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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

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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

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