Either you’re working to get better, or you’re not working to get better. And everyone that’s working to get better is on the same level, they’re just at different phases of the journey.

~ from the interview

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Some of the best musicians in the world spoke with me long and deeply about music practice, including Chad. That information and much more are in my next book, The Practice of Practice. A Kickstarter campaign is LIVE for The Practice of Practice until April 11, 2014. Learn more about the book, and how it’s different from any other practice book, get the best deal, and help bring the book into the world. It’ll be fun. I promise. Watch the short video.

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Interview with Chad McCullough (audio)

Check out the interview with Seattle-based jazz and classical trumpeterChad McCullough. Last year at the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, Chad and I met and after a quick chat he agreed to talk with me about practice. Not only is Chad an excellent trumpet player, he’s also got piano chops, and this influences his trumpet playing. Listen to the podcast to learn his thoughts about trumpet playing and practice. McCullough just returned to Seattle after a tour of Belgium and release party for his latest album, Imaginary Sketches (out 2-15-11), from Origin Records in the states, and De Werf in Europe. He’s a busy guy and has some other great stuff out, too, including an excellent album from The Kora Band, and he was generous enough to let me use a tune from their latest album to open the podcast. The clip that opens the interview is Over-caffeinated and Under-fed. The Kora is a West-African stringed instrument that has a great sound. It sounds a bit like a Celtic harp, but with a different attitude and more rhythm. Oh, and a giant gourd. Here’s a video clip of Kora master Toumani Diabaté in action. Chad has interesting things to share about practice and how he thinks about music that I found both interesting and useful. Hope you enjoy the interview. Have fun and good luck with your practice. Chad’s Albums: