoming professional musicians, modernizing music degree curricula, and advocating for new music and representation.
 
Links:
 
University of South Florida & The Florida Orchestra
The Memphis Composers Institute
The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra
 
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Katherine on IG: @katherinemeneth
Nathalie on IG: @thelimitlessmusician
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Money can feel like one of the most overwhelming and confusing parts of a classical music career. In this episode, explore the reasons so many musicians feel unprepared to manage their finances, why money education is often delayed until it's "too late," and how your personal experiences shape the way you save, spend, and think about financial stability.
You'll hear stories from Nathalie's own financial journey—from childhood money beliefs, to working in student loan servicing, to learning how to enjoy spending without guilt—and the systems she uses as a freelancer and entrepreneur. Discover why financial stability is built, not granted, and how small, consistent steps can transform the relationship you have with your bank account, your work, and your peace of mind.
Main Points:
Why classical musicians grow up with a scarcity mindset—and how this shapes everything from gig decisions to financial anxiety
How gaps in music school curricula delay your financial literacy journey
The impact of delayed gratification on budgeting, saving, and long-term planning
How personal upbringing, culture, and early money memories influence your current habits
The simple spreadsheet system that makes budgeting, variable income tracking, and tax season easier
Why separating personal and business finances can be a game changer for freelancers
How to enjoy your creature comforts sustainably without spiraling into guilt
Clear strategies for reducing or avoiding debt whenever possible
Why there's no "one right way" to manage money—and how to build a system that fits your lifestyle
Recommended resources for first steps to discovering your version of financial stability
Resource Links:
Tori Dunlap and Her First 100K on Instagram
"Financial Feminist" Podcast and Book
Your Rich BFFon Instagram
Networth and Chill Pod
Pre-order "Well Endowed" by Vivian Tu
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How do modern musicians incorporate creativity into their careers beyond creating music? In today's episode, co-hosts Nathalie Simper and Katherine Emeneth discuss what creativity looks like in their music careers and in their personal lives - and how that balance has changed over the years.
 
Main Points:
Why music as a creative outlet can become "stale" for career musicians
Discussion on how creative career norms (not just music) actually discourage creativity
Why being creative doesn't mean you have to be "innovative" or "cutting edge" in big ways
How creativity beyond your career can actually spark creativity
Incorporating "routine" creativity to develop open mindedness and flexibility
K and N's sources of inspiration/motivation/drive even through the "busy work" of musicianship
 
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As we grow closer to the end of the year and the anniversary of The Limitless Musician Podcast, Nathalie shares heartfelt gratitude to the listeners of the podcast and members of the KE Creative community! Katherine and Nathalie say thank you by sharing FREE career support for music entrepreneurs and private music teachers that is just a click away:
 
Free Resources:
KE Creative's Freebie Library
The Musician's Real-World Survival Guide
Instrument Holiday Hats
Christmas Warm Ups
A Music Teacher's Guide to Pricing
How to Raise Your Music Lesson Rates
 
Paid Resources:
The Private Music Teacher's Document Kit for only $29!

When you think of networking, do sleazy sales people and shallow conversations come to mind? In this episode, explore the reasons networking feels so unnatural, especially for classical musicians. While some are more comfortable networking, explore the reasons you are often set up to dread having to network or climb professional circles. Learn how social media can be both a drain AND a tool for making genuine connections, and how to shift your focus from "What can I gain from others?" to "What can I give to others?"
 
Main Points:
How music connects you with others and also makes you believe you're a floating island
Why being the perfect image of professionalism isn't the most effective way to network
The accessibility and endless potential to human connection that comes from social media
The ways that social media skew measurements of genuine relationships and the real root of human desire to interact with others
The difference between social takers and givers
Nathalie's real-world example of giving and how it enhanced her professional life
Four simple steps to become a giver
 
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Get your FREE copy of The Musician's Real-World Survival Guide
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