The Ian Bousfield Experience

The Ian Bousfield Experience

Ian Boufsield

I have had the incredible privilege to experience amazing musical moments, develop my teaching and growing as a musician over my career, and I have always loved sharing what I've learnt. That is why I am so excited about the Ian Bousfield Experience - now I can share these insights with you, no matter where you are!​Welcome to the Ian Bousfield Experience! I have had the incredible privilege to experience amazing musical moments, develop my teaching and growing as a musician over my career, and I have always loved sharing what I've learnt. That is why I am so excited about the Ian Bousfield Experience - now I can share these insights with you, no matter where you are!On the Ian Bousfield Experience you will hear episodes from my What I Learned From... series, my Heroes of Pedagogy interview series, Q&A Sessions from my listeners, a mix of highlights from masterclasses, lessons and keynotes, as well as my thoughts on a broad range of topics including pedagogy, the trombone, performance and the classical music world.To listen, head to your favorite podcasting service and search for The Ian Bousfield Experience. Leave a review on iTunes and let me know what you think!

Where can you listen?

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Episodes

Episode 058 - Do You Need To Be a Good Player To Be a Good Teacher?

Episode 058 - Do You Need To Be a Good Player To Be a Good Teacher?

2025-01-22

In this episode, I delve into the age-old debate: does one need to be an exceptional musician to teach music effectively? Join me as I share personal anecdotes, discuss the impact of teaching at different stages of a student's development, and explore the importance of exposing students to musical excellence. From my experiences with students to reflections on my own teaching methods, this episode is packed with insights for musicians, teachers, and anyone interested in the art of teaching.

Show Notes/Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Outtake 02:15 - Main Question: Must You Be a Good Player to Teach? 05:45 - Personal Reflections & Experiences 10:30 - The Importance of Methodical Teaching 15:00 - Exposure to Excellence 20:10 - The Role of a Teacher 25:20 - The Myth of the Perfect Teacher 30:00 - Real-Life Teaching Moments 35:45 - Conclusion Music Education Trombone Teaching Music Performance Teacher-Student Relationship Musical Excellence


Tags:

Music Education Trombone Teaching Performance Excellence Musical Development Teaching Techniques
26:36
Episode 057 - Who Am I Without My Instrument?

Episode 057 - Who Am I Without My Instrument?

2025-01-08

Description: In this introspective episode, we delve into the profound question posed by one of my students: "Who am I without my instrument?" Join me as we explore the nuances of identity, self-worth, and the personal journey beyond the confines of our professions. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, I share insights on separating our self-esteem from our professional achievements, the joys and challenges of musicianship, and the importance of personal growth over legacy.

This episode is not just for musicians but for anyone who has ever felt defined by their work. Remember, you are more than what you do.


Key Points Discussed:

Identity and Music: How I differentiate between being a musician and being a person. Self-Esteem: The impact of professional setbacks on personal identity and why it's crucial to base self-worth on who we are, not what we do. Personal Stories: Remembering Maurice Murphy for his personality rather than his trumpet playing; my father's influence on my understanding of identity. Life After the Vienna Philharmonic: My decision to leave to discover my true self, the initial failure, and the eventual personal success. Professional vs. Personal Identity: The dangers of defining oneself by an institution or job title. The Joy of Music: How playing the trombone serves as my therapy, voice, and joy, yet isn't the entirety of my identity. On Not Leaving a Legacy: My philosophy on living in the present moment and moving forward without a focus on posterity.

Highlights:

"When I think back to those no longer with us, I remember who they were, not what they did." "Our self-esteem should be based on our growth as individuals, not on our professional roles." "I left the Vienna Philharmonic to find out who I was, without the orchestra's name attached to mine."

Keywords for Search:

Identity, musician, self-esteem, Vienna Philharmonic, personal growth, music therapy, professional identity, self-discovery, trombone, legacy, Maurice Murphy, career failure.

Timestamps:

[00:01] Introduction to the question "Who am I without my instrument?" [05:00] Discussing the impact of profession on personal identity [10:30] Personal anecdotes on remembering loved ones [15:45] Leaving the Vienna Philharmonic and the journey of self [20:00] The importance of not defining oneself by job or achievements [25:10] Music as more than a profession: therapy, voice, and joy [30:00] Reflecting on the philosophy of not living for posterity

If you've ever pondered your identity outside your career, share your thoughts or questions in the comments. Let's continue this conversation together!


Release Date: 08.01.2025
Host: Ian Bousfield
Podcast Name: The Ian Bousfield Experience
Podcast Episode: 057

17:25
Episode 56 - The Importance of Doing What You Do

Episode 56 - The Importance of Doing What You Do

2024-05-22

Join me as I reflect on recent concerts, share insights into my musical journey, and explore the deep connection I feel between myself and my instruments.

1. Concert Highlights and Festival ExperiencesJoin me as I recount recent concerts and festivals where I have performed. We'll delve into the world of musical performance and camaraderie.Time Stamp: 0:00 - 2:28

2. Balancing Artistic Passion and Personal LifeMy thoughts on the delicate balance of pursuing artistic passion while navigating the intricacies of family and work life. Time Stamp: 2:28 - 5:07

3. The Power of Silence in Artistic InspirationMy thoughts on the transformative impact of silence and reflection on artistic creativity. From finding solace in moments of stillness to cultivating inspiration from time spent contemplating, we'll explore how embracing silence can fuel our artistic journey.Time Stamp: 5:07 - 7:52

4. Emotional Connections with Musical Instruments and Historic SpacesI share the intimate relationship I feel between myself and my instruments. This goes further into the significance I find in spaces.Time Stamp: 7:52 - End

22:45
Episode 55: Building Your Own Spare Parts - The Musician's Guide

Episode 55: Building Your Own Spare Parts - The Musician's Guide

2024-04-05

Join me as I share insights into building your own spare parts as a musician, drawing parallels between music and craftsmanship. From crafting your practice routine to identifying your personal challenges, we'll explore the journey of honing your skills to become an advanced instrumentalist.

Episode Outline:

Embracing the World of Tea and the Journey of Building a Recording Studio (00:00:00 - 00:05:06)

Introduction to the episode and the importance of setting up a conducive environment for music production.

The Importance of Building Your Own Spare Parts (00:05:06 - 00:10:45)

Discussing the significance of developing your unique musical skills and techniques.

Understanding the Challenges of a Musician's Career and the Concept of the Swiss Army Knife (00:10:45 - 00:15:36)

Exploring the diverse challenges musicians face and the analogy of being a versatile performer.

Confronting Personal Challenges and Recognizing the Importance of Individualized Practice (00:15:36 - 00:23:10)

Addressing personal obstacles in music and the value of tailored practice routines.

Exploring Equipment and Personal Revelations in Teaching (00:23:10 - 00:30:04)

Delving into the role of equipment in music production and personal insights gained through teaching experiences.
33:35
Episode 54: Reflections at 60: Aging, Goals, and a Spectacular Birthday!

Episode 54: Reflections at 60: Aging, Goals, and a Spectacular Birthday!

2024-02-16

Hey, everyone!

Welcome to today's episode, where I'm delving into a reflective and somewhat emotional discussion as I celebrate my 60th birthday. Join me as I share my thoughts on aging, evolving goals, and the continuous journey of self-discovery. It's a momentous occasion, and I'm excited to take you along on this introspective journey.

00:00 - 00:55: Introduction and Emotional ReflectionExpressing my feelings about turning 60 and the surprising impact it has had on me. Reflecting on the internal battles and thoughts about life and career.

01:26 - 02:47: Life's Competitive Goals to Personal GrowthTracing the evolution of my goals from competitive achievements to personal growth and becoming the best version of myself. Discussing the transition from being goal-oriented to focusing on being the best me I can be.

03:13 - 04:32: Goals at 60: Continuous Improvement and Love for MusicSharing current goals, including continuous improvement in trombone playing and the enduring love for music. Discussing the internal battles and motivations to keep going.

05:00 - 06:46: Motivation Through Love and JoyDelving into the enduring motivation derived from the love of life and music. Discussing the joy of playing the trombone and the never-ending journey of creating sound and music.

12:14 - 13:40: Spectacular Birthday Present!Giving a hint at my spectacular birthday present tied to childhood dreams. Reflecting on the importance of celebrating life's milestones.

Thank you for joining me on this introspective journey. Don't forget to subscribe for more content, and if you're curious about my special birthday present, sign up for the newsletter at my website [link below] for an exclusive look! Cheers to life, music, and the journey ahead.

https://www.ianbousfield.com/

14:07
053 - Tatu Mute Review - Unboxing, Sound Test, and Durability Test!

053 - Tatu Mute Review - Unboxing, Sound Test, and Durability Test!

2024-02-14

Hey, everyone! In today's podcast, I'll be diving into a detailed review of the Tatu Mutes made in Hungary. At first glance, I was skeptical due to its lightweight and flexible design, but after putting it to the test, I was pleasantly surprised. Join me as I explore its features, sound quality, and durability in this comprehensive review.

00:00 - 01:05: First Impressions and Design

Discussing the Tatu Mute's 3D printed construction, perceived flimsiness, and initial thoughts on its style, weight, and comfort.

01:11 - 02:11: Sound Quality and Playing Test

Evaluating the Tatu Mute's sound quality, intonation, and playability through various tests, including a high register exploration.

02:20 - 03:41: Durability Test and Build Quality

Performing a durability test, dropping the Tata Mutes onto a hard floor, examining cork quality, and addressing concerns about its light and flimsy appearance.

03:58 - 06:11: Final Thoughts, Price, and Rating

Summarizing the Tatu Mute's overall performance, expressing satisfaction, discussing the retail price of €99, and providing a current rating of 94 marks out of 100.

Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to subscribe for more reviews and musical content!https://linktr.ee/ianbousfieldofficial

06:11
Episode 052 - Harmon Mutes Review!

Episode 052 - Harmon Mutes Review!

2024-01-12

With so much great equipment out on the market, I decided to take a look through and see if I can help guide how you spend your hard earned cash. Hope you enjoy it! You can also find the video on my YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/wg7ZJXFrwg4

11:53
Episode 51 - Should We Play The Cello Suites?

Episode 51 - Should We Play The Cello Suites?

2024-01-02

I'll share my personal struggles as to whether I should play this music, and in general the responsibility of handling pieces of great art. Hopefully adding humour to trying to finding life's meaning in the music. Let's remember: tackle challenging pieces seriously and embrace the ongoing quest for improvement.

Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:45:14)

In the opening segment, I share my initial reflections on the unique experience of playing Bach on the cello.

Versatility of Bach's Cello Suites (00:00:45:16 - 00:02:25:18)

We delve into the versatility of Bach's compositions for cello,

Performer's Responsibility and Rostropovich (00:02:25:20 - 00:04:48:24)

Reflecting on the performer's responsibility, I discuss Rostropovich's approach and touch on perhaps why he waited so long before recording them.

Phrasing, Breathing, and Personal Experiences (00:04:49:01 - 00:07:40:20)

Emphasising the significance of phrasing and breathing, I share personal anecdotes about my struggles and growth during practice.

Articulation, Interpretation, and Final Thoughts (00:07:40:22 - 00:11:49:02)

Let's explore the role of articulation, delve into my perspective on the debate, and discuss cautionary advice. I'll conclude with remarks on the gravity of approaching challenging musical pieces.

12:59
Episode 50 - My Approach to Fitness and Mental Well-being as a Musician

Episode 50 - My Approach to Fitness and Mental Well-being as a Musician

2023-12-01

Hey everyone!

Today, I want to share a bit about my approach to fitness and mental well-being as a musician. I've received some great questions from you, and I thought it's time to dive into this important aspect of our lives.

00:00:00 - 00:02:32:19 | Finding My Fitness Groove

I kick off my day with a morning routine that includes a run to the fitness studio, some cardio on the elliptical trainer, weights, and a refreshing swim or cold shower. I'm not a long-distance runner, but I love sprinting, and staying active makes a huge difference in how I feel. It's not about impressing anyone; it's about feeling better in my own skin.

00:02:33:00 - 00:11:47:03 | Balancing My Diet

Let's talk diet. I follow a mostly vegan diet for a few days a week, but I'm no purist. I enjoy a good steak when I feel like it. I've even concocted my own calorie bomb – a mixture of peanut butter, tahini, and honey – that keeps me satisfied. It's about finding what works for you, not following trends.

00:14:01:10 - 00:18:56:23 | Dealing with Stress and Pressures

Being a musician comes with its fair share of stress, whether it's performing in front of an audience or dealing with the bureaucracy of the industry. I've faced setbacks, financial challenges, and moments of self-doubt. But when I pick up my instrument, it all fades away. Music is my refuge.

00:18:57:00 - 00:34:41:19 | Handling Setbacks in Music and Life

Life is full of setbacks, from financial hurdles to personal challenges. But I've learned that setbacks are part of the journey. Playing the trombone is not just about fixing technical issues; it's about being a good person, enjoying the process, and transmitting the joy of music.

34:12
Episode 49: How to become a soloist + competitions - do we need them?

Episode 49: How to become a soloist + competitions - do we need them?

2023-11-17

Get ready to dive deep into the world behind the brass curtain. In this episode, we'll unravel the intricate nuances of trombone competitions. I'll be questioning the very fabric of judging criteria, sharing candid insights into the influence of teachers, and exploring the real purpose of competitions. We'll also delve into the impact on musicians' development and the often-overlooked role of orchestral positions in shaping solo careers. Hope you enjoy!

00:00:00 - 00:03:48: The Paradox of Competitions in Music

* Exploring the historical significance of European trombone competitions, their impact on solo careers, and the paradoxical nature of competitions in the music industry.

00:03:48 - 00:06:13: The Blind Spot of Trombone-Centric Judgments

* Discussing the perspective of trombone players, the influence of personal taste in competitions, and the need for a broader, more musically relevant judging panel.

00:06:13 - 00:09:49: Conflicts of Interest and Lack of Fairness

* Addressing conflicts of interest in competitions, the compromised appearance of fairness, and the challenge of maintaining integrity in judging panels with personal connections.

00:09:49 - 00:13:35: Rethinking the Purpose of Competitions

* Questioning the true purpose of competitions, emphasising the need for relevance to a professional career, proposing the inclusion of agents on judging panels, and critiquing the current focus on preparation over performance.

00:13:35 - 00:19:22: Beyond Taste: A Call for Impartiality

* Advocating for an impartial judging process, drawing parallels with wine tasting, and challenging the simplistic judgment based on personal taste in competitions, with a focus

00:19:22:17 - 00:23:31:13 The Role of Competitions in Music

* Discussion on the impact of competitions on musicians' careers. Emphasis on the importance of adequate training and responsibility for both teachers and participants

00:23:31:15 - 00:24:52:15 Jury Feedback and Competition Integrity

* Insights into the jury feedback system in competitions. Calls for a more constructive feedback system.

00:24:52:17 - 00:25:45:02 Rethinking Trombone Competitions

* Critique of the current format of trombone competitions and a call for positive changes. Expresses the need to consider alternative perspectives, possibly involving musicians from different instruments in jury panels.

00:25:45:04 - 00:33:14:12 Becoming a Soloist: Challenges and Opportunities

*Exploration of the path to becoming a soloist, highlighting the experiences of successful trombonists like Christian Lindberg and discussing the role of orchestral positions in fostering solo careers.

00:33:14:12 - 00:36:56:00 Building a Solo Career: Advice and Reflection

* Reflections on defining a soloist, the importance of determination, and the role of orchestral positions in solo opportunities. Offers advice on aspiring soloists and expresses gratitude for the community.

37:15
Episode 48: What is Perfection?

Episode 48: What is Perfection?

2023-11-07

Join me as I ramble through duality in the classroom, my dad's dogs, Marco Pierre White and perfection.

40:31
Episode 47: The Christian Lindberg Interview

Episode 47: The Christian Lindberg Interview

2022-06-15

Want to know how he has achieved what he has achieved and what makes him tick? I found the interview fascinating, not least because he was so open. I think you are going to enjoy this one! 

33:21
Episode 46: Photoshopped Recordings

Episode 46: Photoshopped Recordings

2022-02-24

Does the end of the pandemic spell disaster for YouTube sensations? Opinion given as fact, and many other topics including how to enjoy practicing scales and the truth about practice mutes!

28:59
Episode 45: Does Analysis Lead to Paralysis?

Episode 45: Does Analysis Lead to Paralysis?

2021-11-27

In this episode I talk all around this famous statement, encompassing being extra ordinary, the difference between concentration and awareness, plus a smattering of scales and regular bowel movements!

37:34
Episode 44: The Jeremy Wilson Interview!

Episode 44: The Jeremy Wilson Interview!

2021-11-10

Jeremy and I have so many interesting chats - here is your chance to eavesdrop! You will hear all about Jeremy's musical beginnings and you'll hear me put him through his pedagogical paces ;)

01:42:56
Episode 43: A Tale of Two Beaches + Goodbye Bernard

Episode 43: A Tale of Two Beaches + Goodbye Bernard

2021-10-24

I was fortunate enough to visit two very beautiful, yet very different coastal resorts this autumn. Here are my experiences. Plus, I couldn't help but add my few words to the many already written about the passing of Bernard Haitink.

36:07
Episode 42: Spirituality

Episode 42: Spirituality

2021-07-31

Join me as I discover a form of spirituality in the practice room and am reminded of the communion of music. Also, a call to action to make sure that the arts are never sidelined again.

39:00
Episode 41: Competition Update, and Why Arthur Pryor is not a Load of Rubbish!

Episode 41: Competition Update, and Why Arthur Pryor is not a Load of Rubbish!

2021-05-07

Follow my adventures in organising the fairest and most representative competition I can, plus take an amusing look at my childhood and Arthur Pryor.

32:40
Episode 40: Who Am I Without the Trombone and Mike Lovatt's Big Question (and Many More!)

Episode 40: Who Am I Without the Trombone and Mike Lovatt's Big Question (and Many More!)

2021-03-16

Lots of great questions. Apart from the above: how to have a lucky day and inventiveness in the practice room.

51:52
Episode 39: Soft Skills, Bad Pedagogy (?), and the Future of Conservatoires

Episode 39: Soft Skills, Bad Pedagogy (?), and the Future of Conservatoires

2021-03-06

Following some big questions raised by Matthew Bragstad, Tim Riordan and Tony Boorer I've been tempted into some big answers!
LAUNCHING MY COMMUNITY: if you want to keep up to date as I build and launch my own community, follow the link below and sign up for the newsletter!
https://www.ianbousfield.com/contact

50:19

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