That's Not Spit, It's Condensation!

#208: How To Consistently Play Your Best In Orchestral Auditions

Most players who can't produce their best playing in an audition assume the problem is skill. If they could just get a little better, the pressure wouldn't matter. For some players that's true. But there are a lot of musicians who can already play well enough to win a job and still can't reliably show it on the day. If that's you, the problem isn't the skill you have. It's your access to it. Free Winning Auditions Workbook http://www.goldmethod.us/auditions In this episode we talk about what's actually going on when preparation doesn't survive the audition, and what to do about it. Why committees can only respond to what they hear in the moment. Why doing all the "right" things, the hours, the organization, the smart practice techniques, the books, still leaves people walking off stage knowing that wasn't representative. And the shift that changes it. That shift is attention. Under pressure your skill doesn't degrade, your attention does. And your attention is the thing that transfers from the practice room to the stage, because it's been getting trained the whole time, whether or not you were training it on purpose. If your practice is built around noticing what went wrong, that's what you've trained your attention to do, and that's what it will do in the round. We get into: -What a committee is actually deciding, and why it isn't who's the best player -Why "I need to improve my skill" is the first conclusion almost everyone jumps to, and when it's the wrong one -The difference between raising your ceiling and getting access to the ceiling you already have -What attention training is, and where it came from in our work, including the breath meditation we learned from John Baker, a former major league player and mental skills coach -Why the real skill isn't holding your attention in place, but knowing where to return it when it wanders -What changes in the practice room when the goal of a repetition is your attention rather than the sound -What it looks like on stage when you've spent the whole preparation building the headspace you want, instead of trying to find it in the moment Support the show

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#207: The Goal of Orchestral Audition Preparation (No One Showed You This)

Most players preparing for orchestral auditions are working hard on the wrong target. They practice, organize, record, run mock auditions, and work on the mental game, and still walk off stage knowing they have more than they showed. The problem usually isn't effort or talent. No one ever showed them what their audition preparation is supposed to produce. In this episode, Ryan talks about the actual end goal of audition preparation, what has to change in your practice to reach it, and the part most players skip: becoming the type of person who trusts themselves when it matters most. Grab your FREE Winning Auditions Workbook: http://www.goldmethod.us/auditions We look at it through three books that changed how we coach: 📖 The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler — flow state, and why it's the target of your preparation 📖 Peak Mind by Amishi Jha — why your attention, not your skill, is what breaks down under pressure, and how attention can be trained 📖 Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy — values, belief, and deciding who you want to be at the audition In this episode: -Why your best performances all sound the same when players describe them -Why "your skill doesn't degrade under pressure, your attention does" -How balancing challenge and skill changes the way you practice -Turning audition day from "how will I sound?" into "who do I want to be?" -One action step: pick the book that matches where you're struggling most, and read it - Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! - http://www.linktree.com/thatsnotspit Support the show

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#206: Practicing Like This Is Why You Don't Have Confidence At Auditions

FREE Winning Auditions Workbook: http://www.goldmethod.us/auditions - Orchestral audition preparation usually breaks down in the practice room, not on stage. Most classical musicians walk into an audition still wondering whether they practiced enough — and that question is what stops you playing with confidence under pressure. If you struggle with audition nerves, inconsistent playing, or the feeling that your practice isn't transferring to the stage, the cause is probably how you were taught to practice orchestral excerpts in the first place. Find what's wrong and fix it is the most common practice instruction in music, and nobody tells you what to do when the fix doesn't work. So effort becomes the only tool you have, and every practice session turns into a verdict on whether you're good enough. Practice like that long enough and you train your attention to hunt for mistakes — which is the attention you take on stage. In this video: -Why audition anxiety usually starts in your practice routine -The two beliefs that turn a practice session into a test -What a practice repetition looks like when you stop trying to prove and start gathering data -How to build a practice routine that produces real confidence under pressure -Why the progress you're chasing today isn't available today For orchestral musicians, conservatory and graduate students, and working professionals preparing for professional orchestra auditions. Support the show

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#205: This Podcast Is Changing. Here's Why.

Kathleen Costello joins That's Not Spit, It's Condensation as co-host. Kathleen has been principal clarinet of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for 20 years, played with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestra, and performs in a chamber trio. She's also the co-founder — with Ryan — of the coaching program behind this show. In this episode we talk about where this podcast is headed: a resource for classical musicians preparing for professional orchestra auditions, and for anyone trying to perform well under pressure. We share the four beliefs that will guide every episode from here: 1. The problem isn't you. The problem is your system. 2. Under pressure, your skill doesn't degrade. Your attention does. 3. Winning an audition is a question of committee trust — and they can't trust you if you don't trust yourself. 4. The goal isn't to win the audition. The goal is to become the person who can win the audition. If you're taking auditions and want to understand what a committee is actually listening for, grab the free workbook: http://www.goldmethod.us/auditions Ryan Beach spent 11 years as principal trumpet of the Alabama Symphony before leaving in February 2026 to coach musicians full time. Support the show

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#204: Everything I Know About Winning Auditions

Download your FREE audition preparation workbook here: http://www.goldmethod.us/auditions - In this episode, I'm sharing everything I know about how to win a professional audition, with actionable steps so you can apply this to your own audition preparation. - Orion Miller's episode on Jason Heath's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCn6D6OglI8 Support the show

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#203: Why Do Auditions Burn Players Out (and To Do About It)

https://live.ryanbeachtrumpet.com/auditions Support the show

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#202: Jordi Albert - What 1500 Trumpet Players Taught This PhD About Getting Unstuck

Dr. 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 difficulties How inner hearing and audiation directly affect your trumpet technique The neuromotor science behind embouchure problems and how to fix them Why focal dystonia and overuse syndrome are more common than you think How to practice trumpet more efficiently using sports science The role of lip health and biomechanics in trumpet performance Why working harder on trumpet isn't always the answer How to get unstuck on trumpet without changing your entire approach Whether 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.com Support the show

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#201: Dr. Genevieve Clarkson - What Drum Corps Taught This Tuba Professor About Teaching

Tuba 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 teacher How to help students practice more effectively What drum corps taught her about teaching fundamentals Why potential matters more than perfection How to give feedback that builds confidence instead of fear The Repertoire Expansion Project and why new music matters Dr. 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

Praised 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)

In 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 composers Find Kevin's music and get in touch at kevinmckmusic.com Support the show

#198: Dr. Molly Gebrian - Why Your Practice Isn't Working (According to Science)

Most 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 progress How mental practice can solve problems physical practice can't The truth about talent (spoiler: it's irrelevant) Why mistakes are essential for learning The "old way, new way" technique that breaks bad habits in minutes How to practice in 30-minute segments for maximum efficiency What 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.com Support the show

#197: Stephen Wadsack - Why This Trumpet Player’s Beliefs About Confidence Held Him Back

Confidence 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

#196: 3 Common Trumpet Practice Problems You Don't Have To Accept

Many 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 common How these habits affect progress, confidence, and consistency What principles I use to create clearer, more productive practice How to rethink practice without invalidating your past experience This 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

#195: My Philadelphia Audition - What It Felt Like To Make the Finals

In 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

#194: Ron Von Dreau - The Secret to Growing a 60+ Student Music Studio

In 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 out Whether 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/thatsnotspit Support the show

#193: 4 Skills That Separate Audition Winners from Everyone Else

In this episode, I'm going to break down the real reason auditions feel so brutal—and what separates the winners from everyone else. It's not luck. It's not just talent. It's a learnable set of skills that anyone can develop. If you’ve ever walked off stage thinking “I thought I was ready… what happened?”—this is for you. You’ll learn: ✅ The mindset shift that changes everything ✅ Why fundamentals actually matter ✅ The power of a clear, consistent plan ✅ And what most people misunderstand about deliberate practice If you're ready to take auditions seriously—and stop leaving your success up to chance—listen to this episode and apply what you learn. If you’re interested in working with me in my audition program, click the link below for more info: https://live.ryanbeachtrumpet.com/audition-program - Join my Skool community and watch my free masterclass on the GOLD Method of Practice Organization https://www.skool.com/practice-independence-6092/about?ref=df99ad5a74574d09b881eb405135b71f Support the show

#192: Doug Lindsey - Master Lip Trills and Unlock Effortless Trumpet Technique

In this episode, we break down how to master lip trills, develop faster and cleaner technique, and play with more freedom—without adding tension. You’ll learn why “lip trills” aren’t actually about the lips, how to train your air and embouchure for effortless control, and the exact exercises that build dazzling technique you can trust in any performance. We also explore how brass band playing can transform your musicianship, the mindset shifts that speed up progress, and practical advice for staying motivated and consistent. What you’ll learn: •How to do lip trills on trumpet (and why most players overcomplicate them) •Trumpet flexibility exercises that improve range and control •How to build speed and clarity without overthinking •The embouchure setup that makes lip trills easier •Why brass band playing develops dynamics, blend, and endurance •Mindset tips for overcoming plateaus in your playing - Dr. Douglas Lindsey joined the faculty at the University of Oklahoma in the Fall of 2023. Prior to his time at OU, Dr. Lindsey was the Associate Professor of trumpet and brass area coordinator at Kennesaw State University. As a soloist, he has performed many times each at the International Trumpet Guild conference, at the Atlanta Trumpet Festival, at the Trumpet Festival of the Southeast, in numerous faculty and guest soloist recitals across the country, and with many high school, community and college bands across the country. Recently, in collaboration with pianist Kristy Olefsky, Dr. Lindsey released his first solo album, Impressions of France. Alongside pianist Judy Cole, he has performed solo recitals all over the Southeast as a founding member of Duo Trompiano. As an orchestral musician, he has performed as principal trumpet of the Memphis Symphony, as section trumpet with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, as principal trumpet of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, as section trumpet with the Macon Symphony, and spent two summers as an orchestral fellowship winner at the Aspen Music Festival. His love of building community through music is highlighted by his leadership role in the Georgia Brass Band where he served as President and Principal Cornet for many years. This work culminated in the Georgia Brass Band earning their highest ever placement at NABBA. Recently in 2023 he was tapped to play principal cornet for the award-winning Fountain City Brass Band. In addition to a large variety of concerts in the United States, the band will also travel to England to compete alongside some of the world's finest bands. In addition to brass bands, Dr. Lindsey has spent time on tour in the award-winning University of Wisconsin Brass Quintet and as a member of the Mirari Brass Quintet. Previous to earning his DMA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Lindsey studied with Allan Dean at Yale, earning his Master of Music with the distinction of winning the John Swallow excellence in brass prize. Prior to Yale he studied with Ray Mase, Louis Ranger, Kevin Cobb, Scott Moore and Richard Rulli. Dr. Lindsey received his music performance and music education degrees magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Dr. Lindsey is a Mercer and Barker mouthpiece and Schilke trumpet artist. - Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! - http://www.linktree.com/thatsnotspit Support the show

#191: Victor Djonorh - What Middle School Band Directors Really Do (And Why It Matters)

In this episode of That's Not Spit, It's Condensation, I sit down with Victor Djonorh, longtime band director at Summit Middle School and assistant director at Edmond Santa Fe, to dive deep into the realities of teaching music at the middle and high school level. We cover: 🎵 How he accidentally became a tuba player 🎓 Lessons from his time at Oklahoma City University 👨‍🏫 What he wishes he knew as a first-year teacher 💡 How he keeps students engaged (and why relationships are everything) 📈 The balance between high standards and student well-being 🎺 Why modeling on your instrument matters more than you think 🧠 How he stays inspired through burnout and busy seasons Whether you're a music educator, band director, or just curious about how great teachers make a difference, this episode is full of insight, humor, and practical wisdom. 🎙️ Subscribe for more deep dives into the world of music and education. Support the show

#190: Johanna Yarbrough - From Orchestral Challenges to Teaching with Impact

In this episode, I’m joined by Johanna Yarbrough, who recently transitioned from her role as second horn with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to become the Professor of French Horn at Louisiana State University. What begins as a conversation about career trajectory quickly unfolds into a vulnerable and deeply insightful look at the realities of orchestral life—and what it means to grow beyond it. Johanna shares her early path through public school band, studying abroad in Norway with Frøydis Ree Wekre, and winning the DSO job straight out of Colburn. But we go far beyond the résumé. We dig into: The hidden toll of orchestral pressure on mental health How her identity became entangled with achievement Learning to separate musical excellence from personal worth The challenges of orchestra culture, groupthink, and navigating difficult personalities What she now sees as her mission: helping students become not just better players, but better people From beta blockers and burnout to purpose and pedagogy, this episode explores the messy, human side of a music career. Whether you’re an aspiring orchestral musician, a college student, or a seasoned player wondering “what’s next,” Johanna’s story will hit home.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! Support the show

#189: Is Vennture the Future of Mouthpiece Design for Trumpet Players? | Doug McVey

Doug McVey is the founder of Vennture mouthpieces. He guides the technical direction of Vennture, oversees the development of VennCAD, and designs the tooling and processes used to produce Vennture custom mouthpieces. www.vennture.mp Support the show