Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
Something about music has just felt right to me; from a young age I was always willing to give up time from other things to get involved in music. As a euphonium player, my main influence is Steven Mead but I also have James Hetfield (from Metallica) as an influence. I love his story and he is a huge musical idol of mine.
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
My greatest challenge has been finding myself, believing in myself and learning what I personally need to do to improve. Lots of teachers tell you what they think you need to hear, but nothing fully works until you know it yourself.
Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?
My solo CD, ‘Hustle’. I always wanted to record a CD and I am proud that I did this myself and recorded some music that was written especially for me. Find out more here: https://www.markglovermusic.co.uk/cd-hustle-sales
Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?
I love performing new music. I am not a fan of the same old euphonium solos that have been played by almost every euphonium player. Any new composition, especially if it by a composer who hasn’t written for the euphonium before, just brings out the best in me musically.
What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?
I try and balance practice time. Practice is essential but I try and do what I need to do and then relax. Spend time with my wife and daughter and not think about a performance until I need too.
How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?
Playing for The Grimethorpe Colliery Band means I have a lot of concerts and I have to learn a lot of new repertoire. As a soloist, I like to play music that I know well, or like to source new music that has never been performed.
Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?
The Esplanade, Singapore. The similarities to The Symphony Hall in Birmingham make it feel like I am at home. I lived in Singapore for 5 years and loved performing at The Esplanade.
What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?
Get youngsters excited about classical music, more support for music teachers in primary schools and finding ways to make classical music inclusive to all.
What is your most memorable concert experience?
The British Open Brass Band Contest, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK, 2023. I performed my first contest with Grimethorpe Colliery Band and we came fourth. We had to perform an incredible piece of music called ‘Sand and Stars’ by Thierry Deleruyelle.
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
Influencing others to follow in your footsteps, earning enough to do what you love, and feeling at home on the stage.
What advice would you give to young/aspiring musicians?
Experiment, find what works for you. Enjoy practising and learning from mistakes.
What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?
Teaching youngsters that classical music is fun. Showing them how classical music relates to other popular styles of music. Providing more opportunities for youngsters to learn musical instruments. So future generations continue the love of classical music.
What’s the one thing in the music industry we’re not talking about which you think we should be?
That cutting budgets for music will have a negative impact on the whole music industry and the mental health of everyone.
What’s next? Where would you like to be in 10 years?
I want to win the major brass band contests and be a well-respected musician.
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