🎺 From a tiny town in Kansas to the stages of the Des Moines Symphony, Andrew Bishop has carved out a rich and meaningful career in music. In this episode of Trumpet Dynamics, we dive into Andrew’s journey—from being inspired by his organist mother, to studying at Wichita State, to navigating the ups and downs of professional life as a trumpeter.

Whether you're a seasoned brass player or just love hearing real stories from the world of classical music, this conversation is full of wisdom, heart, and big-picture perspective. Don’t miss it! 👇

Episode highlights:

00:15 Meet Andrew Bishop

00:55 Andrew's Musical Journey

03:55 Growing Up in Lindsborg, Kansas

06:00 High School and Realizing Potential

13:09 College Years at Wichita State

18:57 Professional Career and Advice

25:30 Life in Ames and Des Moines Symphony

31:26 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

#TrumpetDynamics #AndrewBishop #TrumpetPlayer #MusicianLife #ClassicalTrumpet

#WichitaState #DesMoinesSymphony #MusicEducation #BrassLife #TrumpetPodcast #BigPictureMindset #OrchestralMusician #BrassTalk #MusicalJourney #ProfessionalMusician #TrumpetCommunity #BrassWisdom #TrumpetTips #AspiringMusicians #BehindTheBrass

**Trumpet Dynamics is now featuring videos exclusively on YouTube! Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/@allin-trumpet

In this episode of Trumpet Dynamics, host James D. Newcomb welcomes Jason Bergman, the newest trumpet faculty member at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music.

Jason shares his teaching journey, previous roles at Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Southern Mississippi, and emphasizes the importance of focusing on students' unique goals and promoting a culture of wholeheartedness in teaching.

The discussion delves into the concepts of shame, vulnerability, and self-care, inspired by Brene Brown's research, and how these concepts can transform both teaching and performance. Jason also talks about his personal self-care practices and the impact of creating a supportive and non-competitive learning environment.

Episode highlights:

04:00 Teaching Philosophy and Influences

08:59 Jason's Early Life and Trumpet Beginnings

13:30 Career Path and Teaching Experiences

16:07 Adapting Teaching Methods

21:15 Self-Care and Personal Growth

24:56 Personal Growth and Teaching Evolution

25:34 Discovering Brene Brown's Research

26:29 Studio Growth and Student Perfectionism

27:55 Addressing Shame and Vulnerability in Music

34:33 Global Perspectives on Music Education

39:30 Creating a Supportive Environment

44:35 Personal Practices for Self-Care

48:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned:

jasonbergman.com

The story of the trumpet is ever evolving and growing with each passing note. Join the tribe today at trumpetdynamics.com!

In this episode, Paul Merkelo, principal trumpet of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, discusses his involvement in premiering Wynton Marsalis' new trumpet concerto.

Paul talks about the inception of the project, his preparation process, and the various challenges he faced in mastering the piece. He highlights the unique aspects of the concerto, including its nods to jazz and classical traditions.

He also shares insights into his practice routines, juggling professional and personal responsibilities, and the advice he received from Wynton Marsalis.

The conversation dives deep into the artistic and technical demands of the concerto, the significance of musical storytelling, and the broader implications of cross-genre collaborations in music.

Episode Highlights:

01:55 The Wynton Marsalis Trumpet Concerto

04:55 Preparing for the Premiere

07:52 The Performance Experience

14:57 Musical Borders and Future Projects

24:26 The Importance of Likability in Music

25:21 Preparing for a Major Performance

27:43 Breaking Down the Movements

34:05 Balancing Family, Work, and Practice

37:47 Global Premieres and Educational Outreach

40:20 Final Thoughts and Advice for Musicians

44:03 Humorous Anecdotes and Closing Remarks

Resources Mentioned:

Paul Merkel's website (https://paulmerkelo.com)

Wynton Marsalis (https://wyntonmarsalis.org)

You've been listening to Trumpet Dynamics, telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

To learn more about the show, and to join the Trumpet Dynamics tribe, visit us on the web at trumpetdynamics.com.

And be sure to tap the subscribe button on your phone so you're always up to date with new episodes as they release.

Thank you for listening!

Recorded at the 2024 ITG conference in Anaheim, Greg Spence and Julie Baxes discuss their experiences with focal dystonia, a neurological condition that affects musicians.

Julie shares her "near-recovery" journey from full-on focal dystonia, detailing the struggles and triumphs in rediscovering her musical abilities with the help of Greg's structured teaching approach.

They explore the steps required for overcoming focal dystonia, touching on the importance of stillness, error detection, and positive self-talk.

Additionally, they emphasize the need for greater awareness and support within the musical community to address and treat this condition effectively.

Episode highlights:

01:16 Julie's Journey with Focal Dystonia

01:37 Greg's Teaching Approach

03:32 The Mystery to Mastery Program

05:23 Understanding Stillness and Anxiety

13:30 Julie's Personal Struggles

34:59 Identifying the Error and Initial Reactions

35:58 The Challenge of Stillness and Performer Mode

36:35 The Importance of Closing Eyes in Therapy

38:16 Moving Past Focal Dystonia: The Process

39:24 Individual Factors and Strategies for Recovery

40:47 The Error Trilogy: Detection, Rejection, Correction

41:52 Technical Steps and Psychological Challenges

50:12 The Role of Honesty and Community Support

54:59 Distinguishing Focal Dystonia from Performance Anxiety

57:07 Advice for Preventing Focal Dystonia

01:05:42 Raising Awareness and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned:

mysterytomastery.com

You've been listening to Trumpet Dynamics, telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

To learn more about the show, and to join the Trumpet Dynamics tribe, visit us on the web at trumpetdynamics.com.

And be sure to tap the subscribe button on your phone so you're always up to date with new episodes as they release.

Thank you for listening!

From his early days attempting to join a symphony orchestra to his serendipitous entry into instrument modification, to the present day of crafting high-quality, customized instruments tailor-made to the individual's personality and playing preferences, Ken Larson's's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a deep passion for music.

In this interview, Ken discusses his teaching philosophy for young musicians, the intricacies of trumpet design, and how overcoming personal challenges, including a severe car accident, shaped his approach to both playing and making trumpets.

Ken also delves into the nuanced relationship between a musician's energy and the metal of their instrument, offering a unique perspective that blends both empirical knowledge and personal experience.

Episode highlights:

00:47 Audition Experiences and Overcoming Nerves

02:44 Teaching and Personal Growth

06:22 Journey into Trumpet Playing

08:49 Early Career and Realizations

10:46 Mentorship and Learning

15:39 Accident and Recovery

19:57 Craftsmanship and Instrument Modification

28:05 Deciding the Size and Placement of the Hole

28:15 The Magic of Metal Vibrations

28:47 Rubber vs. Cork Water Key Stoppers

29:23 Yamaha's Adjustable Water Key Lever

30:03 The Placebo Effect in Instrument Sound

33:22 Heat Treating and Metal Softening

33:57 The Impact of COVID on Instrument Sales

35:04 The Philosophy of Trumpet Building

38:07 Balancing Resistance in Trumpet Playing

39:27 The Mental Aspect of Trumpet Playing

39:46 The Role of Fatigue in Finding the Right Equipment

41:48 The Importance of Consistency

46:38 Teaching Young Trumpet Players

50:55 The Community Element in Music

53:42 Conclusion and Future Topics

Resources Mentioned:

Ken Larson's Brasswerks

Connect With the Guest:

kenlarsonsbrasswerks@hotmail.com

You've been listening to Trumpet Dynamics, telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

To learn more about the show, and to join the Trumpet Dynamics tribe, visit us on the web at trumpetdynamics.com.

And be sure to tap the subscribe button on your phone so you're always up to date with new episodes as they release.

Thank you for listening!

In this episode, we speak with Jason Harrelson, founder of Harrelson Trumpets, about his controversial yet innovative approach to trumpet making, focusing on personalization and client-specific designs.

Jason shares his extensive history with serious health issues, including frequent strokes and heart attacks caused by a congenital heart defect (PFO) and only having one carotid artery. He details the struggles and triumphs of relearning life skills after a major stroke in 2012, the road to recovery, and the eventual successful heart surgery.

Despite a challenging journey, Jason's passion for music and commitment to his craft have remained strong. He now aims to educate and inspire others through master classes and clinics, while also continuing to advance trumpet design through his company, Harrelson Trumpets.

Episode Highlights:

01:15 Early Days and Unique Trumpet Designs

02:40 Personalization and Client Reactions

05:55 Health Challenges and Musical Passion

08:55 Living with a Hidden Disability

09:55 Experiencing Heart Attacks and Strokes

13:30 The Major Health Event of 2012

19:15 Seeking Medical Help: The Importance of Finding the Right Doctor

20:40 Understanding PFO and Aura Migraines

23:15 The Role of Trumpet Playing in Health

25:40 The Road to Recovery: Overcoming Strokes and Surgery

31:10 Relearning Life Skills and Trumpet Playing

37:05 Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned:

Harrelson Trumpets

Connect With the Guest:

Instagram

YouTube

You've been listening to Trumpet Dynamics, telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

To learn more about the show, and to join the Trumpet Dynamics tribe, visit us on the web at trumpetdynamics.com.

And be sure to tap the subscribe button on your phone so you're always up to date with new episodes as they release.

Thank you for listening!

In this episode, host James interviews Nikolay Ilyev, a trumpet player and entrepreneur from Vidin, Bulgaria, who operates Iliev Brass Music.

Nikolay shares his musical journey beginning in the sixth grade, his advanced studies in Switzerland with Jean Francois Michel, and his time in the UK. He discusses the unique aspects of Bulgarian music culture, including the importance of folk music and the tradition of wind bands.

Nikolay is launching a new line of trumpets and flugelhorns and has created 'Music Youth Prospects for Vidin' to support young, financially disadvantaged musicians in Bulgaria.

The episode provides insights into Bulgarian musical traditions and Nikolay’s innovative contributions to brass instrument production.

Episode Highlights:

01:42 Nikolay's Musical Journey

02:53 The Music Scene in Bulgaria

06:38 Innovative Trumpet and Flugelhorn Designs

12:03 Supporting Young Musicians in Bulgaria

13:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned:

Music Youth Prospects for Vidin

Connect With the Guest:

Bulgarian trumpet player and brass educator (born July 18, 1975), Nikolay Iliev was born in Vidin, Bulgaria (in the North West of the country). He started playing trumpet at the age of 14 and studied for few years under local professional orchestral and band trumpeters.

In 1999 he enrolled in the trumpet class of Jean-François Michel (a former principal trumpet with the Munich philharmonic)at the Fribourg Conservatoire (Switzerland) and continued his education at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester (UK) under the guidance of Murray Greig and John Miller.

After returning to his home town of Vidin he took on a principal trumpet role with Vidin Philharmonic for 2 years then spent 5 years in Antalya, Turkey playing in show bands for local touristic resorts .

He spent two more years as an orchestral trumpeter (mostly pit work) with Razgrad Philharmonic in Bulgaria before going back to Vidin, this time as a a music directo and music theory teacher for a local school profiled in music and playing for the Vidin Municipality wind band.

In the beginning of 2025 he reopened his company Brass Universe Ltd (which was closed for more than 10 years) and build his first brass instrument (a flugelhorn). He has also started a fund to help local youth musicians with finances for participation in competitions, masterclasses and summer camps.

You've been listening to Trumpet Dynamics, telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

To learn more about the show, and to join the Trumpet Dynamics tribe, visit us on the web at trumpetdynamics.com.

And be sure to tap the subscribe button on your phone so you're always up to date with new episodes as they release.

Thank you for listening!

In this episode, James shares his personal experiences with buying and selling trumpets, including the emotional connection one forms with an instrument. He recounts the story of parting with his Olds Ambassador at the recent ITG conference in Anaheim, and his subsequent search for a new Bb.

James offers insights into the do's and don'ts of selling a trumpet on Facebook, emphasizing the importance of respecting potential buyers and focusing on the emotional and spiritual connection rather than technical details.

He also discusses the challenges of dealing with PayPal fees, the right way to price an instrument, and why you should avoid coming across as needy or desperate in your ads.

Episode highlights:

02:37 Emotional Connection with Instruments

05:02 The Search for a New Trumpet

07:17 How Not to Sell a Trumpet on Facebook

18:01 Final Thoughts on Selling Instruments

You've been listening to Trumpet Dynamics, telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

To learn more about the show, and to join the Trumpet Dynamics tribe, visit us on the web at trumpetdynamics.com.

And be sure to tap the subscribe button on your phone so you're always up to date with new episodes as they release.

Thank you for listening!