Finding Your "Why" for Playing Trumpet: Louis Dowdeswell. Ep. 153

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer, producer and creator Louis Dowdeswell, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Louis Dowdeswell Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

 

Louis Dowdeswell has an invitation for you, especially if you're embarking on a career as a professional musician:

 

Find your Why.

 

It may not be as obvious as you think!

 

It'll take time, hard work and introspection. But you're a trumpet player: you already know what that's like!

 

Louis joins us today for what evolves into a deep conversation with tremendous insight. This episode creeps up on you. As Louis' stories and perspectives sink in, it'll get you thinking.

 

He's a YouTube star, founder of a successful trumpet academy, and a productive working musician. But Louis has been through his share of doubts, challenges and uncertainties - he almost gave the trumpet up in 2023.

 

If though you've ever needed inspiration to do something, to just start, and ignore what anyone might say or think about it: listen to this episode. Louis' endearingly positive and thoughtful personality will help you along your way.

 

In the words of Tim McGraw: "When you get where you're going, turn back around and take a look. Help the next one in line. Always be humble and kind."

 

About Louis Dowdeswell:

Louis Dowdeswell is one of the most in-demand trumpeters of his generation, known for his powerful lead playing, versatility, and distinctive sound. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and later awarded Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM), he has built a career that bridges jazz, classical, pop, and film.

 

Louis performed lead trumpet on Michael Bublé’s Grammy Award-winning track Higher and has played for King Charles at Buckingham Palace. His Louis Dowdeswell Big Band has attracted millions of listeners worldwide, with over 30 million views online.

 

As a performer, Louis has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, and the BBC Concert Orchestra, and has played in numerous West End productions, including Wicked, Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls, and MJ the Musical. He has also shared the stage with artists such as Robbie Williams, Michael Bublé, Katherine Jenkins, Brian May, Teddy Swims, and Franz Ferdinand.

 

On the recording front, Louis has worked with Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Celeste, Seal, Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, and more. His trumpet can be heard on blockbuster films including James Bond – No Time To Die, Barbie, Aladdin, Cats, and Don’t Look Up, where he was the featured soloist.

 

Louis is an International Conn Selmer / Vincent Bach Artist and the founder of Louis’ Trumpet Academy, a global education platform awarded the Skool Games Q1 Prize for innovation in 2025.

 

He lives with his wife, Milly, an opera singer, and their two boys, Reggie and Stanley, grounding his busy career in faith and family.

 

Episode Links:

• www.louisdowdeswell.com
• www.worldoftrumpet.com
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Spotify 

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• National Trumpet Festival, March 20-22, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
  https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/national-trumpet-competition-valve-alignment-special
• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Kirkland, WA
  https://calendly.com/bobreevesbrass/metropolitan-music-valve-alignment-appointment 
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR

 

Podcast Credits:

• “A Room with a View“ - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Cover Photo Credit - Courtesy Louis Dowdeswell
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg