We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Giannis Koudounas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Giannis , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Earning a full-time living from my creative work is a multi-faceted journey that weaves my passion for music and education together. By day, I serve as a primary-secondary school music teacher at the Heritage Private School in Cyprus Limassol, where I have the privilege of nurturing young talents and fostering a love for music. In the afternoons, my role extends to that of a trumpet tutor, working with private students to impart not only technical skills but also a deep appreciation for the art of playing the trumpet.
Beyond the educational realm, my evenings are dedicated to my roles as the principal trumpet player in two distinguished orchestras—the TrakArt Pops Orchestra and The Limassol Jazz Syndicate. Balancing these diverse roles allows me to share my love for music with others and ensures a dynamic and fulfilling career where creativity and education intersect harmoniously, contributing to my ability to sustain a full-time livelihood through my artistic pursuits.

Giannis , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Giannis Koudounas is an award-winning classical-contemporary trumpet player acclaimed for exceptional performances and contributions to the music scene in both the United Kingdom – London and Cyprus. His musical journey commenced at a young age, fostering a profound love for the trumpet and honing technical skills to craft a distinctive sound.

Giannis has completed his trumpet performance studies at the Royal Holloway University of London, earning recognition with the Alice Daugherty Chaplin Prize for Excellence in Performance—an acknowledgement of his outstanding final-year solo recital. Encouraged by this achievement, he continues postgraduate studies at RHUL in Advanced Musical Studies, specialising in trumpet performance and supported by the Principal’s scholarship.

Beyond academia, Giannis graces live performance stages alongside renowned musicians and artists. Noteworthy experiences include recording at the historic Abbey Road Studios with the Earth Orchestra and contributing to the West End Orchestra for The Sound of Music West End tour in Cyprus. In 2020, Giannis was invited by the acclaimed Brazilian trumpeter Gileno Santana to perform at the Vortex Jazz Club in London, a testament to the recognition of his artistry.

Currently holding the principal trumpet position for the TrakArt Pops Orchestra and the Lead Trumpet Position for the Limassol Jazz Syndicate, Giannis solidifies his presence in the music scene. What distinguishes him is not only technical prowess and musicality but also versatility in seamlessly navigating classical and contemporary genres.

Throughout his journey, Giannis has had the privilege of learning from world-class trumpet players, including Paul Archibald, Mike Lovatt, and Simon Munday. Collaborations with experienced conductors like Rebecca Miller, Freddie Tapner, and Brady Mould have enriched his musical perspective.

Reflecting on his achievements, Giannis takes pride in the continuous evolution of his artistry and the ability to connect with diverse audiences through performances—whether on stage, in the studio, or online collaborations. Dedicated to creating musical experiences that resonate deeply, Giannis Koudounas stands as a dynamic force in the world of music.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Explaining the creative journey to those who aren’t into the creative realm can sometimes be a bit tricky. You see, the creative process is this unique mix of abstract ideas and personal feelings. It’s like trying to describe that “aha” moment when inspiration strikes—it’s not exactly something you can touch or see, but it’s a powerful force. And then there’s this ongoing dance between self-doubt, the pursuit of originality, and the emotional courage needed to share your creative work. It’s a journey that involves a lot of intuition, a bit of trial and error, and a whole heap of resilience. It’s like weaving a colourful tapestry of ideas, and for those not knee-deep in the creative world, it might seem a tad mysterious or complex. But hey, that’s what makes it so fascinating!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a performer is the ability to elicit emotions, inspire, and connect with diverse audiences, which is deeply fulfilling. Each note played carries the potential to stir the soul, creating an intimate dialogue between the artist and listeners. As a teacher, witnessing the impact of music on students, seeing them develop a passion for the art, and sharing the joy of performance are unparalleled sources of satisfaction.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/gianniskoudounas?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gianniskoudounastrumpet
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giannis-koudounas-035aaa17a/