The Trumpet’s Tale: From Fierce Competition to a Broader Horizon

My life, especially in the realm of trumpet playing, was once defined by high stakes and intense competition.

Reflecting back, I wonder whether this pressure was self-imposed or an inherent part of the cutthroat musical world.

I vividly recall the fierce competition at Juilliard auditions, where hundreds vied for just a couple of spots.

This competitive spirit was ingrained in me throughout high school and college, continually driving me to improve, to succeed, to excel in performance.

However, this constant pressure, this do-or-die atmosphere, gradually started to erode the joy I found in playing the trumpet.

It’s a dilemma many artists face: how does one grow beyond such an environment?

My turning point came after a particularly challenging experience at the Maurice André competition.

Despite a poor performance in the first round, an organizer’s words of encouragement made me rethink my approach.

It was then, around the early 2000s, that I decided to shift my focus.

Winning competitions no longer mattered to me.

I yearned for a more authentic, fulfilling relationship with my instrument.

This led me to explore the Baroque trumpet, a decision that, ironically, plunged me back into a high-pressure environment.

The lack of established teachers and the need to self-learn added to the challenge. I was once again grappling with the pressure to perform and make a name for myself.

All while managing a hectic schedule of teaching and freelancing.

Despite the joy and satisfaction this period brought, the relentless travel and the demands of maintaining a high level of performance began to wear me down.

I was adamant about not letting my standards slip; I didn’t want to be the musician who gradually moves from complex pieces like the Brandenburg Concerto to simpler, more manageable works.

I also craved to explore other aspects of life, to broaden my horizons beyond the confines of music.

This curiosity led me to diverse ventures, including running an oil company. I wanted to demonstrate that musicians, or artists in general, are capable of thriving in multiple realms.

It was important for me to seize these unique opportunities and grow in different ways. This journey, though enriching, brought its own set of stresses, distinct from those I faced in the world of music.

Now, as I look back, I see the benefits and positive aspects of my time with the trumpet more clearly, aspects that were once obscured by the constant demands of the music world. My journey with the trumpet, from the intense competition to exploring new frontiers, has been a significant part of my growth. It’s a testament to the idea that the path of an artist can lead to unexpected and fulfilling destinations.