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This episode is not just for musicians but for anyone who has ever felt defined by their work. Remember, you are more than what you do.

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If you've ever pondered your identity outside your career, share your thoughts or questions in the comments. Let's continue this conversation together!

Release Date: 08.01.2025
Host: Ian Bousfield
Podcast Name: The Ian Bousfield Experience
Podcast Episode: 057

Join me as I reflect on recent concerts, share insights into my musical journey, and explore the deep connection I feel between myself and my instruments.

1. Concert Highlights and Festival Experiences

2. Balancing Artistic Passion and Personal Life

3. The Power of Silence in Artistic Inspiration

4. Emotional Connections with Musical Instruments and Historic Spaces

Join me as I share insights into building your own spare parts as a musician, drawing parallels between music and craftsmanship. From crafting your practice routine to identifying your personal challenges, we'll explore the journey of honing your skills to become an advanced

Episode Outline:

Hey, everyone!

Welcome to today's episode, where I'm delving into a reflective and somewhat emotional discussion as I celebrate my 60th birthday. Join me as I share my thoughts on aging, evolving goals, and the continuous journey of self-discovery. It's a momentous occasion, and I'm excited to take you along on this introspective journey.

00:00 - 00:55: Introduction and Emotional Reflection

01:26 - 02:47: Life's Competitive Goals to Personal Growth

03:13 - 04:32: Goals at 60: Continuous Improvement and Love for Music

05:00 - 06:46: Motivation Through Love and Joy

12:14 - 13:40: Spectacular Birthday Present!

https://www.ianbousfield.com/

Hey, everyone!

Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to subscribe for more reviews and musical content!

With so much great equipment out on the market, I decided to take a look through and see if I can help guide how you spend your hard earned cash. Hope you enjoy it! You can also find the video on my YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/wg7ZJXFrwg4

I'll share my personal struggles as to whether I should play this music, and in general the responsibility of handling pieces of great art. Hopefully adding humour to trying to finding life's meaning in the music. Let's remember: tackle challenging pieces seriously and embrace the ongoing quest for improvement.

Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:45:14)

In the opening segment, I share my initial reflections on the unique experience of playing Bach on the cello.

Versatility of Bach's Cello Suites (00:00:45:16 - 00:02:25:18)

We delve into the versatility of Bach's compositions for cello,

Performer's Responsibility and Rostropovich (00:02:25:20 - 00:04:48:24)

Reflecting on the performer's responsibility, I discuss Rostropovich's approach and touch on perhaps why he waited so long before recording them.

Phrasing, Breathing, and Personal Experiences (00:04:49:01 - 00:07:40:20)

Emphasising the significance of phrasing and breathing, I share personal anecdotes about my struggles and growth during practice.

Articulation, Interpretation, and Final Thoughts (00:07:40:22 - 00:11:49:02)

Let's explore the role of articulation, delve into my perspective on the debate, and discuss cautionary advice. I'll conclude with remarks on the gravity of approaching challenging musical pieces.

Hey everyone!

Today, I want to share a bit about my approach to fitness and mental well-being as a musician. I've received some great questions from you, and I thought it's time to dive into this important aspect of our lives.

00:00:00 - 00:02:32:19 | Finding My Fitness Groove

I kick off my day with a morning routine that includes a run to the fitness studio, some cardio on the elliptical trainer, weights, and a refreshing swim or cold shower. I'm not a long-distance runner, but I love sprinting, and staying active makes a huge difference in how I feel. It's not about impressing anyone; it's about feeling better in my own skin.

00:02:33:00 - 00:11:47:03 | Balancing My Diet

Let's talk diet. I follow a mostly vegan diet for a few days a week, but I'm no purist. I enjoy a good steak when I feel like it. I've even concocted my own calorie bomb – a mixture of peanut butter, tahini, and honey – that keeps me satisfied. It's about finding what works for you, not following trends.

00:14:01:10 - 00:18:56:23 | Dealing with Stress and Pressures

Being a musician comes with its fair share of stress, whether it's performing in front of an audience or dealing with the bureaucracy of the industry. I've faced setbacks, financial challenges, and moments of self-doubt. But when I pick up my instrument, it all fades away. Music is my refuge.

00:18:57:00 - 00:34:41:19 | Handling Setbacks in Music and Life

Life is full of setbacks, from financial hurdles to personal challenges. But I've learned that setbacks are part of the journey. Playing the trombone is not just about fixing technical issues; it's about being a good person, enjoying the process, and transmitting the joy of music.

Get ready to dive deep into the world behind the brass curtain. In this episode, we'll unravel the intricate nuances of trombone competitions. I'll be questioning the very fabric of judging criteria, sharing candid insights into the influence of teachers, and exploring the real purpose of competitions. We'll also delve into the impact on musicians' development and the often-overlooked role of orchestral positions in shaping solo careers. Hope you enjoy!

00:00:00 - 00:03:48: The Paradox of Competitions in Music

* Exploring the historical significance of European trombone competitions, their impact on solo careers, and the paradoxical nature of competitions in the music industry.

00:03:48 - 00:06:13: The Blind Spot of Trombone-Centric Judgments

* Discussing the perspective of trombone players, the influence of personal taste in competitions, and the need for a broader, more musically relevant judging panel.

00:06:13 - 00:09:49: Conflicts of Interest and Lack of Fairness

* Addressing conflicts of interest in competitions, the compromised appearance of fairness, and the challenge of maintaining integrity in judging panels with personal connections.

00:09:49 - 00:13:35: Rethinking the Purpose of Competitions

* Questioning the true purpose of competitions, emphasising the need for relevance to a professional career, proposing the inclusion of agents on judging panels, and critiquing the current focus on preparation over performance.

00:13:35 - 00:19:22: Beyond Taste: A Call for Impartiality

* Advocating for an impartial judging process, drawing parallels with wine tasting, and challenging the simplistic judgment based on personal taste in competitions, with a focus

00:19:22:17 - 00:23:31:13 The Role of Competitions in Music

* Discussion on the impact of competitions on musicians' careers. Emphasis on the importance of adequate training and responsibility for both teachers and participants

00:23:31:15 - 00:24:52:15 Jury Feedback and Competition Integrity

* Insights into the jury feedback system in competitions. Calls for a more constructive feedback system.

00:24:52:17 - 00:25:45:02 Rethinking Trombone Competitions

* Critique of the current format of trombone competitions and a call for positive changes. Expresses the need to consider alternative perspectives, possibly involving musicians from different instruments in jury panels.

00:25:45:04 - 00:33:14:12 Becoming a Soloist: Challenges and Opportunities

*Exploration of the path to becoming a soloist, highlighting the experiences of successful trombonists like Christian Lindberg and discussing the role of orchestral positions in fostering solo careers.

00:33:14:12 - 00:36:56:00 Building a Solo Career: Advice and Reflection

* Reflections on defining a soloist, the importance of determination, and the role of orchestral positions in solo opportunities. Offers advice on aspiring soloists and expresses gratitude for the community.

Join me as I ramble through duality in the classroom, my dad's dogs, Marco Pierre White and perfection.