Moveable Do

This week on Moveable Do, Steve brings the podcast journey to a close with a heartfelt farewell episode. After 128 interviews, 45 Moveable Snippets, 15 bonus episodes, and more than five years behind the microphone, Steve reflects on the remarkable path this show has taken—from a new mic and a dream in 2020 to a global community of listeners across more than 100 countries.

In this final episode, Steve looks back on Season 9’s inspiring guests, shares the stories behind this season’s opening music (“Amazing Grace” arranged for flute and piano, and “How Great Thou Art”), and offers a treasure trove of fascinating stats from the entire history of the show. He revisits some of the most memorable interviews, the shortest and longest episodes, and the unexpected ways Moveable Do has grown over time.

Steve also opens up about what he’s learned from nearly 5½ years of conversations with composers—the humanity behind the music, the wildly different paths that lead to creativity, and the truth that every composer has a story worth telling. With honesty and warmth, he shares why it’s time to bring this chapter to an end, what the future may hold, and how listeners have shaped and transformed the podcast along the way.

As a final invitation, Steve asks listeners to share their experiences with Moveable Do and offers encouragement for how these conversations might continue to inspire personal and musical growth long after the series concludes.

This week on Moveable Do, Steve wraps up Season 9 with acclaimed composer, arranger, and performer Shawn Kirchner. Known for his soaring melodies and genre-blending choral writing, Shawn’s music has become a favorite of ensembles worldwide. From setting Plath and Neruda to singing on soundtracks like La-La Land and Avatar, Shawn’s creative life bridges the sacred, poetic, and cinematic.

In this episode, Shawn shares stories from his Iowa upbringing as a triplet, the journey that brought him to Los Angeles, and his rich musical life as a session singer, church musician, and composer. We dive into his creative process, his love for poetry and folk traditions, and large-scale works like The Light of Hope Returning. Plus—hear what vegetable might inspire his next choral piece!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes composer, pianist, and musical activist Keane Southard. Known for his thoughtful fusion of artistry and advocacy, Keane’s music spans genres and continents—often reflecting themes of environmental justice, nonviolence, animal rights, and spiritual exploration. Whether hiking the Appalachian Trail or teaching in Brazil, his lived experiences resonate deeply in his compositions.

In this episode, Keane shares how childhood dreams, global travels, and long-distance hiking have shaped his musical voice. We explore his powerful Requiem for Animals, his deeply personal choral piece Do You Hear How Many You Are?, and his trail-inspired Appalachian Trail Symphony: New England. Keane discusses the balance between message and music, and how being both a pianist and composer enriches his storytelling. Plus—find out what musical argument might erupt between a hiking boot and a piano bench!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve talks with multi-talented composer, songwriter, and sound designer Alyson Fewless. From high school serenades with her guitar to award-winning theatrical scores, Alyson’s music is an eclectic blend of emotional authenticity, theatrical flair, and thoughtful craft. Her journey has taken her from the stage to the screen—and now to New Zealand, where she composes while raising a family and exploring new creative territory.

In this episode, Alyson reflects on her early love of songwriting, her evolution into theater and film scoring, and the impact of motherhood on her creative process. We discuss the rhythmic experimentation behind her Prelude in G, the charm and complexity of her choral setting of Twinkle, Twinkle With Attitude, and the seasonal textures in Autumn (in four parts). Plus—hear what kind of climate her music would predict if it were a weather forecast!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes Emmy-nominated composer, singer-songwriter, and multimedia creator Shaun Barrowes. From competing on American Idol to creating a YA sci-fi novel with a full soundtrack and graphic audiobook, Shaun's work defies boundaries and blends story with song in powerful ways. Whether touring high schools with anthems like Live For Music or collaborating with artists like Lindsey Stirling and Imagine Dragons, his music is as cinematic as it is heartfelt.

In this episode, Shaun shares how his musical upbringing, American Idol journey, and passion for young musicians have shaped his creative output. He discusses the origins of The Paradise Planets, his ever-evolving creative process, and what inspires songs like Some Dreams Never Come True and Fountain of Youth. Plus—find out what he’d call a sci-fi musical about his life… and who he’d cast as his robot sidekick!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes the dynamic vocal trio Artemisia—Diana Lawrence, Alexandra Olsavsky, and Kaitlin Foley. Based in Chicago, Artemisia is a vocal theater ensemble dedicated to telling female-forward stories through genre-defying vocal music. With influences from classical, folk, pop, and global traditions, these three powerhouse performers blend original compositions with theatrical storytelling to create performances that are as thought-provoking as they are musically stunning.

In this episode, Artemisia shares the origins of their ensemble, the meaning behind their mission, and how their individual experiences as composers, educators, and mothers inform their collaborative work. You’ll hear about the viral success of What Happens When a Woman, the layered vulnerability of Who?, the choral mashup energy of Ready or Not, and the bittersweet humor of Go to Sleep. The trio reflects on motherhood, identity, and the evolution of women’s voices—both literal and figurative—in the world of vocal music. Plus—if Artemisia traveled through time in a musical time machine, what song would they sing? Find out!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes innovative composer and musical storyteller Erich Stem. Known for his emotionally resonant works and adventurous collaborations, Erich’s music explores connection—between place, people, and sound. From symphonies inspired by American landscapes to experimental chamber works rooted in poetry and personality, Erich brings a unique voice to the contemporary classical scene.

In this episode, Erich shares his musical journey, the inspiration behind his America By: A Symphonic Tour project, and how his work with ensembles like A/Tonal and ASS3MBLY Trio has shaped his compositional voice. You’ll hear how geography, narrative, and collaboration come together in pieces like Kayak, New Years, and Shenandoah. Plus—learn what snack food could inspire his next chamber work!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes celebrated Canadian composer and educator Christine Donkin. Known for her striking melodic clarity and structural inventiveness, Christine’s works are performed by major ensembles around the world and are widely featured in educational syllabi. Whether she’s writing pedagogical miniatures or large-scale choral pieces, Christine brings a thoughtful and compelling voice to contemporary music.

In this episode, Christine shares her early musical memories from rural Alberta, her passion for teaching and mentorship, and her approach to creating music that bridges artistry and accessibility. We explore her exploration of retrograde and palindromes, her collaboration with Indigenous artists, and the powerful refugee narrative behind Following the Moonroad. Plus—find out which animal choir she’d love to compose for!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes genre-spanning composer Matthew Peterson. From the grandeur of symphonies and operas to the intimate nuance of choral textures, Matthew’s music defies boundaries while stirring the soul. Now based in Sweden and serving as Composer-in-Residence with Dalasinfoniettan, Matthew shares how his musical journey led from the U.S. to Europe, and what fuels his emotionally charged, stylistically rich compositions.

In this episode, Matthew reflects on his early musical influences, the mentors who shaped his voice, and the path that took him from St. Olaf College to the heart of Scandinavia’s classical scene. He also dives into his recent and upcoming projects—including a symphony, commissions for the Swedish Radio Choir, and a uniquely Swedish mass. Plus: find out which fictional character he'd love to score and what makes Sweden such a creative haven.

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes beloved choral composer and educator Laura Farnell. With a background in teaching and a catalog of over 60 published choral works, Laura is known for her heartfelt, accessible music—particularly for middle school choirs. From her days as a classroom teacher to her work as a sought-after clinician, Laura brings insight, warmth, and intention to every piece she writes.

In this episode, Laura shares stories from her early musical life, her time in Texas classrooms, and the inspirations behind her latest compositions. You'll hear the moving story behind Roses I Give to You, her approach to setting texts that empower and uplift, and her thoughts on why writing for young singers is both joyful and essential. Plus—find out what book she’d choose as her favorite and why it means so much.

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes longtime educator and prolific composer Dan Davison. With over four decades of experience teaching middle school choir in Puyallup, Washington, Dan brings a wealth of insight into working with developing voices—and the musical creativity to match. From dynamic rhythms to text-driven drama, Dan's compositions have become a staple for choirs of all levels across the country.

In this episode, Dan shares his journey from student to teacher, how writing music for his own ensembles led to broader recognition, and why he chose to spend his entire career in middle school education. He discusses the influence of his mentors, the excitement of festival conducting, and how a TV show inspired one of his most powerful works. Plus—find out whether Dan would rather brave the North Pole or the Sahara Desert.

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes composer, conductor, and singer-songwriter Karen Marrolli. With a career spanning sacred music, community outreach, and intimate storytelling, Karen brings a dynamic and deeply human perspective to everything she creates. From her work as Director of Music Ministries in Albuquerque to founding the powerful Lux Aeterna choir, her music uplifts, provokes, and heals.

In this episode, Karen shares the origins of her musical path, how her songwriting heroes influence her choral voice, and the ways her personal spirituality and storytelling instincts shape her process. You'll hear about her Celtic-inspired Christmas collection, her haunting environmental anthem Sing Unto the Sky, and the interplay of text and melody in her original works. Plus—hear what she'd call the reality show of her life!

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This week on Moveable Do, composer Clark Lawlor joins the podcast to share his remarkable return to music after a 20-year hiatus. After initially studying composition at the University of Utah, Clark stepped away for a career in business and technology—only to rediscover his passion through choral singing. Now an award-winning composer with performances across five continents, Clark reflects on the whirlwind success of his recent works and the creative spark that brought him back.

In this episode, Clark discusses how text guides his compositional voice, his collaborations with mentors like Eriks Esenvalds and Anthony Silvestri, and how family life and musical intuition shape his process. From the ghostly whimsy of Haunted Houses to the Swedish serenity of I denna ljuva sommartid, discover what makes Clark’s music both accessible and artistically rich. Plus—find out what he’d title his (hilarious) autobiography!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes internationally acclaimed composer Roxanna Panufnik. From royal commissions to global peace-building through music, Roxanna’s career spans opera, orchestral works, choral compositions, and cross-cultural collaborations. With her signature blend of emotional depth and musical diplomacy, she has become one of Britain’s most beloved and forward-thinking composers.

In this episode, Roxanna shares stories of her musical upbringing as the daughter of composer Andrzej Panufnik, the inspirations behind some of her most meaningful works, and the path that led her to writing for King Charles III’s coronation. We explore her commitment to interfaith harmony, her use of unconventional instrumentation, and her multimedia approach to storytelling. Plus—hear what kind of amusement park ride one of her compositions might become!

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This week on Moveable Do, Steve launches Season 9 with composer and conductor Ryan Murphy. As Associate Music Director of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Ryan brings artistry, precision, and spiritual depth to one of the world’s most iconic choral ensembles. From his early days in Connecticut to sharing the podium with Mack Wilberg, Ryan’s musical journey is as inspiring as it is accomplished.

In this episode, Ryan reflects on his formative experiences singing in an Episcopal boys' choir, arranging folk songs and spirituals, and stepping in front of a 360-voice choir for the very first time. He shares insights on his approach to rehearsal efficiency, creative collaboration, and faith-infused artistry. You’ll also hear about his early rock band days, his musical theater moments, and which section of the Tabernacle Choir would make the best ice cream topping!

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Season 9 is here! In this special preview episode of Moveable Do, host Steve Danielson welcomes listeners back for another season of composer stories, musical discovery, and creative inspiration. With 175 episodes now in the archive—114 full interviews and countless bonus gems—Steve reflects on the journey so far and shares highlights from a summer filled with travel, presentations, interviews, and composition.

You’ll get a sneak peek at what’s coming this season: 14 new composer interviews spanning genres, backgrounds, and bold ideas. From academic innovators to self-taught creators, this season dives into stories of reinvention, resilience, and creative risk. Plus, hear a sample of Steve’s latest personal composition project: a marching band show inspired by Star Wars.

Season 8 of Moveable Do officially wraps up with this special bonus episode. Steve thanks each of the guests from this season, shares some stats about the podcast, and talks about the future of Moveable Do. He also talks about the song you’ve been hearing at the beginning of each episode, Dark Night. It’s an even cooler piece that you might think it is. Thank you for supporting Moveable Do through 8 seasons!

Composer Links

For the final episode of season 8 of Moveable Do, Steve welcomes renowned composer and conductor Dr. David Dickau. Based in Boise, Idaho, David shares highlights from his impressive career, including his time as Director of Choral Activities at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the honor of receiving the F. Melius Christiansen Lifetime Achievement Award. Dive into David’s creative process, his inspirations, and his perspective on the role of choral music in today’s world.

In this episode, David reflects on his most beloved works, from the expressive If Music Be the Food of Love to the shimmering O Nata Lux. He discusses how his experiences as a teacher and conductor shaped his compositions and reveals how retirement has given him fresh perspectives on music. Plus, find out which animal he thinks would be the funniest if it could talk!

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This week on Moveable Do, composer, arranger, and songwriter Amy Gordon joins the podcast to discuss her melodic yet harmonically surprising choral works. Amy shares how her influences—Debussy, Ravel, and Steve Reich—shape her compositions and reveals her approach to interpreting poetry through music. Plus, we dive into her love of film scoring. And, if Amy had to choose a theme song for her life, what would it be? Find out this week on Moveable Do!

This week, Tunisian-born Canadian-American composer, Karim Al-Zand talks with Moveable Do about his work as a music educator and about the many awards and honors he has received. We also dive a little bit into the humorous side of music. And, if Karim could start a rumor about himself, what would it be? Find out this week on Moveable Do!

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You will have lot of fun listening to this interview with versatile composer Naomi LaViolette. She talks about the blessing and curse of having perfect pitch and some of the amazing blessings and experiences accompanying the Oregon Repertory Singers for 20 years! And, if she could learn a skill or talent instantly, what would it be? Find out this week on Moveable Do!

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This week, we take a trip through visual art and illustration, poetry, lyric writing, music, and faith with the versatile Faith Zimmer. Along her journey, Faith shares lessons learned from studying with Charles Anthony Silvestri and Alice Parker (though not at the same time!). And if Faith could explore underwater or outer space, where would she go? Find out on Moveable Do

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Bend your ear into the world of electronic music with composer Henry Vega. He talks with Steve about how he got into electronic music, what excites him about the future of electronic music, and advice for young composers wanting to follow the same path. He shares some of his most exciting projects and collaborations. And, if Henry could write theme music for a fictional character, who would he choose? All this and more on this week's episode of Moveable Do.

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David Klement, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Idaho, joins Moveable Do this week. He talks about his beginning musical career as a boy chorister and all that entails - including a special award! He also shares how his training as a choral conductor has influenced his composing. And, if David could live in a fictional world, where would he choose? All this and more this week on Moveable Do.

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Sea Dreams Trilogy

This week, Moveable Do is joined by Brittney Benton, a masters student at the Yale School of Music. Brittney and Steve talk about her musical journey and offer advice for other emerging composers. How does she face challenges in her career? What about writer's block? And if she had to write a book tomorrow, what would she write? Check it out on Moveable Do!

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Steve gets the chance to sit down with composer and organist, Alvez Barkoskie IV, to talk about creativity and inspiration. Plus, a fascinating discussion of the organ works from William Lloyd Webber, Sir Andrew's father. And if Alvez had $10 million, what would he spend it on? All this and more on Moveable Do.

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Join composer Stacey Philipps this week on Moveable Do for a riveting discussion about music, math, culinary arts and more! We get a chance to talk about her two books of rounds and about how to write your own. Plus, a very thoughtful answer to the question, "What is your favorite color?" All this and more on Moveable Do.

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This week, Moveable Do welcomes the three composers from Raindrop New Music, a collective made up of three Northwest composers: Drew Swatosh, Carolyn Quick, and Lisa Neher. They talk about the endeavors and as a collective. Which one of them has a penchant for text? Which one is interested in writing for trans and non-binary voices? And which one is a maestro of wacky noises? Find out this week on Moveable Do!

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Steve has an educational experience this week as he chats with composer, Sarah McMahill. They talk about Sarah's work as a Wellness Weaver - myofascial massage therapist, enneagram teacher, and composer/multi-media artist. Sarah explains how all these areas of their life intersect and combine. And, where would Sarah travel to given the choice? Join us this week on Moveable Do for the answer to this question and more!

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This week, Steve chats with composer, Jane Kozhevnikova. They talk about growing up and learning music in Russia - even getting into jazz! They dive into her interest in texts and what to do when you have a severe writer's block. Also, who do you think Jane would like to have lunch with from any person in the past? Find out this week on Moveable Do!

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To start off Season 8 with style, Steve talks to multi-faceted composer and wonderful story teller, Daniel Gawthrop. They talk about his many moves across the country that have informed his creative process. We also take a dive into his creative process and how he approaches the blank manuscript. And what hobbies does he enjoy when he's taking a music break?

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The hiatus is over! Steve is back with an introduction and preview of Season 8. How will a formatting change and focus shift affect the show? Join us for the official season launch on Tuesday, September 3, 2025!

Connect With Us!

To wrap up season seven of Moveable Do, Steve celebrates 100 episodes. You'll hear greetings and updates from 19 former guests - of course including new recordings of their music. Steve also counts down and shares clips from the top 5 episodes of Moveable Do according to listener downloads.

In addition to the amazing music and people you'll hear, Steve also talks about and shares the piece that you've heard as the intro music this season, "Oh Call Him Back to Me."

Thank you to the guests who participated in interviews in season seven!