We recently connected with Bartek Kacperski and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bartek, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes largely from my parents. I grew up in a small village in central Poland. My dad was a bus driver, and my mom stayed at home to take care of me and my older siblings. In 1995, they made a bold decision to start a small business — a plumbing supply store right next to our house. From that moment on, they poured everything they had into it: their time, their money, and all their energy. Watching them build something from the ground up, with no shortcuts, left a huge impact on me.
I started playing trumpet when I was eight, in a local community band. At first, it was all just fun. Until I was about 14, I balanced trumpet with soccer and volleyball. But after my first music teacher passed away, I made a decision: I was going to focus entirely on music and give it everything I had.
I’ve always pushed myself to be the best version of who I could be, and I was lucky to have great people around me who helped me grow. I realized early on that to reach a high level in music, I had to give it my all. Bit by bit, day by day, I started to feel real progress — that I was moving in a clear direction. And with every step forward, my goals got bigger.
My work ethic is a mix of the values I saw in my parents and the discipline I’ve learned through music. Playing an instrument teaches you consistency, goal-setting, and how to keep pushing — especially when things get tough. It’s in those moments of challenge that the work really matters.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Bartek Kacperski. I’m a trumpet player and musician, originally from Poland, now based in New York City. I moved here two years ago, and it’s been an incredible journey.
I started playing trumpet at the age of 8 in my hometown of Widawa, Poland. By the time I was 14, I had fully dedicated myself to practicing, exploring, and sharing the beauty of music. In 2016, I graduated from the Frederic Chopin University of Music in Warsaw and began my professional music career. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing musicians, conductors, and soloists across Europe. I was serving as Principal Trumpet of the Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw.
In 2023, my career took a new turn — all because of love. I moved to New York to be with my then-fiancée, now wife. We’ve been together since high school, most of it long distance, and finally being in the same city was a dream come true. We got married shortly after I arrived.
Since 2024, I’ve been working as a freelance trumpet player in NYC, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to sub on Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway.
Outside of music, I’ve also fallen head over heels for New York City itself. I love exploring every corner of it — and that passion led me to become a licensed NYC tour guide. I even passed the licensing exam with distinction — they gave me a star! Now, I give tours in the mornings and play shows in the evenings.
It’s the perfect combination for me — music and this incredible city. I feel truly lucky to be living this life and doing what I love every single day.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I had to give one piece of advice to a young person, it would be: stay curious. Curiosity and the desire to learn have always been powerful forces in my life. Back in high school, I made a promise to myself that I’d never live life on autopilot — and so far, I’ve kept that promise. Every day brings something new, and I embrace that fully.
Be patient. It’s a simple idea — maybe even a cliché — but it’s so powerful. Think long-term. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. But even a marathon needs a plan. That’s where goal-setting becomes essential. Knowing where you’re heading gives purpose to the steps you’re taking, even if they feel small.
And finally, surround yourself with people who lift you up. Seek out people you admire, ask them questions, and learn from them. You’ll be surprised how generous people can be when they see that you’re genuinely curious and passionate. Inspiration is contagious — so stay close to people who spark it in you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was actually something they didn’t do. They never stopped me. They never stood in the way of my curiosity, my mistakes, or my emotions. They gave me the freedom to explore, to try, to fail — and to feel everything that came with it.
It sounds so simple, but looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the way they raised me. That space they gave me helped me build confidence, resilience, and a real sense of self.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nowyjorkpopolsku.com
- Instagram: bartekguidenyc
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