**Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.comIn this third and final installment of my interview with Chris Coletti, Chris shares his thoughts on entrepreneurship, particularly as it pertains to musicians. Drawing from his own experiences and insights, we discussthe balance between maintaining artistic passion and facing the realities of “real” musical jobs, such as playing in a full-time orchestra. Key points include the constant need for innovation, the importance of self-improvement, balancing personal and professional life, and the challenges of continuous touring. Chris briefly mentions personal interactions with great brass masters such as Joe Alessi and Phil Smith, and personal practices such as meditation and learning new skills for growth and motivation.Episode highlights:00:11 The Entrepreneurial Musician01:19 Orchestra Life: A Unique Perspective02:04 The Continuous Journey of Success04:01 Keeping the Passion Alive in Canadian Brass08:24 Maintaining Health and Motivation on Tour10:26 Balancing Life and Learning New Skills 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

**Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.comWe continue our conversation (recorded in 2021) with Chris Coletti, longtime member of Canadian Brass, and now professor at Ithaca College.In this segment, Christ shares the challenges and rewards of balancing a high-profile performance career with family life and an academic job. As the COVID-19 pandemic altered traditional concert opportunities, Chris encouraged his students to adapt to the circumstances by engaging in virtual gigs and remote collaborations. Now on a tenure track, he enjoys a supportive community at Ithaca, mentoring students with diverse musical aspirations ranging from band direction to sound recording technology. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurial skills for musicians in the modern landscape and reflects on the serendipitous aspects of his career and family life.Episode highlights:00:11 Life After Fame: Balancing Family and Career01:37 Teaching at Ithaca College02:10 Pandemic Performances and Virtual Gigs03:05 Student Ambitions and Career Paths07:11 The Reality of a Music Career07:54 Creating Opportunities in Music09:05 Conclusion and Joining the Brass Mastery Tribe 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

**Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.comToday we hear from Chris Coletti, longtime member of the Canadian Brass. This interview was recorded way back in 2019, just a few weeks after Chris left his full-time post with Canadian.In this excerpt, Chris reflects on his initial goals, the inspiring mentorship he received at Juilliard, and the profound changes in his outlook on life and music after joining the Canadian Brass. He also shares memorable moments performing internationally and the unique joys of connecting with a passionate fanbase.Be sure to tune in for tomorrow’s edition when we dive deeper into Chris’ career, including the reasons why he stepped away from Canadian Brass! 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

In this final episode of our series featuring legendary trumpet player Sergei Nakariakov, Sergei discusses his unique practice routines, including the nine minutes on, six minutes off method developed by his father. Reflecting on his journey over the last 25 years, Sergei shares how his approach to practice has evolved, the importance of efficient and disciplined practice, and why he avoids long tones. He also delves into his love for jazz, inspired by Miles Davis, and how it expanded his musical perspective. Sergei emphasizes the significance of practicing 'soft and slow' to improve accuracy and quality.Episode highlights:01:12 Evolving Practice Methods01:58 Sprint vs. Marathon Practice02:41 Warm-Up Techniques03:16 Long Tones Debate04:24 Personal Practice Philosophy05:47 Father's Influence on Practice07:00 Jazz Inspirations09:32 Changes Over the Years10:40 Final Thoughts on Practice 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

In today’s episode, Sergei discusses his approach to performing technically challenging pieces. Emphasized is the challenge of evoking an emotional response from the audience rather than impressing them with mere technical skill alone. Sergei shares personal experiences of abandoning certain arrangements that compromise musical integrity, specifically citing his father's adaptation of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. Additionally, the discussion highlights notable young trumpet talents like Floris Onstwedder and Lucien Renaud Darvary, with reflections on the importance of proper musical guidance and the merit of playing original repertoire. **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com 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

Sergei tells us his first notes on the trumpet were “terrible”.But with practice, he got better.Seems like we’ve heard that before.He quickly developed into a virtuoso trumpeter with dedicated practice, and lots of perseverance!Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com 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