We recently connected with Owen McIntosh and have shared our conversation below.

Owen, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the Musical Headwaters series, especially our latest album, Garden. This project is deeply personal and reflects both my journey as a musician and a parent, as well as our family’s commitment to environmental stewardship and education.

The backstory begins with my wife Lindsay and me returning to our rural hometown of Loyalton, California, where the local schools lacked a comprehensive music program. We founded Musica Sierra to restore and revitalize music education for children across all grade levels. As parents, our focus shifted to creating music that not only entertains but also fosters a deep connection between kids and the natural world.

Garden and the larger Musical Headwaters initiative commission original works for children that blend ecological themes with social-emotional learning. The project aims to nurture environmental stewardship while helping children develop resilience, empathy, and self-awareness.

What makes this work so meaningful is seeing how the music and accompanying Musical Field Journals provide kids with a way to slow down, reflect, and engage with the world around them. It’s a tangible way to inspire the next generation to care for the planet and themselves, which is something my wife and I deeply believe in both professionally and personally.

Owen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I grew up in rural Northern California, where a life close to the land taught me the value of hard work and connection to nature. My journey into music began through formal training—starting at community college, then Cal State Stanislaus, and eventually earning a master’s degree in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. I pursued a career as a professional classical and opera singer for 15 years.

Alongside my performing career, my wife Lindsay and I transitioned into education and community arts when we returned home. Together, we founded Musica Sierra, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring music education in Sierra County and commissioning original works for children that blend social-emotional learning with environmental stewardship.

Our signature product is the Musical Headwaters series—a collection of albums paired with Musical Field Journals. These journals combine songbooks with interactive journaling prompts, helping kids engage deeply with music, nature, and their own emotional development. We aim to make music accessible to children in rural and underserved areas while fostering their connection to the environment and self-awareness.

What sets us apart is this holistic approach—merging music, education, social-emotional learning, and eco-literacy into creative works that resonate on multiple levels. I’m proud of building a vertically aligned music education program in my local schools and of creating art that nurtures both the mind and the heart.

For anyone interested in how music can inspire meaningful learning and environmental stewardship, Musica Sierra offers a unique, impactful experience grounded in community and creativity.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. The driving mission behind my creative journey is to nurture a deep, lasting connection between children and the natural world through the power of music and education. My wife Lindsay and I are passionate about using the arts not just to entertain, but to foster social-emotional growth and environmental stewardship in young people—especially in rural communities where access to arts and nature education can be limited.

We believe that fostering environmental stewardship is one of the most urgent and important challenges of our time. By helping children develop empathy and a sense of responsibility for the Earth from an early age, we hope to inspire a generation that values sustainability and actively works to protect our planet’s fragile ecosystems. Through projects like our Musical Headwaters series and Musical Field Journals, we aim to empower kids to reflect on their place in the world, develop resilience and empathy, and inspire them to become thoughtful caretakers of the planet.

Ultimately, our goal is to create meaningful, accessible artistic experiences that build stronger individuals and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to collaborate and connect with others who bring diverse perspectives and talents to the table. Creativity thrives in community, and the relationships built through networking and collaboration continually inspire me to grow and explore new ideas.

Working alongside other artists, educators, and visionaries has enriched my own creative journey and helped shape the meaningful projects we bring to life, like the Musical Headwaters series. Each collaboration opens doors to fresh insights and possibilities, allowing us to create work that resonates more deeply and reaches wider audiences.

There’s a special kind of magic in coming together with others to build something greater than any one individual could achieve alone. That sense of shared purpose and creative synergy is what keeps me passionate and motivated every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.musicasierra.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musica_sierra/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicasierra/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@musicasierra
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/musica-sierra