Episode 80: Oskar Stenmark - Horn to Manhattan

Oskar Stenmark is a trumpeter based in New York City.

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(00:00) First trip to New York, February 2013

(03:28) Naive “magical city” expectations for musicians

(06:12) Student visa plan and Manhattan School of Music

(09:45) Havana semester sparks desire to leave Sweden

(13:18) Havana’s street music, intensity, and community

(16:40) Musical family lineage: 10 generations playing

(20:05) Early foundations: mom’s singing, dad’s rhythm

(23:37) Sweden’s mandatory instruments and recorder “trial”

(27:10) Learning trumpet: patience, mobility, first sound

(30:44) High school choice: soccer dreams vs music focus

(34:22) Sweden education path and taking a year off

(38:06) First Vanguard night triggers “I belong here”

(41:55) Inside Village Vanguard: stairs, rumbling train, legacy

(45:12) Staying after graduation: OPT then O-1 artist visa

(48:58) Proving “extraordinary ability” and embassy interview

(52:21) Advice: letters, gratitude, packaging your case

(55:47) Early survival: three pillars—perform, write, teach

(58:36) Gigs and compounding network: say yes, be solid

(62:04) Habits: subway listening, prioritize beautiful sound

(66:11) Midsummer legacy and redefining success holistically