At what point in your life did you know that you would be a successful classical composer rather than someone who could only dream of achieving that goal?

I have tickets to your San Diego show in two weeks and am a big fan of Frida and Diego. I can't wait to see how you've imagined their story in an opera.

How is the process of composing music with words different than composing instrumental music for you?

Good morning, Courtney!

I almost didn’t start watching House of Dragons because I’m among those that were bitterly disappointed in how the whole GoT series ended... like a symphony that starts with good themes, colors, form and then has a terrible “ta-dah!” finale. (sigh) So, my investment was cautious initially in HoD, and I nearly didn’t get through the first episode with the rather exploitive (IMHO) death of the first queen. I’ve stayed with each episode and I thought that once the first time jump was made, not only was the violence more carefully focused (while still graphic), but the slow burn started to pay off. I do think the casting is generally excellent, and my husband and I discuss each episode for a couple of days afterwards. So that must mean something, eh?

What's your favorite instrument and why?

Do you play any instruments?

What kind of music do you like to listen to for fun?

What do you think of the emergence of AI-generated music?

How many instruments do you play ?

What's your favorite note?

You are planning a dinner party. What 5 people (real or fictional) are you inviting? What's on the menu? What's on the playlist?

What language are you more proficient in English or Spanish? I'm guessing you only work in Philly as raising chickens in the city would get you fined. Another question is what type of chickens make up your flock?

Since you watched Game of Thrones, are you also watching House of the Dragon? What are your thoughts?

Damn. Tbh, when I asked this question, I wasn't expecting someone to say something against pumpkin spice, I'd figured it would make the job easier considering almost everyone wants the same drink. I won't say I understand, since I've never been a barista, but, I will say I have much more respect for my local baristas. Especially on Sundays and during winter. Thanks for the insight.

Why did the condiment stations disappear during covid and why are they still gone? Is this a sleazy money saving tactic? I now have to buy sugar packets and keep them in my car.

When I order a latte with no foam, why do some of you think it means I want it replaced with empty cup?

Do you see your name on any of the cups?

It depends. If the customer is being nice and there’s no wait, I will 100% attempt latte art. If i’m barring for morning rush, all bets are off.

My fav drinks for latte art are mochas and flat whites (easy contrast brown foam and crema)

WE MAKE ALL OF OUR WHIPPED CREAM!!! It ain’t that store-bought shit.

On the same vein, we make our own sweet cream as well.

Contrary, we don’t make any of the food. It’s all pre-packaged and thawed for sale.

If you come in regularly, especially through the drive through, we most definitely recognize your voice and probably have your order memorized.

We love the dogs that come through.

We hold the power to take the caffeine out of your drink. Don’t be a bitch. Personally, I have only done that to one person, and it was within 2 months of starting. I haven’t dealt with anyone that bad since (thankfully)

Honestly, I’m not completely sure. I am not of the gender who can get pregnant/need an abortion, so I have never looked into it. I’ll look into it though!

Matcha + Strawberry Açaí, which made the drink look like literal shit.

All frappuccinos with added espresso also smell nasty.

Ok, Starbucks standards call for the shots, then the water. However, I prefer to mix the cream and sugar with the water, then pour the shots on top like our macchiato.

Fav pokémon is either Lickitung or Togekiss, and no, sadly we are not unionized because Texas is an “at-will” state regarding employment.

No. Texas is an “at-will” state, so our entire store can be fired and replaced at the discretion of the store manager and district manager.

I’ll answer it two ways: My least favorite day of the week to work is 100% Sundays, specifically from like 11-5ish. It’s like having another weekday morning rush, but six hours long.

My least favorite time/season is probably a tie between Fall (Pumpkin Spice Everything) and true winter (like January to early/mid March). It’s cold, and everyone is looking for a hot drink; everyone is mad because they’re cold, and won’t hesitate to tell you that they’ve been waiting for a long time or the drinks are bad.

I believe you, random person with a shit opinion posting behind a Reddit account. wink

You reddit brains need to know that in the real world, most people don't care about politics

What are some things the general public would be surprised to learn about being a barista?

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if you got pregnant or got somebody pregnant if you partake in those types of activities, and wanted an abortion, or to help the person pregnant get an abortion, how would you go about doing that? No politics. Just walk me through that process.