Brass Mastery (Mastery Is Within Reach)

Today we hear from the great Sergei Nakariakov. We will hear about his early interest in playing the trumpet, which was ignited by recordings of Timofey Dokshitzer that his sister brought from Moscow.

Sergei reminisces about how these recordings, especially a Bach prelude, profoundly moved him and set him on the path to becoming a classical trumpet player. He discusses Dokshitzer's influence on his musical approach and artistry, emphasizing Dokshitzer's honest music making and primary focus on music over the instrument itself.

Sergei shares personal anecdotes about meeting Dokshitzer, receiving feedback, and their discussions on musical arrangements. He reflects on Dokshitzer's legacy and the challenge of performing pieces that Dokshitzer had interpreted so well.

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Sergei tells us his first notes on the trumpet were “terrible”.

But with practice, he got better.

Seems like we’ve heard that before.

He quickly developed into a virtuoso trumpeter with dedicated practice, and lots of perseverance!

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In today’s episode, Sergei discusses his approach to performing technically challenging pieces.

Emphasized is the challenge of evoking an emotional response from the audience rather than impressing them with mere technical skill alone.

Sergei shares personal experiences of abandoning certain arrangements that compromise musical integrity, specifically citing his father's adaptation of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto.

Additionally, the discussion highlights notable young trumpet talents like Floris Onstwedder and Lucien Renaud Darvary, with reflections on the importance of proper musical guidance and the merit of playing original repertoire.

**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 final episode of our series featuring legendary trumpet player Sergei Nakariakov, Sergei discusses his unique practice routines, including the nine minutes on, six minutes off method developed by his father.

Reflecting on his journey over the last 25 years, Sergei shares how his approach to practice has evolved, the importance of efficient and disciplined practice, and why he avoids long tones.

He also delves into his love for jazz, inspired by Miles Davis, and how it expanded his musical perspective. Sergei emphasizes the significance of practicing 'soft and slow' to improve accuracy and quality.

Episode highlights:

01:12 Evolving Practice Methods

01:58 Sprint vs. Marathon Practice

02:41 Warm-Up Techniques

03:16 Long Tones Debate

04:24 Personal Practice Philosophy

05:47 Father's Influence on Practice

07:00 Jazz Inspirations

09:32 Changes Over the Years

10:40 Final Thoughts on Practice

**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!

**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

**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

**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.

**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

**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!

**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.

**Mastery Is Within Reach. Will You Go For It?

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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.

Continuing our series with Vince DiMartino, Vince discusses the transition and challenges of playing classical music from other genres, highlighting the importance of using the right methods, such as solfège.

The conversation also delves into Vince’s days as a student at the Eastman School of Music, playing with iconic figures like Clark Terry, which planted seeds for what came to be known as the Great American Brass Band Festival, still held every June in Danville, KY.

Episode highlights:

00:11 Challenges in Classical Music

00:42 Jazz Influence and Methodology

01:41 Early Career and Influences

02:16 Experiences at Eastman School of Music

05:40 Clark Terry and Professional Growth

06:57 Brass Band Festival Origins

10:56 Retirement and Legacy

12:48 Conclusion and Call to Action

**Mastery Is Within Reach. Will You Go For It?

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In this final episode in the series featuring the great Vince DiMartino, Vince shares his insights from his musical journey, his inspirations, and the importance of passionate practice. He reflects on the impact of mentors and the unique atmosphere of his high school music program, the evolving role of technology in music education, and his personal growth as a musician.

Be sure to listen all the way to the end, as Vince’s parting thoughts on leaving a legacy are absolutely on-point and well worth the wait!

Episode highlights:

00:13 Inspiration and Teaching

01:09 Band Director's Influence

02:54 High School Music Experience

05:51 Technology in Music Learning

06:59 Performance and Stamina

07:56 Reflections on Musical Growth

10:35 Closing Thoughts

**Mastery Is Within Reach. Will You Go For It?

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In this episode, the great Chris Botti discusses his journey through the music industry. He reflects on how the industry has shifted from needing record company approval to a more direct relationship with fans and promoters.

The conversation covers his early days at Columbia Records, the importance of the trumpet in his image, and his transition to Blue Note Records. He emphasizes the changing nature of music marketing and the significance of live performances in building a career today.

This is the first of a series of excerpts of an interview I did with Chris. There is much more to come in the coming days. See below for details on accessing the interview in its entirety.

Episode highlights

00:11 The Trumpet's Role in Pop Culture

00:44 The Evolution of Music Promotion

03:32 Navigating the Music Industry

07:11 The Impact of Gatekeepers

08:11 Conclusion and Call to Action

**Mastery Is Within Reach. Will You Go For It?

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Chris Botti offers his thoughts on the transformation of the music industry, focusing on the impact of streaming and the transition from traditional record labels to independent success.

The conversation delves into the rise of podcasts as a new media frontier, highlighting increased democratization and shifting audience consumption habits. With examples from prominent figures like Joe Rogan and Wynton Marsalis, the dialogue underscores the importance of adaptability and niche specialization in today's media landscape.

Episode highlights:

00:11 The Changing Music Industry Landscape

02:21 The Rise of Podcasts

04:05 The Democratization of Media

06:08 Reflections on Jazz and Inspirations

06:18 Tribute to Jazz Legends

08:34 Wynton Marsalis’ Glass Ceiling

11:28 A Backdoor to a Career in Jazz

**Mastery Is Within Reach. Will You Go For It?

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In this episode, Botti delves into the intricacies of making jazz records authentically and contrasts it with live performances.

He discusses his decision to avoid becoming “just another jazz musician” by learning from artists like Leroy Hargrove and the incomparable talent of Wynton Marsalis. Insights are shared on the significance of studio engineering, exemplified by the quality of Miles Davis's 'Kind of Blue' versus live recordings.

We also touch on the technical aspects of live and studio setups, including the use of compression, EQ, and iconic microphones.

Episode highlights:

01:34 The Art of Record Making

03:27 Live Performance vs Studio Recording

04:36 The Role of Engineers and Sound Quality

05:38 Technology and Equipment in Music Production

08:19 Microphones and Iconic Recordings

**Mastery Is Within Reach. Will You Go For It?

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This is Part 4 of our series with the great Chris Botti. In this excerpt, Chris reminisces about collaborating with acclaimed arranger Jeremy Lubbock, his dedication to maintaining his trumpet skills, and the challenges faced by older trumpet players.

The discussion also covers the nuances of trumpet sound projection, the rarity of certain vintage trumpets, and the varying appreciation for classical trumpet music in different markets.

Notable trumpet players such as Sergei Nakariakov, Allison Balsom, and Tine Thing Helseth are briefly mentioned.

Episode higlights:

00:11 Discussing Album Releases and Delays

01:07 Reflecting on Musical Inspirations and Collaborations

02:45 Daily Routine and Maintaining Skills

03:55 The Unique Sound of the Martin Trumpet

08:01 Chris’ Thoughts on Other Great Trumpeters

11:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen to this interview with Chris Botti in its entirety, and ad-free by joining Brass Mastery Premium.

This is part 1 of my interview with the great Vinnie Cieselski, a top player in the Nashville recording scene.

Become a premium subscriber to listen to the nearly 2 hour interview in its entirety!

In this excerpt, Vinnie discusses his experiences as a musician, from humorous encounters with his name's pronunciation to his journey in the music industry.

Vinnie talks about his band 'Vinnie and the Hitmen' and their upcoming projects, including the album 'Kiss the Ring' and a Christmas record 'Public Domain Christmas.'

He shares insights into the music scene in Nashville, the importance of versatility in a musician's career, and his passion for combining classical and modern music elements. Vinny also emphasizes the significance of encouraging young musicians to love all types of music.