Sounds of the Soul

Sounds of the Soul is a docuseries that puts those who handcraft musical instruments center stage. We’ll learn how those deeply personal creations are made to resonate specific sounds and why musicians seek out those hyper-specific qualities.

We’ll hear from the makers as they detail these beautiful instruments’ creation, but instead of focusing on how a particular piece is made, we will showcase the “why.” We’ll share stories of musicians who flock to these custom instruments and examine the social relevance associated with them. Digging deep into the human condition, we strive to understand what makes these instruments so special. From the first drum circle and into the future, music has always been part of the human condition — “Sounds of the Soul” asks why that is.

Kansas City flute maker John Mark Aladeen

Sounds of the Soul | Just Breathe

Kansas City flute maker John Mark Aladeen finds precious emotions — peace and joy — when his breath passes through his flutes.

Read More >
Amado Espinoza

Sounds of the Soul | Good Vibrations

Armado Espinoza is a multi-talented musician, composer and maker of native instruments.

Read More >
Bobbie Cirillo and Glenn Robertson of Moon Beam Mandolins.

Sounds of the Soul | Making Trees Talk

Glenn Robertson and Bobbie Cirillo of Moon Beam Mandolins have devoted their lives to handcrafting mandolins.

Read More >
Brothers Mark and Sean Penechar are co-owners of Seuf Guitars.

‘Sounds of the Soul’ | Making New Guitars That Feel Old

The brothers behind Seuf Guitars are intent on creating guitars that match the look and feel of the vintage instruments they adore.

Read More >

The Family Band | Triggs Guitars

Jim Triggs began building instruments more than 35 years ago. Before he began working at Gibson in 1986, he had already built between 130 and 150 mandolins and had created a name for himself in the Midwest and on the West Coast. Triggs was hired at Gibson to work in the company’s world famous custom…

Read More >

Local Storytelling. Fact-Based Reporting. Trustworthy Sources.

Help support the nonprofit media landscape in Kansas City and provide a platform for underrepresented voices across the region.