Episode 126: Hanging With Gerard Presencer

My guest for this episode is Gerard Presencer.
Gerard speaks from experience. Gerard has been on the music scene since the ripe old age of 11 years old when he became the youngest trumpeter of England’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He rapidly became a sought-after session player, head of the jazz department of the prestigious Royal Academy of Music and head of the brass department at the Jazz Institute of Berlin. But Gerard has recently felt the need to shift from stage and studio to a simpler and purer pursuit of his love for music.
Check out what Gerard has to say about his early experiences, his early influences, a rhythmic exercise inspired by Woody Shaw, developing a balanced approach to teaching and playing, finding new ways to express yourself, using four bar blocks to construct a solo, soft quiet and low, the magic of Freddie Hubbard, his passion for teaching, changing his career focus, surprising yourself, practicing being creative, opening yourself up, the challenges of teaching extremely talented students, finding your path, the importance of connection, being a good hang, following your passion, and so much more!
So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!
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Follow Gerard at: / gerardpresencermusic
When you need a break from Higher, Faster, and Louder check out: / 247188660589795
It's time to Go Practice with Bryan Davis @AirflowMusicNYC : airflowmusic.com/
Sound like a million bucks without breaking the bank with Barkley Microphones: barkleymic.com/
Let Vennture Mouthpieces help you on your search for the perfect mouthpiece. Use the code "TRUMPETGURUS21" to get 10% off your purchase: www.vennture.mp/
If you play hard, you need to make sure you show your chops some love with Robinson's Remedies products: bit.ly/ChopLove
Let Jose help you master your mental game: bit.ly/MindfulnessSecrets
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00:00:00 Intro
00:03:33 His early experiences
00:05:58 His early influences
00:09:12 A rhythmic exercise inspired by Woody Shaw
00:13:31 A balanced approach to teaching and playing
00:19:29 Finding new ways to express yourself
00:23:31 Using four bar blocks to construct a solo
00:27:23 Soft quiet and low
00:30:03 The magic of Freddie Hubbard
00:32:29 His passion for teaching
00:36:29 Changing his career focus
00:40:45 Surprising yourself
00:42:40 Practicing being creative
00:45:22 Opening yourself up
00:48:13 The challenges of teaching extremely talented students
00:57:10 Finding your path
01:04:36 The importance of connection
01:09:14 Being a good hang
01:11:17 Following your passion
01:14:50 Go Practice
01:23:24 Sound Off
01:27:41 Geared Up
01:33:11 Rapid Fire Round

[@dreaticadta806]

dicovered via cantaloop ... genius

[@tomrees4812]

He even appeared in a movie starring Michael Caine when he was about 19, although they called him Gerald in the credits. The scene was filmed in Ronnie Scott’s jazz club I think (it looked like it to me) and also featured Charlie Watts on drums.

[@TheTrumpetGurusHangPodcast]

A man of many talents!

[@biffon69]

A total legend!

[@Bazzerine]

Definitely one of your best so far Jose, I really enjoyed that. So much information and passion, and so much to follow up on and look into. Gerard is a top bloke. Thanks to you both 👍

[@TheTrumpetGurusHangPodcast]

Thanks! And I need to start working on some of the practice tips he gave!

[@roanmccormick7923]

Awesome!

[@adude9882]

He speaks like Boy George. Just saying. :)