"Half of trumpet playing is 92% mental."
That Berra-esque butchering of a common refrain of trumpeters is brought to you by Ken Larson's Brasswerks, and today we're honored to feature the one and only Ken Larson on the podcast.
This interview was a long time in the planning as it took quite a bit of time for our schedule's to align (see what I did there?), but we finally made it work and my goodness, it didn't disappoint!
Ken is one of a kind, and as you'll hear in this interview, a trove of knowledge regarding the physics and physicality of playing, and a very practical, no-nonsense approach to whether or not one should pursue the profession of music-making.
I enjoyed this one, and know you will too. (As a gentle reminder, true listeners listen to the podcast at 1x speed, just saying ;)
What you'll hear in this episode:
-Using orchestral auditions to test out new horns lol...03:15
-Success as a musician is 92% mental...05:30
-Ken shares his founding origins as a trumpeter....09:05
-Learning to play efficiently after a major car accident...16:30
-We all have the ingredients; it's up to you to make it happen!...20:30
-How Ken cut his teeth in modifying horns, and working for Bob Malone...23:10
-Why your horn will break into you, not the other way around...27:15
-How the energy of one player is "captured" in the metal of a particular instrument....31:00
-How Ken defines himself as a trumpet player and builder...37:15
-How to tell a client what they need vs. what they think they want...39:30
-How your physiology, fitness, state of mind, even the time of the month can affect your music-making...42:30
-How Ken simplifies things for his trumpet students...48:40
-Music a means of preserving community...52:30
-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...
Resources mentioned:
Ken Larson's Brasswerks
Caruso's "Magic Notes"
