Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin McCain
Hi Martin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My musical upbringing began with piano lessons when I was seven. Having this foundation was very beneficial when I began band class as I already could read music. I began playing the baritone in the 5th grade and then switched to the trombone. Both of my parents were raised by musicians so they knew the importance of taking private lessons so I always had a private trombone teacher from elementary school through graduate school.
I was involved with band program in high school (Southaven High School) in addition to the Memphis Youth Symphony. I knew from an early age that I wanted to do music for a living even though I wasn’t completely sure what that meant. As a high school student, I attended several honor and all-state bands in addition to summer music festivals while in high school. I attended the University of Southern Mississippi where I earned a Bachelor of Music degree in trombone performance then moved to Austin, TX where I earned a Masters and Doctoral degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
I was appointed to my first university job right out my Masters program at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, TX where I taught for 3 years, then taught at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR for one year then settled back in Texas where I taught at Texas State University for 13 years. Currently, I am on the faculty at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis.
Outside of my university teaching, I enjoy having a diverse performance career playing multiple genres. I have performed with the symphony orchestras of Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Toronto, Utah, Austin, San Antonio and Memphis and jazz ensembles such as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra to name a few. As a chamber musician, I play with my wife, pianist Artina McCain as the McCain Duo and with the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. Additionally, I play in the pit of the Orpheum Theatre for the National Broadway tours that come to Memphis and record at the legendary Royal Studios with the Royal Studio Horns.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think there are smooth roads when creating a path to be the best musician and teacher that you can be. Although I achieved a lot of success at a young age, it didn’t come easy. I lost more professional auditions than I have won or was passed over for a job or opportunity to people who were less experienced. I believe hard work, resilience and having faith has kept me humble.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I spoke about my professional career in a previous question.
Something that I specialize in is being an ambassador of the bass trombone. I am passionate about creating new solo repertoire for the instrument by commissioning composers to write more for it. I have had compositions written for the McCain Duo that have been used for international solo competitions. I’m one of the few bass trombonists that have played in top tier symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles and has a multifacted career as a recording artist and chamber musician.
How do you define success?
Success can look different for many people in the music field. Some people feel that if they win a job, a competition, etc., it makes them successful. I feel that if you are happy and contributing positively to society, that is a great success story.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.martinmccain.com and www.mccainduo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccaintrombone
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccaintrombone
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mccaintrombone
