BTT Podcast

Can You Draw a Kaplarbin? | Be The Turtle Podcast

Last episode, we got sidetracked talking about the technical side of playing, so we’re picking up where we left off. This episode dives into Kaplarbin and the importance of hearing what you actually play versus what you think you’re playing.

Sometimes the biggest improvement in your playing comes from learning to listen differently.

🐢 Be The Turtle Podcast — small steps, consistent work, and better musicianship.

#trumpet #trombone #tuba #musiceducation #frenchhorn

The Art of Letting Go | Slurs & Air Flow

This episode explores slurs, air flow, and the pursuit of effortless playing. We discuss technique, teaching, and learning when to stop forcing things and let the process work.

#BeTheTurtle #BTTPodcast #MusicMasteryMeaning #Tuba #BrassPedagogy #MusicEducation #TurtleMindset #EffortlessPlaying #LettingGo #MusicMindset

Welcome to the first episode of BTT Happy Hour: The Green Room!

We’re bringing the entire University of Oklahoma brass faculty together for an honest, relaxed conversation about music, teaching, life at OU, and the experiences that shape us as musicians and educators. We share stories, reflect on our careers, talk about what we’re learning from today’s students, and explore how our perspectives on music and teaching have changed over time.

No lectures. No formal masterclass. Just good conversation with the people behind the instruments.

Pull up a chair, join us in the Green Room, and be part of the conversation.

BTT Podcast — Music. Mastery. Meaning.

#BTTPodcast #BeTheTurtle #MusicEducation #BrassPlayers #MusiciansOfInstagram #MusicProfessor

🎵 THE METRONOME IS NOT YOUR MOM

We’re all about the small victories in music.

A metronome improvement of one click is a win. Take the win.

Good time isn’t just about counting. It’s about feel, movement, conversation, and eventually developing an internal pulse strong enough that you don’t need the metronome holding your hand every second.

We talk about practicing at a tempo where you can actually play it well, why long notes still have a specific amount of time, rubato and “borrowing time,” and why the metronome should be more like Mom—you may not need her every day anymore, but you should probably still call home.

And yes…

We didn’t lose this week.

That’s a win in my book. 😂

🎙️ Be The Turtle Podcast
Music. Mastery. Meaning.

#BeTheTurtle #BTTPodcast #MusicMasteryMeaning #Tuba #Trumpet #Trombone #Euphonium #FrenchHorn #BrassBand #Orchestra #WindBand #Metronome #Musicians #MusicEducation #MusicPractice #PracticeTips #BrassPlayers #MusicianLife #MusicTeacher #MusicProfessor #FYP

Self-Doubt Is/Was My Superpower | Be The Turtle Podcast

Is self-doubt always a bad thing?

In this episode of the Be The Turtle Podcast, Brian and Doug talk about the little voice in our heads that tells us we aren’t good enough—and how that voice can sometimes become fuel.

But what happens when we stop needing self-doubt to motivate us? We talk about moving from fear and proving ourselves toward confidence, creativity, trust, and simply creating great things.

We also talk about long-term thinking, learning to trust the process, gratitude, regret, and the importance of taking one small step at a time.

Music Mastery and Meaning.

#BeTheTurtle #BTTPodcast #SelfDoubt #MusicMastery #MusicEducation #MusicianLife #Musicians #MusicStudents #Brass #Tuba #Trumpet #Trombone #Euphonium #FrenchHorn #BrassBand #Orchestra #WindBand #CollegeMusic #HighSchoolMusic #MusicTeacher #BandDirector #MusicProfessor #PerformanceAnxiety #MusicalMindset #Practice #MusicalGrowth #MusicianMindset #OU #SoonerMusic

This week on Be The Turtle Podcast, Brian Dobbins and Doug Lindsey sit down with Dr. Justin “Jay” Cook, Professor of Trombone at the University of Oklahoma.

Jay shares his journey as a musician and educator and his thoughts on auditions, preparation, teaching, finding your voice, and the lessons music teaches us beyond the notes.

Another conversation about becoming a better musician—and a better human.

🐢 Be The Turtle — Music Mastery & Meaning

#BeTheTurtle #MusicMastery #JustinCook #Trombone #Tuba #Trumpet #Euphonium #FrenchHorn #BrassBand #Orchestra #WindBand

Dr. Matt Reynolds, Horn Professor at OU joins us today to discuss how he because a professional musician and the important aspects he values as a musician.

College can feel like a constant race. In this episode, we talk about the challenge of managing classes, practice, studying, work, relationships, and everything else competing for your time. We also discuss procrastination, distractions, the 20-Minute Rule, and the difference between Rabbit panic and having a Turtle mindset. We begin with a conversation about finding your voice, especially for freshmen who are still discovering who they are as musicians. Doug Lindsey joins us to share his perspective and experience with time, priorities, and making the most of the time we’re given. 🐢

Finding Your Voice — We explore what it means to find your own sound as a musician—and your own voice in life. From developing your sound on the horn to confidence, imposter syndrome, self-worth, and learning to trust yourself, this episode is about doing the work until you have the proof to believe in yourself.

https://youtu.be/zjn_ZidN42U?si=fcZ4rmKtGjFa0QOj

https://youtu.be/TwC0Db7oerM?si=hXc1M77JpPCgNs_O

Brian and Doug explore the daily routines that create great musicians—and great lives. From fundamentals and discipline to confidence, self-worth, and recovering when life knocks you off course.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=RD89jOPAGJq-M&playnext=1&si=hTNwD-ZLIi7i7pNL

https://youtu.be/QzYmvFinNs0?si=kKmyRJs2YC1ZTAkO