"A Modern Method for Trombonists"
An original Method by Peter Deal titled "A Modern Method for Trombonists" was written with the modern trombonist in mind. It is comprised of entirely original exercises which offer heavy focus on using correct embouchure, proper air use and air control, building great slurs and flexibility, and developing general musical skills like rhythm, intonation, and phrasing. You will find that it is split into different sections that focus on various fundamentals of trombone technique; Buzzing, Long Tones, Lip Slurs, Scales and Articulation. This method offers 25 original original Études for the trombone. These are completely original compositions that are designed to challenge one's technique and ear training.
Inside this collection of Études, you will find among them my 'Low Etudes.' These are low range studies for Tenor Trombone players, designed to help develop tone and facility in the low register. I am offering some of the 'Low Etudes' for free! Please find them on the Free Studies page!
I hope you will find it useful for your own personal purposes as much as
a guide to teach your trombone and brass students!
Excerpts from 'A Modern Method for Trombonists' by Peter Deal:
'A Modern Method for Trombonists’ was designed to be the essential guide for any person who is either beginning to learn how to play the Trombone or wishes to learn more extensive and detailed information on how to improve their playing. This is not meant to be an “elementary” method in design, however some of the early exercises in each section may seem very simple or easy, and the various techniques and fundamentals are described in as much detail as possible, such that anyone can follow. These are best learned alongside a private instructor, and were in fact intended to act as a resource for teachers to use with beginning students to teach the fundamentals of trombone playing. While some of the exercises and studies are meant for any trombonist just getting started (1st-3rd year) the same exercises may absolutely be used as fundamental practice for any level trombonist. There are many intermediate and advanced level exercises in this method as well, so this is truly for players who wish to improve to a higher level of musicianship."
-Page 1, 'A Modern Method for Trombonists'
"We have to work with the instrument, not against it, and over time develop control over what sounds come out of it"......"Brass instruments are based on a harmonic series , split up into many partials , and the distance between these partials determine where each note lies on the instrument (and the slide position to which it corresponds). The distance between the partials becomes smaller the higher we play on the instrument and extends infinitely high"......"Knowing how partials work will allow us to practice changing pitch much more easily and build a wide range of notes. Each partial, while part of a greater harmonic series, acts somewhat independently. Although all brass instruments work the same way, the partials are best explained from a trombonists’ perspective because we have the hand slide and not valves. The slide teaches us that pressing down a valve is the same concept as extending the hand slide because it is the addition or subtraction of tubing within a partial."
-Page 2, 'A Method Method for Trombonists'
"A slur, in music, means to connect, therefore the sound in between the notes, the connection, is of utmost importance in a lip slur. If a connection is not smooth you actually miss out on the flexing action the occurs within your embouchure and are consequently not strengthening your embouchure as much. Take your time and build up to smooth slurs in every register by taking a healthy approach.
Keep an ear out for bumps or breaks in the sound when playing your lip slurs. If you hear a break in the connection, buzz the slur on the mouthpiece. Practice getting lots of smear in between your target notes and practice very slowly at first so that you may strive to hear everything in between, then play at normal speed on the mouthpiece while still getting the same amount of gliss. Then practice the slur on the instrument."
-Page 26, 'A Modern Method for Trombonists'
"You want to think about the members of the audience in the very back of the hall in which you are performing and be able to project your sound all the way back there. Keep in mind that projection and playing louder are different things. Practice playing as relaxed as possible and also thinking about aiming your sound to the back, or even “filling up the room” with your sound......When performing, it is important to remind yourself that you are playing for people and
their enjoyment, not for your personal gain......Focus on the grand scheme of your performance, which is musicality and style, not hitting all of the notes with 100% accuracy."
"Recording yourself playing is the best tool we have for improving on our
instruments, both fundamentally and musically. Do this often using audio and video recorders. When listening back, evaluate your phrasing, tempo, tone, style, color and character changes, intonation, articulation, and dynamic range."
-From 'Performance Anxiety and Preparation' by Peter Deal