We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Harrisson Ball. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Harrisson below.
Harrisson, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Moving from Australia to the United States was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken, and it has completely transformed my life. Eleven months ago, I left behind a stable career as a brass educator with Sydney Catholic Schools, where I had worked for three years. My role offered a comfortable lifestyle, a fantastic salary, and deeply rewarding experiences teaching and inspiring students. However, I felt a strong pull to pursue a dream that had been growing within me: becoming a full-time musician in the vibrant and competitive Los Angeles music scene.
Leaving my home, connections, and a flourishing gig network in Australia wasn’t easy. Many of my friends and even my parents thought it was a risky, if not foolish, move. But for me, the potential reward of living a life aligned with my true passion outweighed the security I was leaving behind. The pursuit of something more meaningful—both personally and professionally—drove me to take the leap.
When I arrived in Los Angeles, the challenges were immediate and overwhelming. The market was saturated, and finding teaching jobs proved far more difficult than I anticipated. But instead of giving up, I decided to adapt and innovate. Three months ago, I took another significant risk: launching my own online teaching company, Precision Brass. This venture was born out of a desire to help aspiring musicians worldwide and leverage my expertise in brass education.
Starting a business from scratch in a new country was daunting, but the results have been incredible. In just two months, Precision Brass has grown by 256%, connecting me with students across the globe and allowing me to fulfill my passion for teaching in a way I never imagined possible.
Taking these risks has taught me that success often requires stepping into the unknown and defying the odds. My journey is far from over, but I’ve already proven to myself that with hard work, resilience, and a belief in my vision, the sky truly is the limit.
Harrisson, 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?
For those who don’t know me, I had the privilege of studying at James Morrison University in South Australia, under the guidance of the renowned multi-instrumentalist James Morrison, during the two years it was open. Afterward, I transferred to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where I served as the lead trumpet player in their prestigious top band for three years.
Following my studies, I became a full-time educator with Sydney Catholic Schools and also performed extensively, including on three contracts with Royal Caribbean. Over my career, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to perform in 54 countries, exploring a vast range of musical styles—from classical and Latin American to mariachi music. I’ve played with DJs, big bands, and small ensembles, constantly challenging myself to adapt and grow as a musician.
My journey into the music industry began with a deep passion for the trumpet and a commitment to honing my craft. Over time, that passion evolved into a focus on problem-solving and helping others overcome challenges with their playing. I specialize in assisting clients with embouchure issues, including those recovering from long periods away from the trumpet, focal dystonia, TMJ disorder, and other neurological conditions. My goal is to help others rediscover their love for playing and achieve their own musical aspirations.
One of my proudest accomplishments was working with a client who, after 12 weeks of dedicated training, built the confidence and range needed to audition successfully for the Australian Navy as a lead trumpet player. She became the second female lead trumpet player ever appointed to that position in Australia, and being part of her journey is something I’ll always treasure.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the opportunity to share the universal language of music with people from all corners of the world. I’ve had the privilege of performing across diverse places—Yugoslavia, Croatia, Russia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, England, Canada, and beyond. Regardless of the language we speak or the style we play, music creates an unbreakable connection.
Even when words fail, the act of making music together—whether it’s hearing someone accompany me on a ballad or listening to them express themselves through a solo—reveals something deeply personal and profound. Through these moments, I’ve come to understand people’s stories, their emotions, and their identities, all through the power of music. It’s a gift that transcends boundaries and brings us closer together.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A story that truly illustrates my resilience begins with my upbringing. My father played an instrumental role in supporting my musical journey. He made countless sacrifices, believing in my potential even when the odds seemed daunting. He drove me hours to rehearsals and ensembles across Australia, ensuring I had every opportunity to grow. Along the way, I was fortunate to have dedicated mentors like Adrian Munn, who selflessly taught me without ever charging a penny. Their unwavering support instilled in me a determination to never give up.
When I moved to the United States, I knew the journey would be anything but easy. I applied for 73 minimum-wage teaching jobs—from programs like the Harmony Project to roles at Disneyland—and faced rejection after rejection. It was humbling, to say the least. I wasn’t considered “good enough” to teach for $20 an hour, yet I was entrusted with playing lead trumpet on Jens Lindemann’s Rhapsody of the Blues, touring the Midwest for three weeks. These contradictions reminded me that rejection often isn’t a reflection of ability but a stepping stone to better opportunities.
Every “no” I received paved the way for me to carve out my own path. It led me to establish my business, Precision Brass, where I teach students who are deeply committed to learning and growing. Building my own company has taught me invaluable life lessons, foremost among them being that true resilience comes from creating your own opportunities rather than relying solely on others to provide them.
Today, I am fortunate to have a diversified career as a musician, with multiple streams of income and the freedom to shape my own destiny. Resilience, to me, means adapting to challenges, finding new ways forward, and ultimately building a life where no single setback can define or deter you. It’s about turning obstacles into stepping stones and using them to create something meaningful and lasting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.precisionbrass.info/webinar-registration-pb
- Instagram: hornofharro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@harrissonball
Image Credits
Credit Noni Carroll Photography