It was a pleasure to take part in the inaugural edition of the Bydgoska Akademia Instrumentów Dętych Blaszanych, hosted by the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music. This event brought together brass musicians and educators from around Europe, fostering an international atmosphere rich in inspiration and artistic exchange.

I was honoured to deliver my lecture about how to warm up efficiently, a topic that has remained central to my development as a musician. The approach I presented stems from my formative experiences at the Rotterdam Conservatory, where daily morning warm-ups led by professors and advanced students played a vital role in shaping both my discipline and musical foundation. In the lecture, I outlined several key principles of an effective warm-up:

• Emphasising core fundamentals such as breath control, embouchure flexibility, and articulation

• Treating the warm-up as a focused quality control session, not merely a habit

• Employing tools like the metronome and tuner to cultivate precision and consistency

• Designing the session to be concise yet comprehensive, balancing coverage with sustainability—my personal routine lasts approximately 30 minutes

• Allowing for mental clarity and adequate rest, while avoiding physical tension

• Using exercises that gently but intentionally prepare the body for practice and performance

This presentation was followed by a day of individual lessons, during which I had the opportunity to work closely with trombone students. Our sessions addressed key aspects such as posture, breath support, tone quality, and musical phrasing.

A highlight of the event was the Final Concert, which featured outstanding performances by faculty members representing Lithuania, Germany, Poland, and myself from Spain. It was a privilege to perform alongside such esteemed colleagues in front of a hall filled with enthusiastic and engaged students.

The experience was further enriched by a tour of the Academy’s impressive new campus, a testament to Bydgoszcz’s growing role as a cultural hub and its commitment to fostering future generations of musicians.

Equally memorable was the charm of Bydgoszcz itself—a city steeped in history and known for its deep appreciation of the arts.

I extend my sincere thanks to Paweł Kalicki for his kind invitation, and the gracious hospitality extended to all participants. This first edition of the Bydgoszcz Brass Academy was a resounding success, and I look forward to the possibility of returning for future editions marked by continued learning, collaboration, and musical growth.