Podcast
That's Not Spit, It's Condensation!
Hosted by Ryan Beach · EN
“That’s Not Spit, It’s Condensation” is a weekly podcast with conversations and discussions about all things music. In it, we’ll peel back the layers of what makes great musicians great, hoping to inspire others to achieve their maximum potential.http://thatsnotspit.com
14episodes
Episodes
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#203: Why Do Auditions Burn Players Out (and To Do About It)
4w ago01:00:51Tap to summarizehttps://live.ryanbeachtrumpet.com/auditionsSupport the show
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#202: Jordi Albert - What 1500 Trumpet Players Taught This PhD About Getting Unstuck
Apr 802:01:43Tap to summarizeDr. Jordi Albert has spent 27 years researching trumpet performance, trumpet pedagogy, and musician health. After working with over 1,500 trumpet players — from beginners to professionals — he has developed a research-backed methodology for solving the most common trumpet problems fast.In this episode, Dr. Albert breaks down:Why 98% of professional trumpet players experience learning difficultiesHow inner hearing and audiation directly affect your trumpet techniqueThe neuromotor science behind embouchure problems and how to fix themWhy focal dystonia and overuse syndrome are more common than you thinkHow to practice trumpet more efficiently using sports scienceThe role of lip health and biomechanics in trumpet performanceWhy working harder on trumpet isn't always the answerHow to get unstuck on trumpet without changing your entire approachWhether you're struggling with trumpet high notes, trumpet endurance, trumpet articulation, double tonguing, triple tonguing, embouchure problems, or flexibility, this conversation will change the way you think about practicing and performing.Dr. Albert is the founder of the Global Institute for Music Research (GIMUR) and director of Your Trumpet Studio. His doctoral thesis on learning difficulties in expert motor performance on the trumpet was published by the Polytechnic University of Valencia.🎺 Learn more about Dr. Jordi Albert: jordialbert.com🎺 Your Trumpet Studio: yourtrumpetstudio.comSupport the show
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#201: Dr. Genevieve Clarkson - What Drum Corps Taught This Tuba Professor About Teaching
Mar 2502:09:31Tap to summarizeTuba professor and Bluecoats drum corps instructor Dr. Genevieve Clarkson joins the podcast to talk about what it really means to be a great music teacher. From purposeful practice and growth mindset to the unexpected lessons learned teaching at the highest level of drum corps competition, Jenny shares a philosophy of teaching that is equal parts inspiring and actionable.In this episode we cover:What makes a truly successful music teacherHow to help students practice more effectivelyWhat drum corps taught her about teaching fundamentalsWhy potential matters more than perfectionHow to give feedback that builds confidence instead of fearThe Repertoire Expansion Project and why new music mattersDr. Genevieve Clarkson is Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Oklahoma City University and Lead Brass Instructor with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, the 2024 DCI World Champions. Find her at genevieveclarkson.com and on Instagram @GenevieveClarkson.Support the show
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#200: Chris Martin - NY Phil Principal Trumpet's Practice System
Mar 1102:06:57Tap to summarizePraised as “brilliant…impeccable” by the New York Times and a musician of “effortless understated virtuosity” by The Chicago Tribune, Christopher Martin is Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic. Prior to this, he was Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for eleven seasons. Mr. Martin has enjoyed a distinctive career of more than twenty years as solo trumpet of some of America’s finest orchestras. As a soloist, Christopher Martin is in great demand in New York and around the world and has made several world premieres. Martin’s passion for new music has seen numerous works brought to life in both the orchestral and wind band repertoire. Christopher Rouse’s Heimdall’s Trumpet, John Mackey’s Antique Violences, and Julie Giroux’s Taboo were composed for Mr. Martin. Christopher Martin’s discography includes a solo trumpet performance in John Williams’s score to Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln (2012). 2019 saw the release of Antique Violences with Jerry Junkin conducting the Dallas Winds. Mr. Martin serves on the faculty of The Juilliard School. Christopher Martin is a Yamaha Performing Artist. Support the show
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#199: Kevin McKee - From Trumpet to Composer (Centennial Horizon)
Feb 2501:24:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I'm sitting down with composer and trumpeter Kevin McKee to talk about his journey from trumpet performance to composition, how his playing background shapes his writing, and what makes his music so idiomatic and enjoyable to play. We dig deep into the inspiration and interpretive details behind Centennial Horizon, Kevin's evocative three-movement work for trumpet and piano inspired by Colorado. Kevin also shares details about his book Kevin McKee's Musical Jungle Gym for Trumpet, a gamified fundamentals method designed to keep students engaged through style studies, card-based practice routines, and QR-linked recordings.We covered:-How Kevin got started composing and what kept him going-Writing music you actually enjoy vs. chasing trends-The personal story behind Centennial Horizon (movement by movement)-Performance tips straight from the composer-The Musical Jungle Gym: who it's for and how to use it-Blocked buzzing as a tool for embouchure recovery-Kevin's advice for aspiring composersFind Kevin's music and get in touch at kevinmckmusic.comSupport the show
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#198: Dr. Molly Gebrian - Why Your Practice Isn't Working (According to Science)
Feb 1101:27:34Tap to summarizeMost musicians are practicing wrong—not because they're lazy or untalented, but because traditional practice methods don't align with how the brain actually learns.Dr. Molly Gebrian is a violist, neuroscientist, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better. She teaches at New England Conservatory and has spent years translating brain science into practical strategies for musicians.In this conversation, we dig into:Why taking MORE breaks leads to FASTER progressHow mental practice can solve problems physical practice can'tThe truth about talent (spoiler: it's irrelevant)Why mistakes are essential for learningThe "old way, new way" technique that breaks bad habits in minutesHow to practice in 30-minute segments for maximum efficiencyWhat actually causes performance anxiety (and how to manage it)If you've ever felt frustrated in the practice room, stuck on a plateau, or wondered why hours of practice aren't translating to results—this episode will change how you think about practice forever.Molly's Website: www.mollygebrian.comSupport the show
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#197: Stephen Wadsack - Why This Trumpet Player’s Beliefs About Confidence Held Him Back
Jan 2801:12:14Tap to summarizeConfidence wasn’t missing — it was misunderstood.In this episode, Ryan sits down with trumpet player and educator Stephen Wadsack to unpack how deeply held beliefs about confidence can quietly shape — and limit — the way we practice, perform, and grow as musicians.What starts as a conversation about auditions and orchestral playing turns into something much deeper: how confusing confidence with arrogance, or treating it as a personality trait instead of a byproduct of clarity, can hold even highly skilled players back. Together, they explore how humility, organization, identity, and understanding your fundamentals can actually create the confidence most musicians are searching for.If you’ve ever felt confident in some settings but not others, struggled with comparison, or wondered why hard work doesn’t always translate into freedom on stage, this conversation will resonate.Support the show
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#196: 3 Common Trumpet Practice Problems You Don't Have To Accept
Jan 700:38:31Tap to summarizeMany trumpet players experience frustration, inconsistency, or uncertainty in their practice — and assume that’s just normal.In this video, I break down 3 trumpet practice habits that are common, but don’t have to stay that way.These habits often feel normal because they’re widespread, especially when players work hard without a clear system, feedback loop, or defined outcome. The goal here isn’t to criticize how you practice — it’s to help you understand why these experiences happen and what can change them.In this video, you’ll learn:Why certain frustrating practice experiences are so commonHow these habits affect progress, confidence, and consistencyWhat principles I use to create clearer, more productive practiceHow to rethink practice without invalidating your past experienceThis video is for serious trumpet players who want to practice with more clarity, intention, and confidence — whether you’re a student, amateur, or professional.If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not seeing the results you expect, this will help you understand what’s actually going on.Support the show
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#195: My Philadelphia Audition - What It Felt Like To Make the Finals
Nov 2601:28:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I share the full story of my recent audition for the Principal Trumpet position with the Philadelphia Orchestra — one of the highest-profile trumpet auditions in the world. I made the finals, but the real takeaway wasn’t the result. It was the stillness, clarity, and confidence I felt throughout the entire process, even when things weren’t going my way.If you’re a trumpet player, brass musician, or anyone preparing for orchestra auditions, I hope this story gives you insight into how mindset, identity, organization, and deliberate practice all come together under pressure.Support the show
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#194: Ron Von Dreau - The Secret to Growing a 60+ Student Music Studio
Sep 2401:17:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode of That’s Not Spit, It’s Condensation, I sit down with tubist and teacher Ron Von Dreau to talk about what it takes to build and sustain a thriving private teaching studio.Ron has taught in Texas for decades, managing studios of 60–80+ students while also teaching at the university level, directing band programs, and balancing freelance performing. His story is full of lessons for anyone building a teaching career: from starting with only a handful of students to learning the business side of teaching, earning trust with parents and band directors, and keeping students motivated year after year.We cover:-Ron’s eclectic career path from chamber music to teaching to band directing-How he grew his Texas studio to over 80 students-The importance of reputation, professionalism, and communication-Pedagogical “non-negotiables” that guide his teaching-Why fundamentals and flexibility matter more than flashy methods-The business realities of running a private studio (payments, scheduling, taxes)-His advice for young teachers starting outWhether you’re a brass player, a music educator, or someone curious about what it takes to make a living teaching, this conversation is packed with insight, honesty, and practical advice.👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who might benefit from Ron’s wisdom.Taken from "That's Not Spit, It's Condensation!" Episode-Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!-http://www.linktree.com/thatsnotspitSupport the show
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