Confidence wasn’t missing — it was misunderstood.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with trumpet player and educator Stephen Wadsack to unpack how deeply held beliefs about confidence can quietly shape — and limit — the way we practice, perform, and grow as musicians.

What starts as a conversation about auditions and orchestral playing turns into something much deeper: how confusing confidence with arrogance, or treating it as a personality trait instead of a byproduct of clarity, can hold even highly skilled players back. Together, they explore how humility, organization, identity, and understanding your fundamentals can actually create the confidence most musicians are searching for.

If you’ve ever felt confident in some settings but not others, struggled with comparison, or wondered why hard work doesn’t always translate into freedom on stage, this conversation will resonate.

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Many trumpet players experience frustration, inconsistency, or uncertainty in their practice — and assume that’s just normal.
In this video, I break down 3 trumpet practice habits that are common, but don’t have to stay that way.

These habits often feel normal because they’re widespread, especially when players work hard without a clear system, feedback loop, or defined outcome. The goal here isn’t to criticize how you practice — it’s to help you understand why these experiences happen and what can change them.

In this video, you’ll learn:

Why certain frustrating practice experiences are so common
How these habits affect progress, confidence, and consistency
What principles I use to create clearer, more productive practice
How to rethink practice without invalidating your past experience
This video is for serious trumpet players who want to practice with more clarity, intention, and confidence — whether you’re a student, amateur, or professional.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not seeing the results you expect, this will help you understand what’s actually going on.

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Our sponsor: Houghton Horns
www.houghtonhorns.com

Demondrae Thurman is professor of music in euphonium and chair of the Brass Department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

Thurman has an outstanding international reputation as a euphonium soloist, having performed in Europe, Asia, and throughout North America. Many of America’s premier colleges and universities have hosted him as a performer and teacher, and he continues to be in high demand. Over the past 10 years, he has been an invited guest artist/ clinician at many of the world’s prestigious euphonium festivals, including the International Tuba Euphonium Conference, U.S. Army Band Tuba and Euphonium Conference, and Leonard Falcone Competition. 

Thurman is also an active chamber musician. He plays first euphonium and trombone in the Sotto Voce Quartet, which tours extensively. He also plays first baritone horn in the Brass Band of Battle Creek, a British brass band comprised of many of the world’s best brass and percussion performers. In addition to his chamber music work, he is indemand as a euphonium specialist for symphony orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, and Philadelphia Orchestra.

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In this episode, I share the full story of my recent audition for the Principal Trumpet position with the Philadelphia Orchestra — one of the highest-profile trumpet auditions in the world. I made the finals, but the real takeaway wasn’t the result. It was the stillness, clarity, and confidence I felt throughout the entire process, even when things weren’t going my way.

If you’re a trumpet player, brass musician, or anyone preparing for orchestra auditions, I hope this story gives you insight into how mindset, identity, organization, and deliberate practice all come together under pressure.

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In this episode of That’s Not Spit, It’s Condensation, I sit down with tubist and teacher Ron Von Dreau to talk about what it takes to build and sustain a thriving private teaching studio.

Ron has taught in Texas for decades, managing studios of 60–80+ students while also teaching at the university level, directing band programs, and balancing freelance performing. His story is full of lessons for anyone building a teaching career: from starting with only a handful of students to learning the business side of teaching, earning trust with parents and band directors, and keeping students motivated year after year.

We cover:
-Ron’s eclectic career path from chamber music to teaching to band directing
-How he grew his Texas studio to over 80 students
-The importance of reputation, professionalism, and communication
-Pedagogical “non-negotiables” that guide his teaching
-Why fundamentals and flexibility matter more than flashy methods
-The business realities of running a private studio (payments, scheduling, taxes)
-His advice for young teachers starting out

Whether you’re a brass player, a music educator, or someone curious about what it takes to make a living teaching, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and practical advice.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who might benefit from Ron’s wisdom.Taken from "That's Not Spit, It's Condensation!" Episode
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Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!
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http://www.linktree.com/thatsnotspit

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In this episode, I'm going to break down the real reason auditions feel so brutal—and what separates the winners from everyone else. It's not luck. It's not just talent. It's a learnable set of skills that anyone can develop.

If you’ve ever walked off stage thinking “I thought I was ready… what happened?”—this is for you.

You’ll learn:
✅ The mindset shift that changes everything
✅ Why fundamentals actually matter
✅ The power of a clear, consistent plan
✅ And what most people misunderstand about deliberate practice

If you're ready to take auditions seriously—and stop leaving your success up to chance—listen to this episode and apply what you learn.

If you’re interested in working with me in my audition program, click the link below for more info:
https://live.ryanbeachtrumpet.com/audition-program
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Join my Skool community and watch my free masterclass on the GOLD Method of Practice Organization
https://www.skool.com/practice-independence-6092/about?ref=df99ad5a74574d09b881eb405135b71f

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In this episode, we break down how to master lip trills, develop faster and cleaner technique, and play with more freedom—without adding tension.

You’ll learn why “lip trills” aren’t actually about the lips, how to train your air and embouchure for effortless control, and the exact exercises that build dazzling technique you can trust in any performance.

We also explore how brass band playing can transform your musicianship, the mindset shifts that speed up progress, and practical advice for staying motivated and consistent.

What you’ll learn:
•How to do lip trills on trumpet (and why most players overcomplicate them)
•Trumpet flexibility exercises that improve range and control
•How to build speed and clarity without overthinking
•The embouchure setup that makes lip trills easier
•Why brass band playing develops dynamics, blend, and endurance
•Mindset tips for overcoming plateaus in your playing
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Dr. Douglas Lindsey joined the faculty at the University of Oklahoma in the Fall of 2023. Prior to his time at OU, Dr. Lindsey was the Associate Professor of trumpet and brass area coordinator at Kennesaw State University.

As a soloist, he has performed many times each at the International Trumpet Guild conference, at the Atlanta Trumpet Festival, at the Trumpet Festival of the Southeast, in numerous faculty and guest soloist recitals across the country, and with many high school, community and college bands across the country. Recently, in collaboration with pianist Kristy Olefsky, Dr. Lindsey released his first solo album, Impressions of France. Alongside pianist Judy Cole, he has performed solo recitals all over the Southeast as a founding member of Duo Trompiano.

As an orchestral musician, he has performed as principal trumpet of the Memphis Symphony, as section trumpet with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, as principal trumpet of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, as section trumpet with the Macon Symphony, and spent two summers as an orchestral fellowship winner at the Aspen Music Festival.

His love of building community through music is highlighted by his leadership role in the Georgia Brass Band where he served as President and Principal Cornet for many years. This work culminated in the Georgia Brass Band earning their highest ever placement at NABBA. Recently in 2023 he was tapped to play principal cornet for the award-winning Fountain City Brass Band. In addition to a large variety of concerts in the United States, the band will also travel to England to compete alongside some of the world's finest bands. In addition to brass bands, Dr. Lindsey has spent time on tour in the award-winning University of Wisconsin Brass Quintet and as a member of the Mirari Brass Quintet.

Previous to earning his DMA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Lindsey studied with Allan Dean at Yale, earning his Master of Music with the distinction of winning the John Swallow excellence in brass prize. Prior to Yale he studied with Ray Mase, Louis Ranger, Kevin Cobb, Scott Moore and Richard Rulli. Dr. Lindsey received his music performance and music education degrees magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Dr. Lindsey is a Mercer and Barker mouthpiece and Schilke trumpet artist.
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Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!
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http://www.linktree.com/thatsnotspit

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In this episode of That's Not Spit, It's Condensation, I sit down with Victor Djonorh, longtime band director at Summit Middle School and assistant director at Edmond Santa Fe, to dive deep into the realities of teaching music at the middle and high school level.

We cover:
 🎵 How he accidentally became a tuba player
 🎓 Lessons from his time at Oklahoma City University
 👨‍🏫 What he wishes he knew as a first-year teacher
 💡 How he keeps students engaged (and why relationships are everything)
 📈 The balance between high standards and student well-being
 🎺 Why modeling on your instrument matters more than you think
 🧠 How he stays inspired through burnout and busy seasons

Whether you're a music educator, band director, or just curious about how great teachers make a difference, this episode is full of insight, humor, and practical wisdom.

🎙️ Subscribe for more deep dives into the world of music and education.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Johanna Yarbrough, who recently transitioned from her role as second horn with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to become the Professor of French Horn at Louisiana State University. What begins as a conversation about career trajectory quickly unfolds into a vulnerable and deeply insightful look at the realities of orchestral life—and what it means to grow beyond it.

Johanna shares her early path through public school band, studying abroad in Norway with Frøydis Ree Wekre, and winning the DSO job straight out of Colburn. But we go far beyond the résumé. We dig into:

The hidden toll of orchestral pressure on mental health
How her identity became entangled with achievement
Learning to separate musical excellence from personal worth
The challenges of orchestra culture, groupthink, and navigating difficult personalities
What she now sees as her mission: helping students become not just better players, but better people

From beta blockers and burnout to purpose and pedagogy, this episode explores the messy, human side of a music career. Whether you’re an aspiring orchestral musician, a college student, or a seasoned player wondering “what’s next,” Johanna’s story will hit home.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!

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Sign up for the FREE online masterclass (college students only): https://live.ryanbeachtrumpet.com/gold-method-masterclass-podcast

If you’re a college trumpet player who works hard but still feels stuck in the practice room, this episode is for you.

In this behind-the-scenes conversation, I’m sharing:

• The story behind my free online masterclass
• The common struggles I’ve seen in college trumpet players (and lived through myself)
• Why traditional practice advice often falls short
• An introduction to the GOLD Method—my framework for organizing practice with purpose

This masterclass isn’t just another lecture—it’s a focused, actionable session designed to help you make consistent, measurable progress in the practice room and feel more confident when it counts.

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, this might be the spark you need.

Sign up for the FREE online masterclass (college students only): https://live.ryanbeachtrumpet.com/gold-method-masterclass-podcast

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📌 Who it’s for:
 🎓 College trumpet players
 🥴 Frustrated practicers
 💡 Players ready to get organized, motivated, and make lasting change

🛠 Topics include:
 → Practice structure that works
 → How to set specific goals that stick
 → Building long-term confidence through deliberate repetition

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