Shows
The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 194- Weapons Grade Self-CompassionBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to hold yourself accountable without beating yourself up. Also- “Backbore Bingo- Herseth Edition.”
2025-02-2554 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 193- Improving Your Attention SpanBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss strategies from improving your concentration in the practice room and for performances. Also- “Snippets.”
2025-02-181h 03The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 192- Just Say NoBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss when the right thing to do might be to say no. Plus- “You Complete Me.”
2025-02-111h 07
The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 191- Practicing PatienceBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the need for taking your time when practicing. There are no shortcuts. Plus the Gabrieli version of “Backbore Bingo.”
2025-02-041h 06The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 190- RulesBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the plusses and minuses of rules. Plus- “Just Duets (Before and After).”
2025-01-281h 02The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 189- Keepers of the SameBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the problems with people that seem intent on being stuck in the past and/or narrow approaches. Also, “Great Minds Think Alike.”
2025-01-211h 09The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 188- Your Playing is a Disaster, and We Know WhyBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss why you’re frustrated with your playing, and how to fix it.
2025-01-141h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 187- Liesl WhitakerBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the fascinating and impressive career of Liesl Whitaker, and why you should know about her. Also- “Backbore Bingo.”
2025-01-0754 min
The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 186- Mouthpiece MattersBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss general guidelines for choosing mouthpieces. Also- “Truth or Dare.”
2024-12-311h 09The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 185- Get Out of Your Head!Bill, Bryan, and Joey discuss ways to get out of your own way to have successful performances. Also- You Complete Me.
2024-12-241h 02The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 184- Recharging on the FlyBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to keep yourself moving forward without shutting yourself down. Also- Flugel Me This!
2024-12-171h 06The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 183- Horn CareBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the need for, and how to care for your horns. Also- Password!
2024-12-101h 08The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 182- Moving at the Speed of DarkBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss ways to avoid cynicism. Also, the return of “Backbore Bingo.”
2024-12-031h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 181- The Carnival of VeniceBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance, and fun in learning this classic solo. Also- the Arban version of “Tromba Trivia.”
2024-11-261h 14The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 180- Ethic of SupportBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of, and need for people you can count on. Plus- “This or That.”
2024-11-191h 00The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 179- Curiosity Driven GrowthBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of curiosity for one’s growth. Also- “Snippets.”
2024-11-121h 00
The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 178- TapsBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of Taps. Also- "Great Minds Think Alike."
2024-11-041h 14The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 177- Attributes of a Great StudentBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss what it means to be a truly great student. Plus- “Where in the World is Anton Weidinger?”
2024-10-291h 09
The Open BellThe Open Bell Ep 176- SectionalsBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of sectionals, and how best to make them productive. Also- "Anatomy of a Trumpet Player."
2024-10-2259 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 175- Deconstructing CharlierBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance and relevance of the Charlier book. Also- Joey Jeopardy!
2024-10-151h 07The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 174- The Return of Under, Over, or Properly RatedBill, Bryan, and Joey each bring 10 things to rate. Plus- “Is It Mahler?”
2024-10-081h 24The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 173- The Art of Self AssessmentBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to recognize what to focus on in your practice. Also- “All That Jazz.”
2024-10-011h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 172- It's Music, Say Something!Bill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of musicality in practice and performance. Also, the 100 Days of Practice Pyramid!
2024-09-241h 00The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 171- Perfectionism Isn't a StrengthBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of thinking of music as art, rather than only worrying about notes. Plus, “Two Truths and a Lie.”
2024-09-171h 02The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 170- Asking for Help is a Sign of StrengthBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of recognizing your own weaknesses, and how to seek out good information from others. Also- “Something to Talk About.”
2024-09-1055 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 169- Aspiring to be AverageBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to ask very little of yourself so you don’t get too good. Also- Tromba Trivia!
2024-09-031h 03The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 168- The 2024 Effies!Bill, Bryan, and Joey wrap up season 4 of TOB with the Effies. Also, TOB Mailbag.
2024-05-281h 16The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 167- 2024 Summer PlansBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss their plans for the summer. Also- Is It Mahler.
2024-05-211h 01The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 166- Creatures of HabitBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of a regular schedule. Also-Where in the World is Anton Weidinger.
2024-05-141h 07The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 165- Deconstructing HummelBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the Hummel trumpet concerto in detail. Also- Over, Under, or Properly Rated.
2024-05-071h 23The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 164- Productivity MattersBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the tools for, and importance of, being professionally active. Also- TOB Mailbag.
2024-04-301h 07The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 163- Default OptimismBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the necessity of positive thinking for great trumpet playing. Plus- Clueless.
2024-04-231h 08The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 162- Marie SpezialeBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the remarkable career of Marie Speziale. Plus- Snippets.
2024-04-1656 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 161- Fixing BryanBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss Bryan’s journey back to playing after his bike accident. Plus- Password.
2024-04-091h 12The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 160- Building Weakness Through Lethargy and ProcrastinationBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the best ways to make sure you won’t ever get better. Plus- Joey Jeopardy.
2024-04-021h 11The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 159- Mastering Multiple TonguingBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss techniques to help with double and triple tonguing. Plus- Tromba Trivia Multiple Tonguing Edition.
2024-03-261h 08The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 158- 2024 NTC Wrap-UpBill, Bryan, and Bill discuss 2024 NTC. Plus- Backbore Bingo.
2024-03-191h 20The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 157- The Paradigm of PerfectBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the problems with trying to be perfect. Also- Ice Ice Baby!
2024-03-1258 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 156- Trumpet Common KnowledgeBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the basics that everyone should know about trumpet. Plus- Who Are You?
2024-03-051h 07The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 155- Neutral Like Switzerland- Tongue Arch GoalsBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the role of the tongue in trumpet playing along with several misconceptions. Also- All That Jazz.
2024-02-271h 00The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 154- How To Raise A Trumpet GeekBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to properly bring up your young trumpet player. Plus- A Camping We Will Go.
2024-02-201h 26The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 153- The Importance of RecoveryBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of, and need for recovery when playing. Also- Mailbag!
2024-02-131h 03The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 152- Building Your Inner CircleBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with people you can trust and count on. Also the new game- Chat TPT.
2024-02-061h 03The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 151- Understanding MouthpiecesBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the details of mouthpieces. Also- Family Feud.
2024-01-301h 18The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 150- The Legacy of Herb AlpertBill, Bryan, and Joey devote their landmark 150th episode to discussion of Herb Alpert. Also- Joey Jeopardy!
2024-01-231h 06The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 149- Playing Well With OthersBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of section playing. Also- All That Jazz!
2024-01-161h 06The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 148- The Myth of HacksBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the continued, but futile search for shortcuts. Also- Haydn in Plain Sight.
2024-01-0958 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 147- Trumpet is Non-NegotiableBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the foundational idea that, if you want to get better, you must make a firm commitment to practicing. Also, the game you’ve been waiting for- Respect.
2024-01-021h 10The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 146- Fitness ReacquisitionBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to get back in shape after some time off. Also- Christmas Duets (Before and After).
2023-12-2656 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 145- Fuel and FrictionBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to remove obstacles to set yourself up for more effective practice. Also- This or That.
2023-12-191h 01The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 144- Technique AuditBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the need for, and how to take a hard look at your own playing. Plus- I Know You Are But What Am I?
2023-12-121h 06The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 143- Attributes of Great TeachingBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the universal traits of the best teachers. Also- Out of This World.
2023-12-051h 12The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 142- Keeping a Sense of Awe in Teaching and PlayingBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to stay fresh and engaged as both a player and teacher. Also- Take 5.
2023-11-281h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 141- Deconstructing HaydnBill, Bryan, and Joey go in depth with the Haydn trumpet concerto. Plus- Backbore Bingo.
2023-11-211h 12The Open BellReturn of Under, Over, or Properly RatedBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss people, places, and things to determine their appropriate rating. Plus- Joey Jeopardy.
2023-11-141h 21The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 139- Weapons Grade Honesty in TeachingBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the need for, and how to develop and use honesty as a vital teaching tool. Also- TOB Mailbag.
2023-11-071h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 138- Deconstructing ClarkeBill, Bryan, and Joey give an overview of the Clarke Technical Studies book. Also, the Halloween edition of Tromba Trivia.
2023-10-311h 22The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 137- Recital PreparationBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to choose music and prepare for a recital. Also- You Better You Bet.
2023-10-241h 09The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 136- Zoomed Out and On The Money, Bill's PedagogyBill, Bryan, and Joey conclude their 3-part series with a look at Bill’s pedagogy. Also- Gig Salad Questionnaire.
2023-10-171h 09The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 135- I've Given This Some Thought-Joey's PedagogyBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss Joey’s approach to teaching. Also- Tromba Trivia.
2023-10-101h 10The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 134- Boring, Painful, and Brilliant: Bryan's PedagogyBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss Bryan’s approach to teaching. Also- Take 5.
2023-10-031h 25The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 133- Thoughts on First Year TeachingBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss things to know when starting out in higher education. Also- The WTF Spelling Bee.
2023-09-261h 08
The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 132- When, How, and Why to Say NoBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the appropriate times and ways to say no to gigs. Also- the #100DaysOfPractice Pyramid!
2023-09-191h 03
The Open BellThe Open Bell- ep 131 Double C in 5 MinutesBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss what happened over the summer and what’s. Coming in season 4. Plus- Joey Jeopardy!
2023-09-121h 01The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 130- The Effys!Bill, Bryan, and Joey close out the third season of The Open Bell with the World Trumpet Federation Awards- The Effys! Also- Joey Jeopardy.
2023-06-0659 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 129- TOB Wellness ChecklistBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss what to do to take care of yourself. Also- TOB Questionnaire!
2023-05-301h 00The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 128- Consider Your LegacyBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss what they hope the lasting impact of their teaching will be, and why that’s important to think about during a career. Plus- The #100DaysOfPracticePyramid
2023-05-2359 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 127- The Weidinger PrincipleBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the problems with trying to compare yourself to others. Also: Clueless!
2023-05-1659 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 126- Under, Over, or Properly RatedBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the appropriate rating for items and ideas from the trumpet world. Also: Two Truths and a Lie.
2023-05-091h 24The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 125- Summer HomeworkBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss what to do over the Summer break. Also- Snippets!
2023-05-0256 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 124- I Gotta Go!Bill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the need for community, as we all need people to hold us accountable. Plus- You Complete Me!
2023-04-251h 01The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 123- TOB DictionaryBill, Bryan, and Joey expand the trumpet alphabet to begin The Open Bell Dictionary. Also: TOB Mailbag!
2023-04-181h 25The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 122- TOB Book Club Arban's EditionBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss what J.B. Arban wrote as the introduction to the most famous trumpet book in history. Plus- The United Stares of Trumpet!
2023-04-111h 22The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 121- Don't Be A Trumpet OstrichBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss trumpet players who hide from their problems, and why it’s a terrible way to live. Also: Most Likely To!
2023-04-041h 01The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 120- Trust Your PracticeBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of trusting yourself in the practice room. Also: Joey Jeopardy!
2023-03-281h 06The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 119- Taking Control of Your TimeBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss ways to take control of your schedule so you can be more productive. Plus- The #100DaysOfPractice Pyramid!
2023-03-211h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 118- Zip Code IdentityBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how where you come from informs who you are. Also, the JB’s Revenge version of Snippets.
2023-03-141h 03The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 117- Passion is Not EnoughBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of passion, but also what it really takes to reach a professional level. Also, the new game You Bet Your Mascot!
2023-03-071h 03The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 116- Dealing With BurnoutBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss what to do when feeling overwhelmed. Plus- the new game “Clueless.”
2023-02-281h 13The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 115- The Near Miss- Using Failure for GrowthBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to use temporary setbacks as learning tools for long term growth. Also, a new game: Make Good Choices!
2023-02-211h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 114- Saving FaceBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss ways to avoid injury and, when necessary, recover from overuse. Plus a new game: Hangman!
2023-02-141h 06The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 113- The Trumpet JockBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to spot the warning signs of, and know if you might be, a Trumpet Jock. Also- Who Am I?
2023-02-0759 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 112- Hitting the Reset ButtonBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to get back on track, both physically and mentally, when things go wrong. Plus: Snippets.
2023-01-3158 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 111- The Unsung Heroes of TrumpetBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss some of the people you may not have heard of, but definitely should know. Plus: The 5-Second Rule.
2023-01-241h 10The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 110- The 7C, An Unclear and Present DangerBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss just how bad the 7C is, with specific comparisons. Also- Joey Jeopardy.
2023-01-171h 06The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 109- You're Doing it WrongBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the importance of disagreement, and why you should have people close to you that you are comfortable disagreeing with. Plus- TOB Mailbag.
2023-01-101h 03The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 108- You Didn't Lick That Off the GrassBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, and where they come from. Also, a new game- The United States of Trumpet.
2023-01-031h 00The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 107- Trumpet on a BudgetBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss ways to find good equipment without breaking the bank. Also- You Complete Me.
2022-12-2755 minThe Open BellThe Open Bell ep 106- A Conspiracy of SupportBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss the over-exuberance of online positivity, which leads to an “everyone is great!” result, and why that’s a problem. Plus- #100DaysOfPractice Pyramid!
2022-12-201h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 105- Articulating, the ProblemBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss some of the most common problems students have with tonguing. Plus- 20 Questions.
2022-12-131h 02The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 104- Curating Information for StudentsBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to get the best information for their students on a variety of topics. Also- Two Truths and a Lie.
2022-12-061h 08The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 103- The Fold StandardBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss times when things did not go exactly as planned. Plus- Who Am I.
2022-11-291h 08The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 102- Let's Talk About MutesBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss all things mutes: which ones are needed, others you might want, brands, and where to get them. Plus- Tromba Trivia.
2022-11-221h 08The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 101- First ImpressionsBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss what they notice upon hearing someone new, along with what students should notice when meeting a new teacher. Also- The WTF Questionnaire.
2022-11-151h 02The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 100- Tongue Arch and Other Threats to DemocracyOn this landmark 100th episode, Bill, Bryan, and Joey tackle a top 10 list of the greatest threats facing the trumpet world…and democracy at large. Also- Joey Jeopardy!
2022-11-081h 19
The Open BellThe Open Bell Ep 99- Mt. Rushmore Of TrumpetBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss who each of them would put on the Mt. Rushmore of Trumpet. Plus- Snippets!
2022-11-011h 15The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 98- Deconstructing HindemithBill, Bryan, and Joey take a deep dive on the Hindemith Sonata for Trumpet and Piano. Also- The Voting Game.
2022-10-251h 41The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 97- What Defines a Great LessonBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how students and teachers can have different ideas about what makes a lesson great. Plus- It’s Crowded in the Middle.
2022-10-181h 08The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 96- Making The Most of Studio ClassBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to get the most out of the time you get with your studio as a whole. Plus- Tromba Trivia!
2022-10-111h 04The Open BellThe Open Bell ep 95- Decoding SchlossbergBill, Bryan, and Joey discuss how to most effectively use the Schlossberg book. Plus- a rousing round of Snippets.
2022-10-0459 min