Review

Drummond Hudson
Let's Play Trombone: Volume 2 for tenor trombone

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Method book

Primary Genre: Study Material - method

As a set, the two volumes of Let’s Play Trombone are reminiscent of Arban’s Complete Method or other method books intended to start students on the trombone, then take them through a comprehensive series of exercises focusing on the various techniques of playing the instrument. A significant strength of the two-volume set is that it is a trombone-specific method book written by an experienced performer and pedagogue, versus any one of the group method books on the market today meant for large groups of mixed instruments, which may not have the benefit of an author or editor being a trombone expert. The lessons progress rapidly with many concepts introduced in short order, so this set may not be the right choice for very young beginners with no prior musical experience who are learning to read musical notation while also learning the complex motor skills needed to play the trombone. The books will function best for older (even adult) beginners with some musical background. They will also serve as a good supplemental method for a student who has been playing for a short time and begins taking private lessons in addition to ensemble playing or group lessons in a school setting, as is common in the USA.

This second volume contains lessons 20-38, and though some lessons include brief melodic etudes, this volume continues the strong emphasis on fundamentals of technique, scales, lip slurs, pedal tones, etc., established in volume one. A student who has been playing for a while could feasibly begin in this second volume, but note that the first lesson requires range up to b-flat¹. The overall range of this volume only extends up one more step from there to c². A unique feature of this series, compared to other modern methods, is Hudson’s exploration of “false” tones on the straight tenor trombone, and one etude focusing on both pedal and “false” tones extends the range of the volume down to E-flat. Both volumes integrate all major and minor scales and cover all keys, not just the “easy” or “trombone-friendly” keys! Music theory is integrated throughout the book, with all three forms of the minor scale introduced in lesson 20, the circle of fourths and dominant seventh chords in lesson 28, and the I/IV/V/I chord progression in lesson 29. Etudes exploring alternate positions are included in a couple of the lessons, and multiple tonguing and tenor clef are introduced toward the end of the volume.

Despite the potential limitations of the type of student this method will best serve, there is no question that its regimented, disciplined approach to fundamentals is a recipe for successful, consistent performance. A student who diligently practices this method will doubtless develop strong technique, and will be ready for the next phase of his or her playing career.

-Jeremy Kolwinska
University of Northwestern
This is Dr. Kolwinska's final review in the International Trombone Association Journal. His sudden death, March 13, 2020 was a shock. We will miss his generous contributions to our journal.