Flutes Through Bassoons with Josh Plotner (Meghan Trainor, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Babylon)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
Guest: Josh Plotner
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Topics discussed
Host note
Josh Plotner has played around 120 instruments, which is a number that sounds like marketing until he explains the logic: "It's easier to learn more once you know more." Each new instrument lowers the threshold for the next one. He wanted saxophone at age 3, fell in love with flute and clarinet in high school when orchestra clicked, and built from there into a career spanning Broadway, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Babylon, Meghan Trainor, and anime recordings including Naruto and Avatar.
We talk through multi-instrumentalism as accumulative skill rather than novelty, what it actually looks like to build that range across a career, what non-western instruments add to the palette, and what music education looks like when it works. The thread is curiosity as a professional practice: the same instinct that sent him to saxophone at 3 is the same instinct that keeps adding instruments now.
Selected moments
- Josh's early love for music 2:16 Josh recounts how his passion for playing saxophone started at a young age, highlighting the influence his mother had on his musical journey.
- Importance of learning multiple instruments 6:18 Josh explains the strategic advantage of learning various woodwind instruments, particularly for artists seeking opportunities on Broadway.
- The thrill of non-western instruments 9:50 Josh shares his experiences with learning and performing on diverse instruments from around the world, stressing how they expand one's musical vocabulary.
- The creativity in music education 18:54 Discussing his unconventional learning path, Josh emphasizes the value of personalized music education over formal degrees.
- The future of orchestras in popular media 39:19 Josh highlights the potential resurgence of orchestras through live concert events, merging classical music with modern storytelling.
- Integrating traditional and modern styles 40:40 He speaks about how modern interpretations of traditional world music can engage new audiences.
Selected excerpts
I wanted to play saxophone since I was three years old... my mom thought it was just a phase.
I really fell in love with flute and clarinet in high school... because I started to see how cool orchestra stuff was.
It’s easier to learn more once you know more... if I tell you I play 120 instruments, which is 20 more instruments you're like, wow, that's impressive.
In music, if you make a mistake, you can't go back and fix it... you have to get over making a mistake and just keep going.
Music is a tool that makes life worth living... it’s satisfying to do something with my life that’s not very taxing on the environment.
FAQ
What is Josh Plotner's musical background?
Josh Plotner is a versatile musician who plays a wide range of instruments, including woodwinds. He is known for his work on Broadway, as well as with various anime and television scores.
How does Josh Plotner approach learning new instruments?
Josh emphasizes the importance of curiosity and personal exploration in learning music, often engaging with teachers across different styles to deepen his understanding.
What are some projects Josh Plotner has worked on?
He has contributed to live performances for Broadway shows, and orchestrated music for series like Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.