Bobby Shew Reveals the Secrets Behind His Legendary Trumpet Career

If you’ve spent any time around trumpet players, Bobby Shew’s name inevitably pops up—often with a mix of reverence and curiosity. Who is this trumpet giant who’s performed with everyone from Woody Herman to Horace Silver, and shaped the careers of countless musicians?

I recently sat down with Bobby Shew for an unforgettable conversation on my podcast, diving deep into his career, musical philosophy, and why, after decades in music, he’s still just as passionate about the trumpet today.

How Bobby Found His Voice (Hint: It Wasn't Overnight)

Bobby Shew didn't grow up in a musical household. His first encounter with the trumpet came from an old instrument tucked away in his stepfather's closet. When Bobby got hold of it, magic happened—although not without its bumps. On day one of beginning band, Bobby was moved straight into the advanced group after barely 15 minutes. But even then, it wasn't the trumpet itself that defined him—it was a deeper connection, a pull toward music that he felt but didn’t yet fully understand.

“People ask when I knew music wasn't just something I did, but who I was. Honestly? Maybe about half an hour ago," Bobby jokes.

That connection, that constant curiosity, is something Bobby maintains to this day.

Bobby's Philosophy: Play to Touch, Not to Impress

The trumpet community often idolizes technique, high notes, and flawless execution. But Bobby offers a profound perspective: it's not about how many double Cs you can scream; it's about the emotions you evoke.

“There are two things you can do with music,” Bobby explained, “You can either impress people or you can touch people. So when you pick up your horn, ask yourself: What’s your intention?”

This mindset shift—playing for genuine emotional impact—changed Bobby's relationship with music, and it's a cornerstone lesson he emphasizes to his students today.

Overcoming Fear, Finding Freedom

Fear cripples many musicians—fear of missing a note, fear of rejection, fear of failure. Bobby addressed this head-on, recounting his experiences in LA’s intense studio scene. After years of lucrative yet creatively draining gigs, Bobby made a bold decision: he walked away from the studios, dedicating himself entirely to jazz and teaching.

He recalls one powerful night of realization after hearing saxophonist Sal Nistico perform live:

“I asked myself, 'What am I doing?' I realized I'd strayed from my path. From that moment, I committed myself to jazz and education, the two things that truly mattered to me.”

The Bobby Shew Trumpet Philosophy

Bobby is famously insightful on trumpet fundamentals. His legendary concept, including the wedge breath, air pivoting, and mouthpiece buzzing, has reshaped trumpet pedagogy worldwide. But what stands out most clearly in our conversation is his emphasis on internalizing music:

• Internalization: Play music from within, not just from sheet music. Internalizing helps create a direct emotional connection, enabling musicians to play from memory and with feeling.

• Air Pivoting: Adjusting the direction of airflow to resonate better inside the mouthpiece, especially crucial for controlling register and maintaining ease.

• Mouthpiece as a Teacher: Using the mouthpiece alone to diagnose and fix issues with aperture, air support, and embouchure strength.

Mentorship: Passing the Torch

One of Bobby’s most heartfelt points was about giving back. Drawing from composer Gustav Holst's words, he emphasized the importance of mentoring younger generations:

“If you reach success in music, you have a responsibility to turn around and help those behind you. Not doing so is a crime of omission.”

This belief drives Bobby to continually teach, share, and inspire trumpet players worldwide.

Listen to the Full Conversation & Join Our Community!

My podcast conversation with Bobby Shew only scratches the surface. Bobby’s wisdom, humor, and genuine love for music shines throughout, offering valuable insights for musicians at all stages.

🎺 Listen to the full episode on YouTube

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