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Music help from experts
Hi, I’m Andy Manning.
I’ve been a musician for 40+ years, and my whole life has been steeped in music. I’m also a pretty decent writer and MusicSense brings these two loves serendipitously together to share my, and my friends expertise and tips…
Although I hate self promotion here’s some of my highlights and history, just to prove I know what I’m on about (mostly).
Musical experience
- I studied the Trombone under Les Storey in Huddersfield, whilst working towards a Classical Music degree there
- I went on to gain a BSc in Electronic Music at the University of Hertfordshire
- I’ve performed in various brass bands, orchestras, choirs and ensembles and in prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert and Royal Festival Halls
- I’ve been on TV at the Llangollen music festival as part of an adult mixed choir
- I’ve engineering credits on an independent record label
- I’ve played in a Javanese Gamelan Orchestra
- I’ve done hundreds of solo recitals with varying audience sizes from 10 to 100’s
Trombone life
As I mentioned above, I started playing brass instruments from a very early age, starting with the Cornet (a softer version of a Trumpet). Quickly realising my embouchure was not naturally suited to the higher register, I shifted to the Trombone and never looked back.
As my family was in the Salvation Army (a strange mix of christianity and military, don’t ask!) I spent most of my formative years learning and playing in brass bands. This is where I performed most of my solo recitals, touring with what was one of the best bands in the Salvation Army at this time.
Studying music throughout school because it was something I was good at and came easy if I’m honest. I decided to go off to university after working for a year and being scared I might end up having to do something like that for another 50 odd! Rather than do the rounds of college auditions as I should have done, I only auditioned for Huddersfield, and was accepted.
I learnt several things at Huddersfield
- Playing at professional level is no fun and a massive stress (for me anyway)
- Composition with electronic hardware is simply awesome
Electronic Music
Set-up
Today I’ve traded in my orchestral trombone for a Jazz trombone (King 3B) and just play for fun at home. My music production set-up comprises a Macbook Pro, Reaper, an SSL+ audio interface, Genelec 1029a’s with a 7050A Sub and about a million plug-ins.
