June 10, 2021

Unwritten Rules for Musicians, Audition Prep Strategy, Playing Alongside Pops in the Symphony and More w/ Preston Bailey, aka The Bearded Trumpet

50 minutes

I'm sure you have not heard the name Preston Bailey.

Although if you've been on Trumpet Herald recently, like I have, snooping around on gossip columns and ogling over instruments that you have no business looking at, but you look up at them anyway, because that's what we do.

Well I saw a really slick looking ad for The Bearded Trumpet. I thought, man, this guy looks like he knows how to have fun with what he's doing.

And that's just the way to do it. If you're not having fun doing what you're doing, then why do it?

Well, he's been doing it for quite a while and if you listen to some of the clips that he has on his website, you can hear the guy knows his way around a horn.

Now we get to chew the fat with Preston Bailey for just a little while.

Enjoy!

In this conversation with Preston, you'll discover:-How did you get started on trumpet?...01:41

Jeff Bailey is longtime principal player w/ Nashville Symphony
"Didn't know it was possible to fail"

-What was the objective when you decided to make it a career?...12:00-A fail-proof orchestra audition prep strategy...16:00-Life as a pro musician in Music City...22:40

"It's not just country music!"
Jim Williamson
George Tidwell

-How has the pandemic shifted priorities, schedule, how you plan for the future?...28:15

March 2020: A month that will live in infamy in Preston's life

-What was your "why" when you began your career, and how has that changed over time?...36:30

The way you approach your instrument says a lot about you
Book: Jonathan Livingston Seagull
14 years since I've missed a day of practice

-Are there any "unwritten rules" about being successful as a musician?...43:20

Shut up and don't be a jerk
Show consideration
Ear plugs for other musicians

Got a question for Preston or myself? Just leave a comment below, and one of us will reply!Call to action:

If you're listening to this podcast on Apple or Spotify, you're seriously missing out. The Trumpet Dynamics mobile app has content and exclusive bonuses you won't find on a third-party application.

To access the mobile app, visit trumpetdynamics.com

About the guest:

Born in Hendersonville, TN, Preston has been playing the trumpet since he was 11 years old. After earning a Bachelor's of Performing Arts degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Preston went to the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory and completed a Master's of Performing Arts. While at UMKC, Preston was a member of the Fellowship Brass Quintet, the first such brass group to exist at the university.

Preston can be heard on the most recent season of Netflix’s “Lost in Space” and “Space Force,” as well as Tom Hanks’ movie “Greyhound.”

When he’s not performing or teaching, Preston enjoys spending his free time with his wife Chelsea, their two dogs Theo and Olive, and their hedgehog Pepper.

Credits:

Trumpet Dynamics: The Story of the Trumpet, In the Words of Those Who Play It

Host: James Newcomb

Guest: Preston Bailey

Opening music: "Folklore" by Big Big Train

Closing music: "Creepin' With Clark" written and...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com

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By James D. Newcomb

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