Q: What does trumpet virtuoso Chris Gekker say about fundamental work? A: It’s kinda important.

I received some very interesting feedback from an audition today– to be honest, it kind of bummed me out. I heard from two prominent players in the same section, feedback that was exactly diametrically opposed–one said if I’d played in any other hour, I’d have easily advanced– the other, was underwhelmed. (sigh) Auditioning, and receiving [...]

A great lesson for students of all ages.

Q: How do you eat an elephant? A: One bite at a time.   OMG. HELP. I want to curl up in a ball and CRY. WTF? NO WAY MAN. It’s Impossible. I’m out. I quit. I can’t. I’m want to say that I’m embarrassed/ashamed to admit that I too, have had all of these [...]

As I am up FAR too late tonight- I had the opportunity (read here: obligation) to write down my current “Educational Philosophy”. A couple of things come to mind: First: This is what I believe now. Today. Check in month, decade, eon, and things surely will have evolved. Second: Rather than write a narrative about [...]

On Tuesday, July 6th, three outstanding trombonists came and played for the students at Summer Music to promote their upcoming recital at the Lafayette Public Library, July 18th, 7PM. Mr. Timothy Higgins (newly appointed principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), Mr. Paul Welcomer (second trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), and Mr. David Ridge [...]

It’s the quick (and unofficial) launch of my new podcast: (submitting the formal RSS feed to iTunes today, but available now) Meeting with Masters: Thoughts on Music with people who don’t suck. Purpose: Share the life stories and musical insights of outstanding musicians, craftsmen, repair technicians, music businessmen, creative professionals, and people that impress me, [...]

Be still the cockles of my old bitter heart- that nearly brought tears. Wow. I posit a question to you, the trombone community, and tangentially address Allen’s question: HOW, as artists, teachers, humans, and musicians, do we/you convey to our students and the public en masse, that MUSICALITY, and specifically lyric playing of the sort [...]

Don’t miss trombone virtuoso, Mr. Bill Watrous, this Saturday at California State University, East Bay. Rarely do you get the opportunity to hear a world class musician playing and giving advice “in your backyard” for FREE. This event is graciously sponsored by Mr. Dick Akright at A&G Music, coordinated by Mr. Dean Hubbard, and hosted [...]

Look out! “Meeting with Masters, or Thoughts on Music with people who don’t suck” is coming soon! Artwork candidate The premiere episode to feature Mr. Alex Iles, Los Angeles studio trombonist, pedagogue, orchestral musician, and inspiring human. Recorded episodes to come include:Mr. Rod Gilfry – 30 year career as an international Operatic Baritione, star of [...]