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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

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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

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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