Episode #87 - Steve Dillard

Episode #87 - Steve Dillard

Author: Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces December 17, 2020 Duration: 1:26:57

Steve Dillard is a professional freelance trumpet player, founder of the popular HornTrader website, and an educator. 

Steve's first love has always been playing trumpet. Starting with his early work playing at Disneyland and performing on cruise ships, Steve's professional experience now spans several decades and includes performances with the San Diego Symphony, musical theater productions, touring acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd, and studio work.

One of the first to teach online using SKYPE and YouTube, Steve has been able spread his knowledge and love of the trumpet the world over. His teaching mantra "I believe I can help YOU," recorded in January 2012, can be seen on YouTube.

Besides his performance experience, Steve also has a wealth of knowledge from his work in the Calicchio and Benge trumpet factories. As an apprentice to Dominic Calicchio, Steve learned the fine art of brass craftsmanship with hands on experience. At Benge under Zig Kanstul, Steve had many jobs including slide maker, quality controller and shipper. Steve has always had a penchant for retail and at one time was the largest distributor of Reunion Blues gig bags in Southern California.

Since owning and operating HornTrader.com he has come to be one of the primary sellers of professional pre-owned and vintage horns on the internet. He is well known in many countries throughout the world and his site is visited by thousands each month.


There's a whole world of sound that happens before the music reaches the audience, a space filled with the clatter of valves, the whisper of breath, and the shared stories of a unique community. The Other Side Of The Bell-A Trumpet Podcast invites you into that world, offering a backstage pass to the realities of brass life. Hosted by the team at Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces, this series goes far beyond simple gear talk. Each episode feels like a conversation in the practice room, blending practical trumpet tips that address the daily hurdles players face with deep-dive interviews featuring the musicians themselves. You'll hear firsthand stories about the craft, the unexpected challenges of performance, and the personal journeys that shape an artist's sound. This podcast is built on decades of specialized knowledge, translating the nuanced experiences of embouchure, articulation, and endurance into accessible insights. Whether you're a student navigating your first orchestral audition or a seasoned professional refining your approach, the discussions here are grounded in real-world application. It’s about the person behind the instrument as much as the instrument itself, creating a genuine resource for anyone passionate about the trumpet. Tune in for a blend of technical wisdom and personal narrative that only comes from a lifetime spent listening from the other side of the bell.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast
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