Brass Mastery

Mastery Is Within Reach
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Brass Mastery

Brass Mastery... What does that even mean? There's always something to work on; something that can be done better. Some thing that wasn't perfect. And even if we achieve some level of success on a brass instrument - have we truly mastered it? It's always two steps forward, one step back, isn't it? making the idea of Brass Mastery truly elusive. But what if our instrument is not the thing we should be trying to master. Maybe there's more to Brass Mastery than playing higher, faster and louder than the next guy. What if we are the ones we need to master? Our body, mind and spirit. And if we are able to master ourself, does it even matter whether we master our instrument? My name is James D. Newcomb, and in this podcast we will uncover the secrets of those who have seemingly mastered their brass instrument. We will dive deep into conquering those elements - body, mind, spirit (with just enough pedagogy to keep it real) - in hopes of taking our playing and our quality of life to the next level. Will some view this project as a high-minded fool's errand? Just another podcast that's trying to make a quick buck? Perhaps. But I'm willing to take that risk to see if Brass Mastery is truly possible. Will you join me? Then let's begin. brassmastery.substack.com

  1. What Keeps Vince DiMartino Motivated to Play At a High Level?

    1 DAY AGO

    What Keeps Vince DiMartino Motivated to Play At a High Level?

    **Mastery Is Within Reach. Will You Go For It? Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com In this episode, we explore the journey of mastering the trumpet with the great Vince DiMartino. Vince discusses the motivation behind continuous growth and helping others improve faster, emphasizing the importance of changing one's approach to practice. We touch on learning methodologies, such as the Suzuki method, and the mechanical aspects of playing the trumpet. Of note in the discussion is the significance of using one's ears over eyes when learning to play, and recounts personal experiences with music education and performance. Listeners are encouraged to adjust their practices for better results and embrace a mindset of constant evolution in their musical journey. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com/subscribe

    10 min
  2. Passion > Perfection

    2 DAYS AGO

    Passion > Perfection

    **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com Jeroen discusses his experiences and preferences between performing as a soloist and playing in an orchestra. He highlights the greater artistic freedom and personal satisfaction he finds in solo performance compared to the structured yet powerful experience of orchestral playing. Jeroen shares that his journey included 10 years of intense orchestral work, followed by a more balanced lifestyle in Germany. He also credits yoga and meditation for enhancing his confidence and awareness, contributing to his decision to pursue solo performance. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of variety and balance in his musical career. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com/subscribe

    4 min
  3. Risk-Taking and Mastery in Brass Music

    3 DAYS AGO

    Risk-Taking and Mastery in Brass Music

    **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com Our series with Jeroen Berwaerts continues. Today we’re talking about risks, and why taking risks is essential if we’re to master our instrument. The important thing is that you form a connection with the audience. People appreciate when you take risks in pursuit of mastery, even if the performance isn’t perfect! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min
  4. Jeroen Berwaerts on the Sound of Silence: Meditation and the Master Musician

    4 DAYS AGO

    Jeroen Berwaerts on the Sound of Silence: Meditation and the Master Musician

    **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com We continue with our series of excerpts from an interview I did with the great Jeroen Berwaerts in 2020. You might hear some references to the issues of the day, i.e. Covid, but the heart and soul of this clip is exactly what I want to share with the Brass Mastery audience! JN This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com/subscribe

    5 min

  5. 5 DAYS AGO

    What Keeps Jeroen Berwaerts' Fire Going?

    **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com Today we begin a series of excerpts from an interview I did with the great Jeroen Berwaerts back in 2020. As you may recall, the world looked quite different then, so we touched briefly on how he survived the pandemic-era music scene, but most importantly focused on how Jeroen keeps the fire burning within, even after achieving so many great things as a brass player. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min

  6. 6 DAYS AGO

    Chris Coletti [Part 3]

    **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com In this third and final installment of my interview with Chris Coletti, Chris shares his thoughts on entrepreneurship, particularly as it pertains to musicians. Drawing from his own experiences and insights, we discussthe balance between maintaining artistic passion and facing the realities of “real” musical jobs, such as playing in a full-time orchestra. Key points include the constant need for innovation, the importance of self-improvement, balancing personal and professional life, and the challenges of continuous touring. Chris briefly mentions personal interactions with great brass masters such as Joe Alessi and Phil Smith, and personal practices such as meditation and learning new skills for growth and motivation. Episode highlights: 00:11 The Entrepreneurial Musician 01:19 Orchestra Life: A Unique Perspective 02:04 The Continuous Journey of Success 04:01 Keeping the Passion Alive in Canadian Brass 08:24 Maintaining Health and Motivation on Tour 10:26 Balancing Life and Learning New Skills This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min

  7. 2 NOV

    Chris Coletti [Part 2]

    **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com We continue our conversation (recorded in 2021) with Chris Coletti, longtime member of Canadian Brass, and now professor at Ithaca College. In this segment, Christ shares the challenges and rewards of balancing a high-profile performance career with family life and an academic job. As the COVID-19 pandemic altered traditional concert opportunities, Chris encouraged his students to adapt to the circumstances by engaging in virtual gigs and remote collaborations. Now on a tenure track, he enjoys a supportive community at Ithaca, mentoring students with diverse musical aspirations ranging from band direction to sound recording technology. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial skills for musicians in the modern landscape and reflects on the serendipitous aspects of his career and family life. Episode highlights: 00:11 Life After Fame: Balancing Family and Career 01:37 Teaching at Ithaca College 02:10 Pandemic Performances and Virtual Gigs 03:05 Student Ambitions and Career Paths 07:11 The Reality of a Music Career 07:54 Creating Opportunities in Music 09:05 Conclusion and Joining the Brass Mastery Tribe This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com/subscribe

    9 min

  8. 1 NOV

    Chris Coletti [Part 1]

    **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com Today we hear from Chris Coletti, longtime member of the Canadian Brass. This interview was recorded way back in 2019, just a few weeks after Chris left his full-time post with Canadian. In this excerpt, Chris reflects on his initial goals, the inspiring mentorship he received at Juilliard, and the profound changes in his outlook on life and music after joining the Canadian Brass. He also shares memorable moments performing internationally and the unique joys of connecting with a passionate fanbase. Be sure to tune in for tomorrow’s edition when we dive deeper into Chris’ career, including the reasons why he stepped away from Canadian Brass! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com/subscribe

    9 min
See All (13)

About

Brass Mastery... What does that even mean? There's always something to work on; something that can be done better. Some thing that wasn't perfect. And even if we achieve some level of success on a brass instrument - have we truly mastered it? It's always two steps forward, one step back, isn't it? making the idea of Brass Mastery truly elusive. But what if our instrument is not the thing we should be trying to master. Maybe there's more to Brass Mastery than playing higher, faster and louder than the next guy. What if we are the ones we need to master? Our body, mind and spirit. And if we are able to master ourself, does it even matter whether we master our instrument? My name is James D. Newcomb, and in this podcast we will uncover the secrets of those who have seemingly mastered their brass instrument. We will dive deep into conquering those elements - body, mind, spirit (with just enough pedagogy to keep it real) - in hopes of taking our playing and our quality of life to the next level. Will some view this project as a high-minded fool's errand? Just another podcast that's trying to make a quick buck? Perhaps. But I'm willing to take that risk to see if Brass Mastery is truly possible. Will you join me? Then let's begin. brassmastery.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Mastery Is Within Reach
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brass Mastery
  • Show Website
    Brass Mastery

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