That's Not Spit, It's Condensation

24/09/2025

What does it really take to build and maintain a thriving private teaching studio?

This week I sat down with tubist and educator Ron Von Dreau, whose career in Texas has included teaching 60–80+ private students, running a university studio, directing bands, and navigating the business side of music education.

Ron’s story is full of lessons for musicians:
✅ Why reputation is the most important form of job security
✅ How to avoid burnout when teaching dozens of students
✅ The non-negotiables he teaches every student
✅ The biggest mistakes new teachers make (including a $15,000 one!)
✅ Balancing pedagogy, professionalism, and business

Whether you’re a brass player, a private teacher, or just curious about what it takes to make a living teaching music — this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways.

Listen here 👉 https://youtu.be/lk-impnojb8

If you know a music teacher who would benefit from this, tag them in the comments or share this episode with them!

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 th...

16/07/2025

Teaching middle school band is no small task—and Victor Djonorh has been doing it at a high level for nearly a decade.

In this episode, we talk about what he’s learned over 10+ years in the classroom:
✅ How to actually keep students engaged
✅ The balance between challenge and accessibility
✅ What makes a band program work
✅ The importance of modeling on your instrument
✅ And why strong relationships matter more than perfect playing

Whether you’re a music educator or just curious what it takes behind the scenes, this conversation is full of honest insight, practical wisdom, and plenty of laughs.

🎧 Watch or listen here: https://youtu.be/DNjKsKwxMpU

Tag a fellow band director who would appreciate this one!

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 ...

18/06/2025

Interview with Doug McVey, Founder of Vennture Mouthpieces, Inc.

In this in-depth conversation, we dive into the innovative world of mouthpiece design with Doug McVey, the engineer behind Vennture Mouthpieces. From how Vennture’s unique customization process helps players find the perfect fit to the cutting-edge tools like VennCAD and 3D printing that are changing the game—Doug shares insights that every trumpet player needs to hear!

If you’ve ever wondered how small tweaks to your gear can make a BIG difference in your sound and performance, this interview is a must-watch!

What do you look for in a mouthpiece? Let us know in the comments!

Doug McVey is the founder of Vennture mouthpieces. He guides the technical direction of Vennture, oversees the development of VennCAD, and designs the toolin...

04/06/2025

I had the privilege of interviewing Michael Anderson—my undergrad trumpet teacher and someone who’s shaped hundreds of lives through music education. After more than four decades of teaching, including 21 years at Oklahoma City University, he’s officially retired.

In this episode, we talk about:
▪️ What makes a student truly successful
▪️ The mistakes he learned from
▪️ Why praise should be earned
▪️ The creativity behind great teaching
▪️ And the deep impact a teacher can have—even beyond the trumpet

Whether you’re a music educator, student, or just someone who values mentorship, this conversation is worth your time.

🎥 Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/js2NTnC9ZaY

👇 Tag a teacher who changed your life!

Michael Anderson is the recently retired Professor of Trumpet at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University. He is a member of the Interna...

07/05/2025

“Ever wonder what it really takes to win a top opera job?”

Will Baker’s journey to becoming bass trombonist at the Lyric Opera of Chicago wasn’t easy.
He faced years of rejection, self-doubt, near misses, and the terrifying feeling that his window of opportunity might be closing.

But he didn’t quit.
Instead, he figured out how to shift from practicing perfectly… to playing freely and musically when it mattered most.

In this inspiring interview, Will shares his full story — including the setbacks, breakthroughs, and lessons that helped him finally win.

If you’re a musician (or chasing a big dream), this conversation will speak to you.

Watch here →

William A. Baker, was appointed Bass Trombonist of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra in 2024 by Music Director Enrique Mazzola. He also currently serves a...

24/04/2025

What is the process behind creating an etude book? Are short etudes better than longer ones? Also, why is cornet valuable for developing as a trumpet player? And why is brass band such an incredible experience? In this episode, Jen Oliverio and I talk about it, and more! Check it out!

Buy the book!https://www.jenniferoliverio.com/product-page/18-short-etudes-bb-treble-clef-Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!-http://w...

13/04/2025

Ever wondered how successful solo competition winners prepare? How do these players handle failure when they dont win? In my conversation with 2024 Roger Voisin Memorial Trumpet Competition winner Grace O’Connell, we cover these topics and much more!

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!-http://www.linktree.com/thatsnotspit

30/03/2025

Had a GREAT conversation with San Diego Symphony principal trumpet Chris Smith about developing the upper register on the trumpet, as well as his thoughts on what makes a trumpet audition successful. Check it out!

Building the Upper Register and How To Win An Audition | Chris Smith

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!-http://www.linktree.com/thatsnotspit

06/06/2024

This is a must watch for anyone needing an embouchure change, teaching an embouchure change, afraid of an embouchure change, or wanting more information about an embouchure change. Matthew Vangjel knows his stuff.
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Your Guide To Embouchure Changes On The Trumpet | Matt Vangjel

If you're interested in learning more about embouchure changes, this episode is for you!-Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!-http://ww...

24/04/2024

"We want our students to be the best influence possible on their students"

In this clip, University of North Alabama trumpet teacher Joe Gray discusses one of the most important aspects of being an applied trumpet teacher - helping our students be the best influence they can be no matter where they end up.

You can hear the whole episode here
https://youtu.be/Xpx4sYDauE4

10/04/2024

What’s it like to win a job with the Presidents Own Marine Band?
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That’s the exact question Ben Gunnarson and I talk about in this podcast episode. So much good stuff about positive mindset, taking good notes, and a full detailed account of the audition day(s).
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Click the link below if that sounds like something you’re interested in!
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Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts!-http://www.linktree.com/thatsnotspit

27/03/2024

I’ve been waiting a long time for this episode!
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My good friend Dan Carson won a position in the bass section of the Chicago Symphony, and this episode tells the story of how he got there.
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From taking a year leave of absence from his job in Alabama, to resigned, winning an audition and turning it down, making it through a pandemic, and more, Dans story is a testament to the value of following you gut.
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Dan Carson, a member of the bass section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, tells the story of his road from the Alabama Symphony to his current position. To...