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The Times, Health Fitness, Body & Soul
Interview: Anna Shepard
Not Just Anybody: Meet The Top Brass
Lip exercises and racing yachts keep classical trumpet player Alison Balsom, 27, in tune with life
With a classical Brit award and a deal from EMI, are you having a blast?
I am. But I'm always looking to the next project. For a brief period, when I've achieved something, I feel great, then I start thinking about what's next.
What about the pressureof the spotlight?
You have to monitor it. It would be ridiculous to spend more time promoting a concert than preparing for it. I'm not complaining, though, it's nice to have a bit of glamour in my world.
Isn't it you bringing glamour to classical music?
There may be a novelty factor with me because I don't fit the trumpet player stereotype.
Do good looks help?
Charisma is more important. Once I've got people's attention, I need to keep it. And I've still got to be able to play well.
Not tempted by something more ladylike than the trumpet?
I don't think the trumpet is unladylike. There's a feminine side to all instruments.
Don't you need a lot of puff?
It's about breathing technique, not lung capacity. The trumpet's macho reputation comes from the brass brands, traditionally formed in mining communities.
What makes a good player?
It's about being a good musician. Because the trumpet is physically demanding, it can become a sport, about who can play the loudest or the highest, and showing off technical perfection. That'll never set the world alight; it's about what you can say with your technique.
Any health problems associated with playing?
The opposite. Like a professional swimmer, I've learnt how to breathe in a deep and controlled way
How long can you practise?
Never more than four hours; usually only one or two. Much less than a pianist or a violinist. You use these tiny muscles in your lips, which you can damage easily. You have to give them lots of breaks. But you can't have as many days off as other musicians as lip muscles have short muscular memory. If you don't play for two days, you'll find it hard.
How do you keep your lips pucker?
I do stretching exercises to warm them up and to keep my mouth supple. I use lip- salve sparingly. You can get addicted to it.
Any other tips?
Keep hydrated. The main reason for dry lips is because you haven't drunk enough water.
When did you hear the call of the trumpet?
I started playing at 8, joining my school orchestras and my local town band, in Royston, Hertfordshire. By 10, I knew that I wanted to play seriously. Then I joined the National Youth Orchestra.
What else rocked your boat?
Sailing. My Dad has a 16ft catamaran, which he keeps at Brightlingsea, Essex. Along with my brother, we'd spend our time messing around on it. I was a typical tomboy.
Still find the time to hoist sails?
In a few months, I'm going on a racing yacht expedition to France on a friend's father's boat. I've done a couple of yachting courses so I'm qualified as a crew member.
Will the trumpet join you?
This trip is close to a concert in London, so yes. I'll keep it tucked away in the cabin most of the time though.
If you hadn't become a trumpeter . . .
I would have been a lawyer. I am always arguing or, I should say, debating.
Does the trumpet attract people who like making themselves heard?
Yes, you can't half-play the trumpet. You have to have some element in your personality that suits this.
Like to take centre stage?
I can do it when I need to.
Do you suffer from nerves?
In the run-up to a concert, I worry too much. I'm fine when it starts, but before that it takes over every other thought in my brain.
Tried anything to help you relax?
I do yoga and Pilates on tour, which also helps with jetlag. And I try to have a sleep before a concert, even just ten minutes lying horizontal.
No Dutch courage?
That would be a disaster. I can't play at all if I'm hung over. I don't smoke, but if I'm in a smoky environment, the next morning it affects my playing
Faddy eater?
Not faddy, but it's awful if you have to cancel a concert because you're ill, so I feel it's my responsibility to eat healthily. Fast food slips in occasionally, though, burgers and pizzas.
What's next?
I'm going out with a violin player, Richard Milone, whom I met playing at the London Chamber Orchestra, so I'd like to find opportunities to play together. Greatest ambition? To skipper a boat in the Fastnet Race, from the Isle of Wight to the Fastnet Rock in Ireland and back, with my trumpet on board.