Stephen Burns

Conversations with Musicians, with Leah Roseman

Trumpeter, composer and conductor Stephen Burns is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Fulcrum Point New Music Project in Chicago. He has been acclaimed on four continents for his virtuosity and interpretative depth in recitals, orchestral appearances, chamber music, and multi-media performances.In this interview you’ll hear him talk about some of his mentors including Arnold Jacobs, and Pierre Thibaud. Stephen Burns won several important competitions and awards which helped launch his solo career at a young age, the Maurice André Concours International de Paris, but touring internationally brings challenges which he discussed candidly with me. Stephen has worked closely with Madeline Bruser and is a certified teacher in the Art of Practicing.

We talked about mindfulness, the importance of a student-centered approach to teaching, the deep connection to your audience, programming innovative programs, and specific advice for not only brass players and musicians, but for all of us. See Timestamps below for the topics covered.

Like all my episodes, you can also watch this on my YouTube channel and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website:

https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/stephen-burns

Stephen Burns Fulcrum Point: https://www.fulcrumpoint.org/founder

Episode with Madeline Bruser: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/madeline-bruser

Telemann: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m5b5ZQtTEQjEfrDUAsQv6qjxLVALKEV0E

Hindemith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmHwJbYls5Y&list=OLAK5uy_nUp5ihSm80-NXa1Zk5nGGEqvsh7PvWQ6o&index=5

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photo: Josh R Zepka

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:13) Madeline Bruser, The Art of Practicing, Buddhist principles

(07:05) Fulcrum Point New Music Project, programming concerts

(16:02) Hindemith Sonata for Trumpet 2nd mvt Maessig bewegt with David Korevaar on piano

(18:45) middle school band teacher Dan Riley

(26:13) making the decision to pursue music as a career

(33:33) moving to New York

(35:03) Telemann Concerto in D Major, 1st mvt Adagio

(35:18) overcoming injury, Armando Ghitalla, Vince Penzerella

(41:44) realistic goals for musicians, finding what makes you happy

(44:51) the personal challenges of an international touring career

(48:48) moving to Indiana then Chicago

(53:33) teaching Mindfulness for Musicians

(55:48) other episodes of interest and ways to support this series

(56:37) Arnold Jacobs

(01:01:26) Telemann’s Trumpet concert in D Major; the last mvt Allegro

(01:01:24) the importance of body awareness, working with dancers Martha Clarke, Ruby Shang, overcoming injuries

(01:07:54) advice for brass players, Pierre Thibaud, Madeline Bruser

(01:15:44) Stephen’s teaching, online challenges

(01:18:40) stage fright, performance anxiety, Arnold Jacobs, Brass playing concepts of sound, building trust

(01:32:58) a life of travel

(01:39:22) the most important aspects of mindset, Bobby Shew, George Zan, Madeline Bruser