'Tips from the Top' - Interview with Misa Mead

This week on 'Tips from the Top' we are pleased to welcome Besson Euphonium Artist Misa Mead.

1. When did you start to play the Euphonium?

I started to play euphonium when I was 9 years old.

2. What is a typical day/week like for you?

I practice for 3 to 4 hours a day, I go to the gym twice a week, I also go to yoga / tai chi class once a week and of course, travelling for concerts or masterclasses, etc.

3. What has been your most interesting/unusual concert performance?

Shooting for a TV commercial, performance for the opening ceremony of an international football match, an outdoor concert for an audience of a few thousand.

4. What skills/personal attributes are most important to being a successful Euphonium Player?

I think it is a balance of musicality, technique, personality, etc.

5.  What personal advice would you offer to the average Euphonium player?

Always set your sights high and always do your best.

6. What are your favorite Euphonium Solos?

There are too many, too many to write here.

7.   Tell me about your rehearsal schedule?

I have a concert in Ireland at the end of September and in London middle of October. I will go to the Midwest of the USA, on tour at the end of October. This is my first solo tour. Then Asia tour (Hong Kong, China and Japan) in December. I have a CD recording with Steve in January.

8.  Tell me about your experiences with the Euphonium in Japan? How does it compare to being in England ?

There are so many Euphonium players in Japan and they are very active. There are many concerts, recitals, many kind of jobs, so I really enjoyed my life in Japan. UK life is really different for me, actually 95% of my activities are out of UK, and so I don't know many things about UK. Travelling in the world is very exciting and I always get experiences from there. Each country has its different culture and style; it is connected to the music too. This is very interesting for me.

9. What is it like being married to a world famous Euphonium Player?

Of course it made my life change in many ways. Some things - really happy ways, some things - really difficult ways. But we try make better always, help each other, and be happy together as other married couples do.

10. Who would you say is the one Euphonium player who has influence you the most?

    I can't choose one, but I studied with Mr. Noriaki Okamoto, Mr. Shoichiro Hokazono, Mr. Takashi     Yamamoto, Ms. Ayano Iwakuro, Mr. Legris Philippe, Mr. Philippe Fritsch, Mr. Anthony Caillet, Mr. David Maquet, Mr. Jacques Mauger and Mr. Roger Bobo.

11. What are your 3 top tips for ambitious younger players?

   Practice well, go to many concerts and listen well, play in many concerts.

I would like to thank Misa for sharing her insight into the world of the Euphonium. I look forward to hearing more about your CD recording in the near future.