Conversations with Brian Walsh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Walsh.

Hi Brian, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing the clarinet at age 10. Around that time, I saw a wind quintet performing at the mall wearing socks that were painted to look like shoes. I was intrigued. The oboe looked the most interesting, so I asked to play that in my public school program. Instead, I was handed a clarinet. Close enough.
I went on to play in youth orchestras around Los Angeles, and then to the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts(LACHSA). From there I studied at CSU Long Beach, then transferred to the California Institute of the Arts where I received my B.A and M.A.
Soon after graduating, I started my own jazz ensemble(Walsh Set Trio) and recorded two albums, and became a founding member of the chamber ensembles Wild up, gnarwhallaby, and Brightwork newmusic.
Contemporary classical music, jazz and improvisation have always been central to my artistic life, and I feel so fortunate to get to make music with some of my favorite people and musicians in this city(and others).

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many other folks, creating/following/discovering the path through music was/is not smooth or effortless. That is part of the reason why I do it, I suppose. The fun and fulfillment is found in the problem-solving, consistency and relationships cultivated within yourself and others. Early in my college journey, I decided to drop out and work a day job and practice as much music as I could. During those few years, I made a lot of progress as an artist, met many friends and colleagues, and then went back to school because I had a real sense of what I wanted to accomplish. While I felt guilty and rather like a failure at the time, it was certainly the best thing that could have happened. I continue to struggle with feelings of inadequacy about my own playing and creative output. But through experience and strong relationships within our community(and with my own family), I feel like I have a healthy and balanced relationship with music. And regardless of how I may be doing professionally, that is paramount.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am clarinetist, saxophonist and composer living in Los Angeles. I specialize in contemporary classical music, but play all sorts of different styles. I am most interested in music that defies boundaries and asks artists to interact with sound and silence in non-traditional ways. I am most proud of the many colloborations that I have been lucky enough to be a part of. Some of these include the wonderful Julius Eastman project that chamber group Wild up continues to expand, the many projects that Brightwork newmusic has been engaged in through Tuesdays@Monkspace and many local universities and high schools, the wonderful work being done at Monday Evening Concerts, as well as The Industry and Long Beach Opera. All of these institutions/ensembles(and many others) have been a joy to work with over the last decade, and continue to inspire me. As far as what I am most proud of, my own family would come first. I have a wonderful partner and three amazing children who are my everything. My students would come next!

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a big Libby user. I just finished listening to two amazing Octavia E. Butler novels- she’s a big inspiration.
I love The New Yorker.
I’ve got to put the Tonal Energy Tuning app and Tempo metronome app on here- I use them every day.
Podcasts I like: This American Life, Throughline, The Moth, Radiolab, Serial, Rescue

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brianwalshclarinet.org
• Instagram: bwalsh333
• Youtube: @brianwalsh8820

Image Credits
photo credits- Kathryn Beers