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.

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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!

**Matt is not a sponsor of the podcast. We simply want to use this platform to highlight people who are doing cool things to improve our lives.**

In this engaging discussion recorded at the most recent ITG Conference in Anaheim, Matt Fattal introduces his innovative product, 'Lip Grip,' designed to enhance grip for brass players, much like gymnasts use chalk to better their grip on various apparatus'.

Driven by a passion to solve a long-standing problem, Matt delves into his three-year journey from conceptualization to bringing the product to market. Despite obstacles, including dealing with toxic substances and conducting numerous trials to find a safe, effective formula, Matt created Lip Grip using hemp derivatives (which comply with the 2018 Farm Bill Act.)

Matt's innovation received overwhelmingly positive feedback at ITG, with product on hand selling out quickly and showing immediate positive effects on users, including a trumpet player with facial spasms.

Matt's dedication extends beyond sales; he aims to fund further research and development to customize this product for individual needs. Discover the story, challenges, and future ambitions behind Lip Grip in this episode.

#Innovation #BrassPlaying #LipGrip #MusicTech #MattFatale #Trumpet #BrassMusician #ITGconference #FarmBillAct #HempAdhesive

Episode highlights:

00:15 Introducing the New Product

00:32 The Inspiration Behind the Product

01:09 Understanding the Problem: Lip Spreading

03:55 The Discovery Process

07:10 Prototype Testing and Feedback

09:49 Market Response and Sales

15:42 Future Plans and Ambitions

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!

**This interview was recorded in 2021 while host James Newcomb resided in Vietnam.**

The great Sergei Nakariakov discusses his early interest in the trumpet, inspired by Timofei Dokshitzer's recordings.

Sergei details his rapid progression in trumpet playing, starting from age 9 and performing with orchestras by age 10. He reflects on his musical influences, including his father's guidance and meeting Dokshitzer himself.

Sergei shares insights into his practice routines, handling difficult pieces, and the importance of musical integrity. He also touches on the challenges of the limited trumpet repertoire and the value of incorporating different styles, like jazz, into his artistic growth.

The interview highlights Sergei's continuous evolution as a musician and his commitment to mastery of music, trumpet, and self.

Episode Highlights:

01:10 Early Inspirations and Influences

03:05 Meeting the Legend: Timofey Dokshitzer

07:13 Rapid Progress and Early Performances

12:31 Challenges and Breakthroughs

15:33 Mastering Complex Pieces

19:17 Balancing Musical Integrity and Performance

20:47 Father's Arrangement and Violin Challenges

21:57 Young Trumpet Talents to Watch

23:50 The Limited Repertoire of Trumpet Players

27:15 Practice Routines and Techniques

34:11 Jazz Inspirations and Musical Perspectives

36:36 Reflections on Musical Journey

38:04 The Key to Effective Practice

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!

**This is a replay of an interview recorded in the summer of 2021.**

In this episode, James interviews Chris Gekker, prolific publisher of method books, professor of trumpet at the University of Maryland, and one of the busiest performing artists on the planet.

Chris talks extensively about his career, his experiences during the pandemic, and his perspective on live versus online music. He shares anecdotes from his early (non-musical) life, his passion for both classical and jazz music, and his transition from a symphony career to a teaching role.

He also provides insights on the physical demands of playing the trumpet and his thoughts on the future of his musical endeavors.

Episode highlights:

00:35 Pandemic Challenges and Adaptations

02:24 Return to Live Performances

06:15 Chris Gekker's Early Life and Musical Beginnings

08:45 Journey Through Education and Early Career

13:53 Transition to Teaching and Writing

17:05 Insights on Trumpet Playing and Method Books

26:01 The Challenges of Playing Trumpet

26:24 Physical Strain and Injuries

27:41 The Unique Demands of High Note Trumpeting

28:42 Hearing Loss and Its Impact

30:00 Transitioning from Theater Work

30:22 The Importance of Jazz

32:19 The Evolution of Jazz Education

38:31 Preparing for Solo Recordings

41:47 Balancing Serious and Popular Music

44:55 The Physical Demands of Trumpet Playing

47:47 Concluding Thoughts

Connect with the guest

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!