Episodes

  • Musical Excellence Alone Won’t Save Your Organization—But Here’s What Will
    Aug 5 2025

    In this episode of the podcast where music and mission meet, we explore the challenges faced by music organizations like choirs, orchestras, and opera companies, including declining audiences, donor fatigue, and staff burnout. You'll learn about the 'Built to Last' framework developed by Equity Sings, which focuses on four pillars: musical excellence, operational excellence, inclusive excellence, and financial excellence. By addressing these pillars, music nonprofits can achieve long-term sustainability and artistic success. Real-life examples of struggling and thriving organizations underscore the importance of adopting a holistic approach. Equity Sings offers tailored solutions for music nonprofits to align missions, build capacity, and ensure their lasting impact.

    00:00 Introduction: Music and Mission
    01:34 The Built to Last Framework
    02:57 Current Challenges in Music Organizations
    05:20 The Artistic Only Trap
    06:02 Operational and Administrative Gaps
    06:22 Inclusive Relevance and Financial Fragility
    07:57 Deep Dive into the Four Pillars
    12:21 Case-Based Results and the Cost of Waiting
    15:18 Equity Sings: Your Partner in Sustainability
    16:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

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    17 mins