The Ian Bousfield Experience

A recent social media post brought the nerd out in me even more ;) Here are my thoughts!

In this episode I share with you the inescapable truth of what it takes to make it at the highest level - and it may come as a surprise. Enjoy!

The QandA session was a such a huge hit, so here are some more questions from you all. Hope you enjoy it!

Show notes:

01:00 - balancing work and life

09:00 - what kind of tools do I use for my students (apps, breathing, recording, etc.)

14:30 - my preparation for a world premiere solo with orchestra

19:26 - adapting to a new city and orchestra. From LSO to VPO, from London to Vienna

36:00 - what to do when waiting for entrances in orchestras

48:45 - what do you do with your mind, how do you keep your concentration when you are waiting to play in an orchestra

We all have people in our lives who have had a huge influence on us. Denis Wick has been a great impact on me throughout my life, and in this podcast I hope you get to learn a little more about him and the influence he had on me as a trombone player, business person and musician.

In this podcast I describe what it was like to work with and be inspired by one of the most natural brass players ever to put a mouthpiece on their face. Many of you will know him to be the trumpet sound behind Star Wars soundtracks. I knew him closely as a colleague, mentor and friend. Get to know him a little better through this.

Not just being about viola jokes, although there are one or two in there ;), this is a podcast on the inspiration I received from the viola section in the Vienna Philharmonic.

In this podcast I attempt to answer all of the wonderful questions that you posted on social media. Some brilliant questions, and I hope that you find the answers interesting. You will find the show notes below with minute markers for specific questions, but please make sure that you listen to the first 3 to 4 minutes of the podcast, as this puts everything in perspective.

00:00 - Intro

02:00 - Equipment: The importance of the right equipment, how to find/pick it and other aspects to consider

09:30 - Leeds United!

10:30 - Difference in sound and style concepts between the London Symphony and Vienna Philharmonic

14:40 - Competitions

23:05 - Key factors of becoming a successful trombonist and musician

25:10 - Playing by memory - is it a necessity?

26:43 - Controlling the facial muscles

27:45 - How to get a strong embouchure and relax the throat + breathing

30:30 - Composing for trombones

31:54 - Dealing with problematic students

32:48 - Mental Preparation

35:46 - Crossing between orchestral and solo playing

38:35 - Advice I'd give my younger self

40:18 - Regrets in my career

41:49 - Being a non-orchestral trombonist and the stigma

45:24 - How to prepare for recitals

49:23 - Stamina in recitals

This is to help guide you as to how to plan your life and your career, starting with your days as a student.

How we speak to ourselves while we are playing and are practicing is of enormous importance. In this podcast I tell you how I learnt as a child and the attitude that was put in my head by my father.

Welcome to the Ian Bousfield Experience! In this first podcast ever, I just briefly explain why I wanted to start. Enjoy, and stay tuned!