A University of Nebraska-Lincoln junior uses her classical training and electronic techniques to shape the sound of the Nebraska Update podcast.
For University of Nebraska-Lincoln junior KJ Teder, music is about community – bonding over a shared love of a ’90s hip-hop group, playing music in Lincoln’s local indie scene
or scoring music for projects at Nebraska Public Media.
“I’ve always loved public media,” Teder said. “I didn’t have a phone for a while, and it was comforting to know that it was a way for me to connect with what was going on in the world.”
She grew up in Minneapolis and first listened to Minnesota Public Radio. When she was about 14 years old, her parents bought her some music notation software that allowed her to merge two worlds – her classical training and electronic acoustic elements – creating a professional niche.
“Once I got into that, I never looked back,” she said, explaining the technique allows her to overcome limitations. “If I want to score something and don’t have the budget to hire a full orchestra or musicians, I can make those sounds.”
Teder’s original music compositions shape the sound of the Nebraska Update podcast, supporting journalism rather than competing with it. When listeners press play on the podcast, they’re greeted by the voices of reporters and hosts and music that sets the tone.
“For me, I want to bring a more modern sound. I want to push the envelope but not push people over the edge.”
Teder displays versatility in her work, easily stepping between roles like guitarist, pianist and vocalist, and even on-air radio host, embracing creative freedom in the communities of public media and local music.
As she composes music for other public media projects and digital initiatives, Teder is passionate about using sound to connect people to stories, ideas and each other, one carefully crafted note at a time.