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In this episode, James Newcomb is joined by Brian Neal, longtime trumpeter with the Dallas Brass and Professor of Trumpet at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music.

Together, they explore what lies beyond technical mastery in music—why virtuosity alone is not enough, and how true musical communication depends on vulnerability, context, and shared human experience.

Drawing from performance, pedagogy, and decades on stage, the conversation examines how music conveys meaning words cannot, and why the highest form of musicianship is connection, not display.

Resources mentioned:

Brian Neal's Website: https://briannealtrumpet.com

Dallas Brass: https://www.dallasbrass.com

Brian Neal’s Concertante - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLTQjr4_u7M

jamesdnewcomb.com