His weak spot? Ironing. His zone of genius? Motivating people and helping them believe in themselves.

Giuliano Sommerhalder’s CV is extraordinary: principal positions in some of Europe’s leading orchestras, a distinguished solo career, exceptional chamber music collaborations, and teaching roles at three major universities.

In this episode, we explore the full spectrum of excellence required to succeed across a wide range of musical contexts. What does Giuliano see as the difference between performing a solo within an orchestra and being the soloist in a concerto? How does he guide students to mentally approach auditions? And how does he deal with the pressure when a single mistake feels catastrophic?

Giuliano takes us on an honest and inspiring journey through his multifaceted career and life. He shares insights into his teaching philosophy, the human understanding necessary to communicate with clarity and kindness in an orchestral setting and the mindset needed to navigate the challenges of a professional musician’s life—all delivered with his characteristic warmth and humor. Packed with insider insights from the world of trumpet playing, this conversation is a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a top musician’s approach to everyday exceptional challenges.