LEVEL 1: PRACTICE TROMBONE SESSION 4 – Applied Music Instruments

SOLO A

Once you feel confident with the skills outlined in sessions 1-3, you will begin to work on the four (4) solo requirements: list A, B, C, and performer's choice (solo D) for the ABRSM Performance Grade Certification (Level 1). You are not required to audition for this certification - but we encourage you to do so if you wish!

Select the drop downs to get started on Solo A:

TO SESSION 5

LEVEL 1 SESSION 4: SOLO A PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS

If you haven't already, collaborate with your mentor to choose your solos from ABRSM List A, B, C, and one additional solo for Trombone: Grade 1.

Sessions 4, 5, 6, and 7 focus on solo materials, technical exercises, and scales to help you prepare to Level Up.

You should choose a total of four (4) total solos. One from the list A-C AND one additional piece (solo D) that may be from the A-C list or a solo you have chosen that is not on the list. Please consult your mentor for guidance on choosing your solo D.
We have also included scales in these sessions that will help with your overall musicianship and may be used for level evaluation.

In Level 1 Session 4 you will practice:

Solo A
Scales
Technical Exercises

NOTE: The ABRSM list contains A, B, and C solos indicated by highlighted yellow letter on the left side:

GENERAL PRACTICE REQUIREMENTS

Practice your instrument for a minimum of five (5) hours weekly.
Schedule an additional five (5) hours a week of sessions in any combination of the following: (music majors, especially those in levels 6-8, will likely need to practice with their instrument for these additional five (5) hours for a total of ten (10) as a minimum goal).
- additional practice with your instrument
- explore the Video Library
- listen to recordings of great performers on your instrument in a variety of genres
- listen to recordings of great performers on other instruments (and voices) in a variety of genres
- attend live performances and masterclasses
- participate in rehearsals or performances with an ensemble
- participate in solo performance

♦ Remember to log your sessions.

More information about ABRSM Performance Grade Certification.

Use the videos below to get started practicing:

MOUTHPIECE BUZZING EXERCISE

00:03:52

Practice along with the 'buzz' on this video. You will hear both an accompaniment and a metronome.

♦ More Buzzing Exercises

LONG TONE EXERCISE

00:02:00

Play any line in this long-tone exercise. Use lots of air. Make your sound big and beautiful!

♦ More Long Tone Exercises

Select for more Information on SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS

The 1 octave major and harmonic minor scale consists of 7 tones + an additional tone, an octave above the original pitch. For example, the Bb major scale starts on Bb and ascends through 7 tones until reaching the 8th tone or octave (a Bb that is a doubled vibration of the original Bb (a Bb an octave higher). Watch out for those movements on the slide from 1st position to 6th position. They can be difficult to negotiate. Practice slowly. Listen carefully and use your tuner for help!

The major arpeggio, in any key, is the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and octave scale degrees. If you number your Bb scale from lowest to the highest pitch, 1,3,5 and 8 are the pitches: Bb, D, F, and Bb (an octave above your original B-flat). When you practice the major arpeggio , you are practicing a major chord.

Work for quick slide movement and coordinated tongue. Practice slowly before you take it fast - and use your tuner to make sure you are getting to the right pitch.

Exercises correspond to ABRSM Scales and Arpeggios.

SCALES AND ARPEGGIOS Requirements for Level 1

Bass clef (if you are playing bass clef trombone)

SCALES (1 octave tongued)
Bb major = 44 bpm
G minor (natural or harmonic or melodic) = 44 bpm

ARPEGGIOS (1 octave tongued)
Bb major = 56 bpm

G minor = 56 bpm

Treble clef (if you are playing treble clef trombone)

SCALES (1 octave tongued)
C major = 44 bpm
A minor (natural or harmonic or melodic) = 44 bpm

ARPEGGIOS (1 octave tongued)
C major = 56 bpm

A minor = 56 bpm

see: ABRSM SCALE AND ARPEGGIO PATTERNS

Visit the Video Library for more recommended practice and listening sessions:

Trombone Video Library