My name is Dion Tucker. I am a professional jazz trombonist based in NYC. After developing embouchure dystonia in 2019 and spending months training and rehabilitating my "chops", I decided to start The Chops Shop---a platform where strategies are provided for brass players to avoid embouchure misuse and overuse, and to share techniques with other musicians to enhance their musical abilities.
I provide individualized lessons and methods for musicians to perform more efficiently and execute music more confidently. Lessons are taught online via www.thechops-shop.com and in person through one-on-one and group clinic formats. The Chops Shop is the place to learn and discuss different approaches to playing your instrument as well as how those same concepts can be applied to improvisation, solo performances and having a healthier mental approach to playing music. This channel will feature instructional videos and performance tips.
The Chops Shop
In this episode of The Black Trombone Chronicles I am honored to have the incredible Wycliffe Gordon as my guest. Wycliffe is a 6x winner of the Downbeat Magazine “Best Trombone” Award as well as a 13x winner of the Jazz Journalists Association “Trombonist of the Year” Award. In this interview he shares a really funny story about the acknowledgement he received from “Ronald McDonald” for making the McDonald’s All American High School Jazz Band! You'll also see the love Wycliffe has for his alma mater Florida A&M University. He shares how participating in a masterclass at FAMU with Wynton Marsalis transformed his college experience into a legendary career that has allowed him to share his musical talents with audiences around the world. Make sure you watch the video until the end to hear a timeless quote by Wycliffe!
#Trombone #JazzTrombone #WycliffeGordon
4 years ago | [YT] | 7
View 0 replies
The Chops Shop
In this episode of The Black Trombone Chronicles, I’m excited to interview my first international guest, Darrin Milling. Darrin joins me from São Paulo, Brazil where he has lived for 22 years and is the Bass Trombonist Principal in the São Paulo State Symphony. He attended the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia before moving on to Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music for his postgraduate studies. Darrin shares his experiences and adversities he has faced as a musician of color in Brazil and America. We also discuss some of the challenges Darrin has had creating unity amongst the community of musicians of color in Brazil to fight causes directly affecting their community. Hear all about Darrin's passion for the bass trombone as well as his fight for equality for all musicians of color within the Brazilian community in this inspirational interview.
#Trombone #BassTrombone #SaoPauloStateSymphony
4 years ago | [YT] | 3
View 0 replies
The Chops Shop
Happy International Women’s Day!
In this episode of The Black Trombone Chronicles, I’m honored to have my first female guest, Robyn Smith. Robyn is a fantastic trombonist hailing from Atlanta, GA. As a recent graduate from New England Conservatory, Robyn has used her skill, knowledge and amazing talent to earn the position of second trombone in the Michigan Opera Theater. Robyn discusses how she started playing trombone in an all female, African-American trombone section in middle and high school to how a simple choice of hairstyle can affect a conductor's first impression of her. This interview offers a firsthand look at how the intersectionality of race and gender in the white, male-dominated world of classical music impacts her career. If you know a female musician (especially of color), I highly recommend thhat you share this interview with them!
4 years ago | [YT] | 5
View 1 reply
The Chops Shop
In this episode of The Black Trombone Chronicles, I speak to Andre Hayward. Andre shares some incredible stories about his time working with one of the most influential female vocalists in jazz, Betty Carter. Find out how he wound up painting her fence! Andre is also my first guest to pick up his trombone and play! You don’t want to miss the soulful sounds coming out of his horn. This interview is not to be missed! Visit @TheChopsShop to view the entire interview.
The Black Trombone Chronicles playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt...
4 years ago | [YT] | 4
View 2 replies