The Trombone Retreat

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.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • Hoy127
    Third Coast/First Rate
    Incredible interviews with real people!
  • DroolGhoul76
    Pretty good podcast
    This is a pretty good podcast. The hosts are very knowledgable. My only criticism is that there is a lot of talking - it’s a music podcast, so maybe there should be some music or playing. Also, they seem to only interview trombone players. Maybe they could have some doctors or lawyers on. They did so much for during the pandemic. Anyway, just my thoughts.
  • johnspins
    Caring and Prepared=Amazing Interviews
    Nick and Sebastian really get so much out of the guests they have on their show. And I would attribute that to how prepared they are and also to the care and consideration they have for their guests. Some guests are colleagues, some are heroes from their/our youth. There is some pedagogy covered, but really it’s the life stories of the musicians that makes this podcast fun to listen to. Bravo fellas. Thank you for all you do.
  • Henry in KY
    My favorite podcast
    This is my favorite podcast: excellent, candid interviews, long enough to get in depth, and the goodwill among musicians (plus quality of guests) means you always get nuggets of wisdom and history. As a “weekend warrior” who studied trb. but does other things professionally, I find both musical inspiration and the type of inspiration for life (work ethic, getting along in community, living towards a purpose) that has me taking notes after every episode. As a Clevelander for 4 years during college, I have been the most excited for this Rick Stout episode! A question for Nick and Sebastian: what are the most important things we can do to preserve trombone, instrumental learning, and the orchestral tradition in a changing cultural landscape?
  • Sackbut Horn
    Jon’s The Man
    Awesome interview with Jon Bohls. I’m a 67 year old Texan amateur trombonist. Jon is a legend in this neck of the trombone woods and having reached old geezer status myself, I can “amen” everything he said about life, teaching, and work ethic. Thanks, gents.
  • zach1025
    Loving it!
    This chemistry between Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Vera is entertaining in itself, and even better when combined with the stories and persona of the guest. These episodes also serve as great guides for what to do and what not to do as an up and coming musician.
  • kvcchhfsrguhvs
    FANTASTIC
    This is a really amazing resource. Thank you so much!
  • Girlietchr
    Engaging Throughout!
    This podcast with Colin Williams was by far one of my favorites so far. (A close second to Nick’s interview) Colin had such incredible insights about life experiences that were invaluable to listeners, even those who do not play trombone. I could have listened to him for another hour. Good job, guys!
  • slidemankent
    Great Trombone podcast
    Informative, interesting, and funny. Great job guys! James Kent
  • Tdy41
    An update to a previous review
    I just discovered this podcast a few days ago. I started off at the beginning and am up to the 4th episode. Wow! I am so inspired! Thank you, guys. Update: I am at Nick’s interview and everything so far is absolutely fantastic! This podcast gets better with every episode. You guys have nailed it! I am an amateur in my 60s that is learning so much from you guys. Wow!
  • BentTrombone
    Thank You
    I recently really struggled with motivation, drive and even some bouts with depression for the first time in my life. I got to a point where I was ready to give up caring about the trombone. Then one day I decided to listen to the trombone retreat podcast knowing next to nothing about it. I have been binging every episode for the past 3 weeks. The relationship that Nick and Sebastian have and their passion for trombone and fostering relationships has been a giant factor in helping pull me out of this slump that I have been in. This podcast has helped inspire me, motivate me, and reignited my passion for playing the trombone. Sincerely, thank you for everything you guys do! Never underestimate the impact of a positive attitude and a friendly demeanor! Can you all talk about your own struggles with motivation and mental health especially through the pandemic? Thanks again guys!
  • Michael_Burner
    Trombone trombone trombone!
    The best interviews out there! Love listening and continuing to retreat myself!
  • SnapBrian
    A silver-lining in the year 2020.
    Wonderful Podcast from two of USA’s fine trombonists and teachers, I just recently listened to every episode after driving half-way across the country to do some playing, and I really enjoyed each episode (especially the Nick Schwartz
  • Joegunshootsfofun
    Dulcet tones like waves crashing on the stony shore
    Let Sebastian’s sweet, calm voice wash over you like the cool waters of Lake Michigan. He and Nick will quiet your mind and prepare you for an enjoyable and educational listening experience. The Third Coast team has come up with an excellent platform to engage fellow artists and teachers, highlighting voices both familiar and fresh for your listening pleasure. A delightful addition to the brass podcast community, their unique approach let’s the artists’ stories lead the way, showcasing the wonderful facets of their careers and personalities. A must listen for all!
  • MTbassbone
    Great podcast!!!!
    This podcast is great. I look forward to listening to each new episode. The knowledge and insight from these podcasts is a street level view of what is going on in the music business today. Rarely can you get this information at a school. A little humor mixed in makes this a must listen. The real deal, no apologies, truth.
  • jeremyvh
    Jason
    Thanks for interviewing Jason! Very enjoyable conversation. I played with him in Colorado Springs, Albuquerque and attended his awesome Hawaiian wedding. GREAT GUY!
  • Anna-Melissa
    Very refreshing
    Along with playing and listening to the trombone, I also enjoy interviews to understand other players’ stories and perspectives. Along with Michael Davis and Ryan Beach’s interviews, this is a wonderfully insightful addition to the brass interviews, and I am always eager for a new episode. My question for Sebastian and Nick is: what do you think is the most important, yet underutilized, learning method in the practice room? Thank you for the wonderful podcast, Riley
  • Claudia q
    Five stars
    Great podcast. Highly recommend for anyone who considers themselves a trombone or trombone adjacent.
  • Tonezoneee
    Love this podcast
    I love this podcast. Incredibly interesting conversations in real time, no frills, just people chatting about life and their musical journeys. Really nice to get to listen to the greats talking honestly and being open to some vulnerability as well.
  • OrcheDom
    Really engaging and relevant!
    Being home more these days during the pandemic have allowed me more time to explore interests on podcasts. I was really pleased to hear the Megumi Kanda interview, and the interview was fun to listen to. I will be tuning in again, and 19 years after graduating from Oberlin, it was nice to hear from another student of James DeSano who is in my age bracket!
  • Marks623
    Great podcast!
    This podcast has a good balance of fun and humor with insightful information. I particularly enjoy the reflections by the hosts, after interviewing their guests. The episodes deliver messages of motivation, patience, diligence, and purpose. Great job, guys! I binged all the episodes driving from Ohio to North Carolina, and cant wait to hear future interviews. Bravo!
  • Raytbn
    Definitely worth it
    These guys besides being cool to listen too are doing a great job with this podcast. Great balance of humor, great topics and great hang on the go.
  • Mr. Kraft
    Absolutely remarkable and inspirational
    You guys rock
  • WillfredTheDingDongDitcher
    Brian Santero Wrote This
    Mr. Shorts is one handsome dude. His ingenious sense of humor compliments Sahbastian’s ASMR-level commentary perfectly. Yessiree, this podcast sure makes you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Quick quest: What fundamental issue on the trombone did you struggle with most and what discovery led you to put that issue in its place? Sending healthy vibes your way, 🦈👀
  • Posaune1220
    Love it
    440th best bass trombonist, shaved head expert, an amazing trove of information. love you guys
  • Guapo131
    Very interesting to hear the backstories
    I'm not a professional musician, but I'm loving the interesting backstories of the guests and hosts. It's a generally uplifting podcast that gives advice that can be used even outside of the music space. 5 stars!
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.