Garth Simmons, Trombonist

Garth Simmons

Studies

Recommended Methods and Etudes

This list is a starting point, and should not in any way be considered exhaustive. It includes materials I have frequently used for teaching over the years. It is strongly recommended that these be studied under the guidance of a qualified trombone instructor.

Methods

  • Edward Sueta: Ed Sueta Band Method: Trombone (Books 1-3). Macie Publishing Company. A very good begining method, with a focus on rhythm. Some of the material may seem "dated" to modern eyes, but it is an excellent introduction the instrument.

  • Newell H. Long: Rubank– Elementary Method for Trombone. Hal Leonard. A good introductory method, especially in conjunction with a beginning band program and qualified private instructor.

  • Skornicka and Boltz: Rubank– Intermediate Method for Trombone. Hal Leonard. Good second-year method, especially in conjunction with a beginning band program and qualified private instructor

  • James D. Ployhar: I Recommend. Hal Leonard. A pretty complete handbook for the intermediate trombone player. Scales, arpeggios, intervals and etudes in all major keys, coverage of important concepts in dynamics, articulation, rhythm and meter. Covers most of the bases, though not in the greatest depth. Get through this and most of high school band will be a snap.

  • Gower and Voxman: Rubank– Advanced Method for trombone v.1& 2. Hal Leonard. Studies providing coverage of all major and minor keys, lots of duets of varying length in both volumes, as well as practical studies in articulations and clefs. Both volumes have a small collection of short solo pieces as well.

  • J.B. Arban: Complete Method for Trombone. Two editions, Carl Fischer and Encore Music. The trombone/trumpet playing “bible.” Covers most every technical aspect of playing. Either modern edition is fine, though serious college-age and older students should probably have both, as there are some differences between the two. The current Carl Fischer edition does come with recordings of piano accompaniments for the fantasies and variations.

Etudes

    (In approximate order of difficulty)

  • Concone (Ed. John Korak): The Complete Solfeggi. Carl Fischer. Really useful collection of lyrical studies and exercises. Starts with shorter pieces mostly in the middle register. Plenty of more advanced material as well. Great for more advanced players to use for transposition practice.

  • H.W. Tyrell: 40 Studies. Boosey and Hawkes. An oldie but a goody. Gets all around the instrument, mostly in flat keys. more advanced players can easily transpose to adjacent sharp keys.

  • Marco Bordogni (arr. Rochut): Melodious Etudes for Trombone, vol. 1, 2 & 3. Carl Fischer. The Gold standard for lyrical/musical practice on a brass instrument. The latest iterations of vol. 1 &2 from Carl Fischer include recordings of the piano accompaniments, which are great for practicing playing a work “in context.”

  • Arthur Amsden: Amsden's Celebrated Practice Duets. C.L. Barnehouse. Originally conceived for trumpet, these are terrific for technical practice, as well as the ensemble playing aspect. Duets start out short and simple and get longer and much “notier” as you go.

  • H. Voxman:Selected Studies for Trombone. Hal Leonard. Great collection of etudes in all major and minor keys. Selections from this book are used for many all-state audition lists.

  • Marcel Galiegue and Jerome Naulais: Mediatudes. Alphonse Leduc. 30 intermediate-early advanced etudes in a variety of styles.

  • Vladislav Blazevitch (ed. Vernon): Low Range Studies. East-West Music. For more advanced players. Improve/expand your lower register playing and sound.

  • Vladislav Blazevitch (ed. Stare & Kharmalov): School for trombone in Clefs. East-West Music.

  • Arr. Benton: Modern repertory of Vocalise Etudes. Potenza Music. All done with Concone and Bordogni? A collection of lyrical etudes written by composers of the early 20th century, including Ravel, Faure, d'Indy. Tons of fun for the advanced trombonist.

  • Tommy Pederson: Advanced Etudes for Tenor Trombone. Kendor. A fun and challegning collection of 15 etudes in various styles.

  • Eugene Bozza: Thirty Capriccio Studies. Alphonse Leduc. College-level players, break out your best ears and buckle up! One of the "three Bs." Challenging etudes that reward determined and structured practice.

  • Marcel Bitsch: Fifteen Rhythmical Studies. Alpohnse Leduc. College-level and above players, get out the metronome and dig in. Second of the "three Bs." More challenging etudes that reward determined and structured practice.

  • Roger Boutry: Twelve Advanced Studies Alpohnse Leduc. If you survived the first two Bs, jump on in! More challenges abound, but not for the faint of heart.