Your father had the Principal Tuba position at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for 36 years – did you feel destined for the Sydney Symphony’s brass section?

From a very early age, I was exposed to music around the house with my father Cliff’s practicing and pupils coming for lessons, as well as old LPs of recordings played in the background. On Saturday mornings, I looked forward to going with him to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra rehearsals at the ABC Studio or Sydney Town Hall and would sit behind the brass section.

Paul Goodchild, Sydney Symphony OrchestraSydney Symphony Orchestra Associate Principal Trumpet Paul Goodchild. Photo © Ant Geernaert

How ready were you for the job when you got your full-time job at the SSO at 18?

Prior to joining the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, I had played a few performances with the Australian Opera in their off-stage bands and toured with the Bolshoi Ballet Orchestra and D’Oyly Carte Orchestra. By the time I joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, I had a bit of experience under my belt.

What were the most important lessons you learned on the job?

Be a good listener and always be prepared.

What have been the biggest highlights?

One of my...