Wayne Tucker is a trumpeter and an adjunct professor at SUNY Purchase, based in New York City.
(00:00) SUNY Purchase → Moving to NYC
(02:46) Choosing Jazz Trumpet as the Path
(05:29) Early Instruments & Ninth-Grade Pivot
(08:11) Competitiveness Sparks Daily Practice
(10:57) Family Influences & First Jazz Inspirations
(13:40) Trumpet Physicality, Breath, and Power
(16:22) Falling in Love with the Horn
(19:05) First Paid Gigs & Syracuse Pep Band
(24:28) College Lessons & Embouchure Rebuild
(27:17) Finding Community & Career Models at Purchase
(30:01) “Carry Your Horn” Hustle & Mentors
(32:44) Post-Grad: Jams, Sales Pause, Then Ramp
(35:36) Sleep No More Break & Weekly Work
(38:25) Confidence, Work Ethic, and Calling
(41:54) Great Bandmates: Listening & Musical Language
(45:12) Why NYC Wins: Diversity, Teaching, Community
(48:36) Purpose: Kids, School Shows, Daily Routine
(51:44) Feedback at Birdland, Big Goals, Venues & NYC Love
