The Trombone Retreat

Send us a text Watch the video of this interview on our YouTube channel! In this episode of the Trombone Retreat podcast from the Third Coast Trombone Retreat, hosts Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz have an engaging conversation with Jeff Dee, principal bass trombonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony. They discuss Jeff's unique journey in music, from his humble beginnings as a young trombone player to his prestigious performances with world-renowned orchestras. Jeff shares stories about his time in Shanghai, overcoming significant challenges, and the critical influences and experiences that shaped his career. They also dive into technical aspects of performance, teaching strategies, and Jeff’s personal interests, including his audio equipment hobby and extensive vinyl collection. The conversation is filled with insightful advice for young musicians and amusing anecdotes, making it a compelling listen for all music enthusiasts. 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings 00:42 Discussing New Year's Traditions 01:45 Interview with Jeff D: Beginnings and Career 08:07 Jeff's Journey to Music School 10:42 Challenges and Triumphs in Music Education 23:43 From SMU to Julliard: A Path to Excellence 33:57 Experiences in Shanghai and Jacksonville 45:22 The Bolero Challenge 46:53 Navigating Auditions and Career Moves 48:44 Mindset and Preparation for Success 55:33 The Pittsburgh Symphony Experience 01:06:29 Adapting to Visual Challenges 01:11:38 Audiophile Adventures 01:19:20 Rapid Fire and Reflections Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com Support the show

Send us a text What if confidence isn’t a mystery, but a practice you can schedule? We sit down with trombonist and educator Brittany Lasch to explore how a teen who left high school early for Manhattan School of Music became a sought-after soloist, Detroit Opera principal, and assistant professor at Indiana University. From a Star Wars spark to deep mentorship with Per Brevig and the late Steve Norrell, Britt shares how fundamentals, buzzing, and musical curiosity shaped her sound—and how honest conversations about performance anxiety, including the careful use of beta blockers with medical guidance, unlocked the ability to perform under pressure. We dig into the real engine of growth: reps that matter. Weekly mock auditions, steady coaching, and deliberate listening create familiarity that quiets nerves. Britt explains why younger players who live in that cycle often win, and why today’s students must go beyond playlists to know the repertoire, orchestras, and players by name. We also zoom out: a pandemic-era Götterdämmerung staged in a parking garage, a life lifted by animal rescue (yes, that viral Dodo feature), and a marathon habit that translates directly to stage stamina. Endurance, boundaries, and identity beyond the horn keep the work sustainable. You’ll hear practical strategies for managing auditions, teaching insights from the IU studio and its selective trombone choir, and new recital repertoire worth adding to your list. It’s a warm, candid tour of a modern brass career: part orchestra, part soloist, part studio leader, and wholly grounded in resilient habits. If you’re ready to build confidence the reliable way—one thoughtful rep at a time—press play, subscribe, and share this with a friend who needs a nudge. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com Support the show

Send us a text Follow the Trombone Retreat on YouTube and watch this episode! Interview with Jazz Trombonist of the Year Michael Dease | Third Coast Trombone Retreat Podcast Welcome to the Trombone Retreat podcast by the Third Coast Trombone Retreat. In this episode, hosts Sebastian Vera and Nicholas Schwartz welcome distinguished jazz artist Michael Dease, who was named Downbeat Magazine's 2025 Trombonist of the Year. They discuss Dease's journey in music, highlights from his career, and his experiences as a multifaceted musician proficient in several instruments. Dease shares insights about his teaching philosophy, his recording projects, and his recent Guggenheim Fellowship, along with his personal anecdotes and favorite gear. Enjoy an engaging conversation filled with wisdom and humor, perfect for any music enthusiast. Experience JSV Mouthpieces: https://houghtonhorns.com/products/verus-sebastian-vera-tenor-trombone-mouthpiece-verusjsv 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 00:29 Reflecting on the Interview 01:23 Product Promotion and Banter 02:19 Reconnecting with Michael Deese 02:45 Memorable Moments and Bourbon 03:27 Travel Plans and Upcoming Gigs 04:45 Discussing 'City Life' Album 08:27 Musical Journey and Instrument Mastery 18:49 Jazz Education and Career Reflections 31:29 Guggenheim Project and Future Plans 39:52 Sterling Silver Mouthpiece 40:26 The Allure of Precious Metals in Music 41:24 Exploring Different Mouthpiece Materials 43:06 The Sterling Silver Mouthpiece Experiment 44:14 Spontaneity in Music and Life 44:32 Custom Mouthpieces and Their Impact 45:50 Rapid Fire Questions 46:24 Reflecting on Personal and Musical Growth 54:05 The Future of Jazz Trombone 56:02 The Influence of Horror Movies on Music 57:42 The Importance of Trust in Teaching 01:00:23 Closing Thoughts and Farewells Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com Support the show

Send us a text Nick and Sebastian visit jolly England to visit the British Trombone Festival. While there they had a chance to sit down with Peter Moore, the prodigious trombonist whose career drew great attention from the age of only 12 years old! From his beginnings in brass bands to his breakthrough on the BBC Young Musician stage, Peter's story is one of talent, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. We traverse through his early days, the pressures of performing on television, and his iconic fashion choices that marked his early performances. With witty exchanges about American and British terminology sprinkled throughout, this episode captures the essence of Peter’s vibrant personality and the passion he holds for his craft. Our discussion then moves to the intricacies of Peter's career, including his transformative experience with the London Symphony Orchestra. He candidly shares the emotional rollercoaster of balancing professional commitments with personal growth, and the unforeseen opportunities that shaped his path. We explore the challenges of transitioning from an orchestral role to the uncertainties of a solo career, underscoring the mental strength required to chase new ambitions. Peter’s reflections offer profound insights into the world of professional musicianship, highlighting both the exhilaration and the solitude that come with the territory. We wrap up with a forward-looking perspective on Peter's upcoming projects, including new works, albums, and a tour across the United States. This episode is a joyride through the world of trombone performance, exploring the art of musical expression and the global community that defines it. With anecdotes, advice, and a shared love for the trombone, it’s a celebration of music, passion, and the shared quest for artistic communication. Whether you’re a seasoned trombone enthusiast or new to the brass scene, this conversation with Peter Moore is sure to resonate and inspire. Thank you to the leadership of the British Trombone Society and Festival and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for inviting us with special thanks going to Simon Minshall, Rupert Whitehead and Edward Jones! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com Support the show

Send us a text We're now on YouTube! Enjoy this episode with our new enhanced video content on our YouTube channel, please like and subscribe!! Join us for an inspiring conversation with the legendary trombonist Ian Bousfield as we navigate through the vibrant realm of trombone music. Ian shares his incredible journey in an engaging discussion on the transformative power of music in an unforgettable exploration of musical connections and experiences. Our discussion unfolds the unexpected bonds formed through podcasting, illustrating how stories and respectful discourse can bridge diverse backgrounds. Ian reflects on how podcasting became a therapeutic platform during COVID, offering a space to share opinions and connect with a global audience. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding music within its cultural context, drawing parallels with wine tasting, and appreciating unique musical interpretations. Insights into the dynamics of conducting in different regions and the evolving definition of musical success provide a deeper understanding of the art form. Furthermore, Ian reveals the emotional depth and familial influences that shape a musician's legacy. He shares touching stories of nurturing resilience in children, balancing a demanding career with family life, and inspiring the next generation of musicians. Through candid anecdotes, Ian recounts pivotal career moments and the enduring friendships formed along the way, from the London Symphony Orchestra to the Vienna Philharmonic. This episode is a celebration of music's profound impact on personal and professional life, encapsulating the shared experiences that unite the global trombone community. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz Thank you to our season sponsor Houghton Horns: www.houghtonhorns.com Support the show