The trombone has 7 positions: First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. When learning your trombone positions, rather than think of them as 7 separate positions, it is helpful to think of them in groupings.…
Read More...

We tuba and euphonium players are getting pretty sophisticated now that we have an article on mutes. Still, it seems like such a minor item to be discussing when there are all those tough etudes, solos, and orchestra excerpts to see and…
Read More...

7 is all the way out on the trombone slide, just past where the raised parts at the end of the inner slide tubes begin. If you have trouble reaching all the way out to 7, reach as far as you can. You may need to push your right shoulder…
Read More...

Identifying notes as the position/fingering numbers plus low, middle, or high at first gives them an idea of where they are on the horn. They then have a reference to correct themselves if they get off: "Oh, I'm on 1 low and I'm supposed to…
Read More...

Students should be able to describe the distinguishing characteristics of genres and styles from a number of cultures and use these characteristics to classify standard or familiar musical works into the appropriate category.
Read More...

Opera and ballet are both excellent (if not obvious) places to start when it comes to understanding relationships between music and the other arts because these complex art forms incorporate elements of dance, theater, and even visual art…
Read More...