EP 90 Nancy Shear: Still Breaking Barriers at 79
What does it look like to keep growing, exploring, and breaking barriers at 79? You’re about to find out.
Our guest, Nancy Shear, has been defying expectations her entire life - from sneaking into Philadelphia Orchestra concerts at 15 to becoming the personal librarian to Leopold Stokowski in a field that had very little room for women at the time.
Nancy shares what it took to navigate and succeed in a male-dominated field, and how curiosity, courage, and persistence opened doors that once seemed firmly closed.
We also explore her memoir, I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms, a fascinating look behind the curtain of classical music’s golden age. Through her stories, she preserves a world few people experienced, and reminds us of the power of paying attention, staying engaged, and sharing what we’ve lived.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Curiosity doesn’t fade with age - it fuels us
- Barriers can be broken at any stage of life
- Your experiences and stories truly matter
- There is always more ahead for you
Nancy’s life is a beautiful reminder: we are never done becoming.
If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.
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Nancy Shear's remarkable background includes 20 years as an orchestra librarian for the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Curtis Institute, as well as private work for Leopold Stokowski, Lorin Maazel, and others. Her articles have appeared in major outlets, and she has written two books, The Three Tenors and I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms. Ms. Shear has lectured for the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Caramoor Festival; has hosted broadcasts of the New York Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, Frick Collection, and Naumburg Foundation; had her own interview programs on WNYC; and served as commentator for the American Public Media. She has taught at New York University’s School of Continuing Education and the Lillian Vernon Center for International Affairs at New York University, and has lectured at The Juilliard School, the Manhattan School, and the Mannes School of Music at The New School. She is the founder and president of Nancy Shear Arts Services, a public relations and event production agency for the performing arts.
