Callum Au
With a network of Artist Centres and Ateliers around the world, Yamaha works with leading players to support their performances and develop instrument designs and new ideas for the benefit of all musicians. Yamaha Artists share with us a passion for inspiring the next generation of players, and a belief that everybody should be encouraged to nurture their talent, connect with others and tell their stories through music.
Get to know Yamaha Artist and Trombone Player Callum Au
Statement about your relation with Yamaha or your instrument:
I have been playing professional Yamaha trombones since January 2020, and I use my primary horn (the YSL-897Z) on most of my recording sessions and live dates. Notably, I am the jazz trombonist with the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, a chair which requires a fair bit of heavy lifting and plunger work, which the horn does really well.
How does your instrument help you in your daily life as an artist?
The best thing about my Yamaha trombones is the fact that they are incredibly consistent. I am asked to do a lot of different things working as a commercial trombonist, from upper register ballads to warm low register orchestral music, to improvised jazz and pop - and this horn can do it all. It slots perfectly, up and down throughout the register, and copes well with style shifts.
How would you characterise your instrument?
Dependable, reliable, free blowing. A joy to play!
Who was your most influential teacher and is there any advice which you still follow?
My most influential teacher was Terry Reaney (former trumpet soloist with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra). His best piece of advice was about phrasing melodies - treat the phrases as sentences, as if it were sung, and the melodies will come to life.
Advice for a young musician:
Play as much as you can, in as many different contexts as you can. Practice is good, but it can only get you so far - it's no substitute for playing in the real world in bands, orchestras, jazz groups etc.
