Podcast · Arts & Books

The Trombone Retreat

by Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz · English · Arts & Books

Universal stories of struggle, inspiration and achievement through the eyes of trombone players. Equal parts thoughtful and hilarious. Hosted by Sebastian Vera, principal trombonist of the Pittsburgh Opera and Nick Schwartz, principal bass trombonist of the New York City Ballet.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 28 min
Latest: 20 Mar 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

20 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 34 min

Cory Mixdorf's Lessons of Strength, Family and Unyielding Hope

Send us Fan Mail Prayers for Meyer Facebook Page Donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Follow the University of Arkansas Trombone Studio Cleveland Institute of Music Summer Brass Lab 2026 Third Coast Trombone Retreat Host, Sebastian Vera travels to Arkansas where he interviews Dr. Cory Mixdorf on his joy of teaching and what we learn from life's most unexpected trials. 00:00 Podcast Kickoff 00:24 Timothée Quote Debate 02:09 Opera and Ballet Defense 04:04 Corey McDo Interview Tease 0...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E49 · 3 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 33 min
Jeff Dee: A Story of Persistence and Passion
Send us Fan Mail Watch the video of this interview on our YouTube channel! In this episode of the Trombone Retreat podcast from the Third Coast Trombone Retreat, hosts Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz have an engaging conversation with Jeff Dee, principal bass trombonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony. They discuss Jeff's unique journey in music, from his humble beginnings as a young trombone player to his prestigious performances with world-renowned orchestras. Jeff shares stories about his time...
E48 · 23 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Brittany Lasch on Cats, Beta Blockers, And Parking Garage Wagner
Send us Fan Mail What if confidence isn’t a mystery, but a practice you can schedule? We sit down with trombonist and educator Brittany Lasch to explore how a teen who left high school early for Manhattan School of Music became a sought-after soloist, Detroit Opera principal, and assistant professor at Indiana University. From a Star Wars spark to deep mentorship with Per Brevig and the late Steve Norrell, Britt shares how fundamentals, buzzing, and musical curiosity shaped her sound—and how ...
E47 · 6 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 22 min
Michael Dease is One of a Kind
Send us Fan Mail Follow the Trombone Retreat on YouTube and watch this episode! Interview with Jazz Trombonist of the Year Michael Dease | Third Coast Trombone Retreat Podcast Welcome to the Trombone Retreat podcast by the Third Coast Trombone Retreat. In this episode, hosts Sebastian Vera and Nicholas Schwartz welcome distinguished jazz artist Michael Dease, who was named Downbeat Magazine's 2025 Trombonist of the Year. They discuss Dease's journey in music, highlights from his career, and ...
E46 · 11 Nov 2024 · 1 hr
Peter Moore Live at the British Trombone Festival!
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian visit jolly England to visit the British Trombone Festival. While there they had a chance to sit down with Peter Moore, the prodigious trombonist whose career drew great attention from the age of only 12 years old! From his beginnings in brass bands to his breakthrough on the BBC Young Musician stage, Peter's story is one of talent, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. We traverse through his early days, the pressures of performing on...
22 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 49 min
Ian Bousfield's Harmonious World
Send us Fan Mail We're now on YouTube! Enjoy this episode with our new enhanced video content on our YouTube channel, please like and subscribe!! Join us for an inspiring conversation with the legendary trombonist Ian Bousfield as we navigate through the vibrant realm of trombone music. Ian shares his incredible journey in an engaging discussion on the transformative power of music in an unforgettable exploration of musical connections and experiences. Our discussion unfolds the unexpected ...
E44 · 28 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
Wycliffe Gordon Live at the International Trombone Festival: From Rural Roots to Jazz Fame
Send us Fan Mail If you're like us you've been blown away hearing our next guest at some point in your life. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with the legendary Wycliffe Gordon as he shares his musical journey from rural Georgia to performing with the greats like Wynton Marsalis. You’ll learn how early influences, particularly gospel music and church experiences, shaped his unique sound and expressive style. Wycliffe’s captivating stories and personal anecdotes will transport you to hi...
E43 · 28 Mar 2024 · 1 hr 50 min
Tales of Transition, Teaching, and Triumph with Jonathan Whitaker
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it's like to pack up your life's work and plant roots in new academic soil? Join me as I chat with the tenacious Jonathan Whitaker about his joys, philosophies and his surprising decision to move from the University of Alabama to the University of Illinois in an episode brimming with stories of growth. This conversation is a candid look into the intricate dance of teaching music. We explore the fascinating dynamics that bond educators and stude...
4 Feb 2024 · 1 hr 28 min
A Crossover With Trombone Corner
Send us Fan Mail We spider-man meme with the Trombone Corner Podcast, an episode long overdue. Nick and Sebastian greet John Snell and Noah Gladstone and have an amazing discussion on the evolution of their friendship, careers and joys of mouthpiece making. Noah goes in depth about his varies endeavors including the Brass Ark, Hollywood Scoring, his studio career and love of collecting. This is the episode all you gear heads have been waiting for, enjoy! Check out our interview on their podc...
1 Feb 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
Trombone Timo tells us what a TikTok is
Send us Fan Mail In his first podcast interview, Trombone Timo aka Tim Maines as we've always known him hangs with Nick and Sebastian and describes his crazy world of trombone in social media. We talk about how he went about building his prodigious following, his goals with his platform (you might be surprised), the power social media can have to galvanize arts organizations and how underutilized it still is! We talk about his summers at the Trombone Retreat getting lost and causing a stir...
16 Jan 2024 · 1 hr 12 min
Talking the Bernstein Movie and Ultimate Cheap Beer Rankings with Chris Van Hof
Send us Fan Mail For the first Fifth Position of the new year, Nick and Sebastian are joined by their favorite Michigander Dutchman Chris Van Hof, professor of trombone at Ball State University and Grand Poobah Assistant Manager of the International Trombone Festival. We start by announcing guest artists for this summer's Third Coast Trombone Retreat! We then give our thoughts on the movie "Maestro" as well as debating our top five cheap beers. Ever wondered if Stanley mugs could be the new...
6 Dec 2023 · 34 min
Concert Halls, Mullets and Amish Buffets: An Unconventional Classical Music Trail
Send us Fan Mail Can a beard and bow tie truly alter the landscape of a performance? In today's episode, we tackle these questions head-on. We commence on a somber note, sharing news and sending love to our dear friend Lance LaDuke after his scary accejent. We urge you to send your prayers and positive energy his way. Amidst this hardship, we underscore the beauty in finding joy in the smallest of things. Bolo ties, beards, weird gig offers, art deserts, chubby cheeks FUNdamentals, merch ide...
28 Nov 2023 · 27 min
Holidays, Auditions and Finally Naming This Thing
Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what happens when two working musicians try to podcast at 8am? Today, Nick and Seba tian take you behind the scenes of these performances, sharing heartwarming stories that made the audience's holiday experience even more meaningful. We also reveal the new title for this short-form series - yes, you've voted and we've listened! We then explore the path of making a career in music and how it can wonderfully translate to other professions. Topics i...
21 Nov 2023 · 30 min
Brawn, Brass and Ball Pits
Send us Fan Mail It's just about Thanksgiving so we have another delicious episode to be thankful for! Have you ever been struck by the strength difference between your left and right arm? We also find ourselves reminiscing about childhood experiences of pilfering balls from ball pits and the shock of static electricity from plastic slides. Plus, we're on the hunt for a title for our podcast series, and we want you to be a part of it. Diving further into the trombone world, we sh...
14 Nov 2023 · 25 min
The Best Use of Trombone During the Apocalypse
Send us Fan Mail Who knew that finding a suitable name for a podcast could take us on a roller coaster of creativity? Nick and Sebastian sift through all of your brilliant suggestions. We also talk about trombone MacGyver moments in the clutch, trombone google keyword news, submitted questions about breaking in a slide, gripe of the week, how a trombone is best used as a weapon, Bach therapy, beauty in the world and most likely more. Also introducing special features with Patreo...
7 Nov 2023 · 26 min
Science: Trombonists Make the Best Lovers
Send us Fan Mail We're doing something new! What is it? Great question! But it's new! So that's cool, right? Introducing Nick and Sebastian's first new weekly pod where they talk about trombone news, weekly gripes, answer questions and much more! Today we're lifting the lid on the long-debated topic of cut bells on trombones and also call out some bad personnel manager behavior. Lastly, we get into how the world is finally realizing that trombonists are the best lovers. Email us questi...
E43 · 26 Sep 2023 · 2 hr 11 min
The Resilient Journey of Musician and Educator, Ava Ordman
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian hang out with Ava Ordman, professor of trombone at Michigan State University and general badass. In our conversation, we delve into the world of music shaped by Ava's experiences. She recounts her struggles with people-pleasing, and the unique challenges of being chosen to perform Donald Erb's trombone concerto. But it goes beyond music; Ava opens up about her personal journey of transformation studying psychology, and how she learned to own her emoti...
E42 · 25 Jul 2023 · 1 hr 17 min
Alan Kaplan and Bill Reichenbach Live at the International Trombone Festival
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian interview LA Studio Legends Alan Kaplan and Bill Reichenbach live at the 2023 International Trombone Festival in Salt Lake City on the campus University of Utah! They talk about their incredible careers recording thousands of movies, how working with Quincy Jones was one of Bill's first big breaks, playing the trombone glisses on Lost and so much more! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebasti...
E41 · 9 Jul 2023 · 1 hr 33 min
Steve Turre
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian are joined by jazz legend and trombonist of the Saturday Night Live Band, Steve Turre. Steve talks about four decades with SNL, his discovery of conch shells and the profound relationship and influence JJ Johnson had in his life. Steve Turre's favorite recordings: "Lament" by J.J. Johnson "Misty" w/ Ray Charles from Spur of the Moment Album "Midnight Montuno" from Viewpoint Album "Fire and Ice" featuring Steve Turre "African Shells Second Interlude: The Dr...
E40 · 10 Jan 2023 · 1 hr 40 min
Mark Lawrence
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian are joined by Mark Lawrence, former principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony of 34 years! We talk about experiencing 4 different music directors, those famous Blomstedt recordings and too many life lessons to mention! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick...
E39 · 27 Dec 2022 · 2 hr 4 min
Justin Clark
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian are joined by soloist and bass trombonist of the Bern Symphony Orchestra, Justin Clark! They talked about his unique upbringing catching squid, his love of paragliding and the beautiful art he's creating in his solo projects. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick ...
E38 · 13 Dec 2022 · 1 hr 48 min
Oscar Diaz
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian hang out with all-star professor Oscar Diaz of Texas A&M Kingsville and talk about how he's built such an incredible program centered around community, his legendary BBQ exploits and continuing to face one of his greatest challenges head on. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.ver...
E37 · 29 Nov 2022 · 1 hr 48 min
David Taylor
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian are joined by legendary NYC bass trombonist David Taylor for episode 2 of the new season! 78 years young, Dave shares incredible stories over a many decades career that's still thriving from inspirational voicemails from JJ Johnson, recording with Duke Ellington to how he wanted to be a rodeo clown growing up! Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwart...
E36 · 15 Nov 2022 · 1 hr 48 min
Carol Jarvis
Send us Fan Mail Opening our new season we are joined by English trombonist Carol Jarvis. A multi-award-winning trombonist, keyboard player, arranger, orchestrator, and voiceover artist, she blows us away by the scope of her career touring with the likes of Sting, Michael Bolton and Seal and triumphing over one of the most profound challenges we could ever imagine. We can't wait for you to hear this moving episode as we still have goosebumps thinking about it. Also introducing special featu...
E35 · 26 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 39 min
Christian Lindberg Live at the International Trombone Festival
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian at last interview one of their heroes, Swedish soloist, conductor and composer, Christian Lindberg, live at the 51st International Trombone Festival at the University of Central Arkansas. They talk about some shocking challenges from his youth, paving a untrodden path when many told him he was crazy and how he looks back at his career now. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js...
E34 · 3 Aug 2022 · 1 hr 19 min
Richard Stout - Live at the Third Coast Trombone Retreat
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian are back to talk to Richard Stout, second trombonist of the Cleveland Orchestra about what it's like playing in one of the most unique ensembles on the planet, coming back to the trombone after a massive injury and how being a Cleveland Browns fan is even harder. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edite...
10 Jul 2022 · 7 min
Trombone Minute: ITF News and Bear Attacks!
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the first installment of Trombone Minute where Sebastian talks about trombone news, events and pop culture in a bite-sized morsel of audio goodness. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta) Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera Music: Fire...
E33 · 14 Mar 2022 · 1 hr 58 min
John Kitzman - Live at UTA
Send us Fan Mail Sebastian talks to the legendary John Kitzman, former principal trombonist of the Dallas Symphony of over 40 years and professor of trombone at Southern Methodist University for just short of half a century! On the brink of retiring from teaching, John looks back at his career in this incredibly honest and moving talk. So much wisdom, joy for music and love for his students is shared and we can't wait to share this with you! Also introducing special features with Patreon: ww...
E32 · 24 Jan 2022 · 2 hr 6 min
Alain Trudel
Send us Fan Mail Nick and Sebastian talk to legendary soloist and conductor, Alain Trudel, about coming back to the trombone after an unforeseen life challenge, what it's like to lead an orchestra with a trombonist's mentality and his infectious joy and gratitude for life. Also introducing special features with Patreon: www.patreon.com/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (instagram) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (instagram) Produced and edited by Sebasti...
7 Jan 2022 · 17 min
Premiere episode of "Meet Your Maker" with special guest, Christan Griego - Free Preview
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to "Meet Your Maker" a special podcast where Sebastian Vera sits down with craftsman to learn about the magic behind their discoveries and nerd out about equipment. For this premiere episode, Sebastian sits down with the quietly brilliant Christan Griego of Edwards Instruments, Griego Mouthpieces and Sota Turntables where they talk about the evolution of the trombone sound, what is being discovered now, and what are the most important things you should be focusing on...

About The Trombone Retreat

The Trombone Retreat is a English arts & books podcast from Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 28 min
Latest episode: 20 Mar 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1508805959

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