Getting Back Into Trumpet: Episode One
January 22nd, 2024 | 2 min read
In September 2009, Grant Golding, an accomplished trumpet player and pBone Music ambassador, faced what could have been a career-ending ordeal.
While hiking the Glenshield Ridge, a trek equating to scaling about six Eiffel Towers, disaster struck. A fall on the Craignan Dampf, or the Crag of the Styx, left him severely injured and stranded. With a head wound reminiscent of Harry Potter and significant nerve damage, Golding's future in music hung in the balance.
But this is not just a story of a harrowing accident; it's a tale of resilience, determination, and an unwavering passion for music. After four major surgeries and a ten-day hospital stay, Golding faced a new challenge: returning to his beloved trumpet. With nerve damage impacting his face and lips, the very tools of his trade were compromised. Yet, he didn't succumb to despair. Instead, he embraced a relentless spirit to overcome.
The journey back to trumpet playing was anything but easy. Golding grappled with the uncertainty and frustration of nerve damage, a common yet daunting hurdle for brass players. The path was uncharted and lonely; despite reaching out for advice, he found himself without guidance. So, he turned to his experience as a brass teacher and a dose of common sense. Through self-taught methods and sheer willpower, Golding not only returned to playing but also surpassed his pre-accident skills.
Triumph Over Adversity: Grant Golding's Inspirational Comeback Story
This story isn't just about a personal comeback; it's a beacon of hope and a guide for others facing similar challenges. In a year where bands were silenced and performances cancelled, many musicians have found themselves disconnected from their craft. Golding's experience is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
The Recover series, spanning 10 video clips, is more than just tutorials. It's a journey alongside a man who refused to let an accident define his musical destiny. Golding’s story is not just about relearning skills but rediscovering passion. It's a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced setbacks in their musical journey.
Golding's first performance post-accident, the Christmas Oratorio by J. S. Bach, symbolizes this triumph. From being unable to produce a single note to delivering a complex Bach piece, his journey is a profound reminder of the human spirit's resilience.
If you're a musician finding your way back to your instrument, or if you simply seek inspiration in the face of adversity, Grant Golding’s story is for you. His experience underscores a vital message: with determination and the right approach, you can overcome challenges and rediscover your passion.
Embark on this journey with Golding and reignite your musical fire. Whether it’s returning to an old love or exploring new musical horizons, let this story be your guide.
- Watch Grant Golding’s inspiring comeback story and learn from his Recovery series.
- Discover more learning resources in the pBone Music Teacher Resources area.
- Enjoyed Grant's videos? Check out this explainer of his Brassy History video on Renaissance Brass.
This article and Golding's series aim to encourage and support not just trumpet players but all musicians looking to find their way back to their musical roots. His story is a poignant reminder that with perseverance, the right mindset, and a bit of creativity, the road to recovery, no matter how daunting, can lead to a place of greater strength and profound joy in music.
Adam is the Content Manager at pBone Music. This should mean that he’s the ideal person to write about himself, but he finds boasting in the third person a little awkward. He honed his word wizardry with a degree in English Language and Literature at the University of Leeds. He has since written copy for clients and businesses across the land, from awards to something beginning with “z”. He also spent a number of years as a musician. He has written pop songs and even jingles for kids, performed more first dances at weddings than you could shake a pBuzz at, and once played a gig for a pie company at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester. When he’s not reminiscing about those good old days, you might find Adam enjoying the football (although as an Everton fan, that can be difficult). He also loves spending time with his partner, Jen, and his family and friends, and sincerely hopes they feel the same way.
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