Brass - trumpet/cornet, french horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium

Brass (trumpet/cornet, french horn, trombone, baritone/euphonium) 

Beginner to intermediate brass students will likely start with the Essential Elements 2000 series before advancing to more complicated books like the Getchell Book of Practical Studies, or the Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method. For beginning students, an emphasis is put on developing techniques like scales, arpeggios, as well as a range of articulations. Music choice is catered to the student’s particular interest, but should always be challenging enough to require plenty of practice outside of lessons 

For intermediate to advanced students; scales, arpeggios, and patterns are essential. Studies like the Chickowicz “Flow Studies”, H.L. Clarke Technical Studies for Trumpet, Rochut Melodious Etudes, elements of the Bill Adam routine are introduced as warm ups and practice to develop the perfect sound and control of the instrument. Repertoire is again catered to the student, and can include any music from outside ensembles, as well as standard repertoire like the Haydn Trumpet Concerto or the Kennan Sonata for Trumpet.

Students interested in studying jazz will likely work from the Jim Snidero Jazz Conception book, which is helpful for developing a sense of style and ability to read jazz charts. An emphasis is put on ear training and developing the ability to “play by ear” and to learn new tunes through this method. 

All students at all levels are encouraged to listen to bring in music that they are interested in learning and to do as much independent listening as possible.

The French horn journey will be as unique as each student. We are all entering at differing levels and stages. For all students, focusing on the fundamentals created by the overtone series will give the horn player more security in finding notes. A strong focus on creating an excellent working embouchure will allow any student to reach their potential.

For beginning students, the first focus is on developing a good warm-up, based on the overtone series. An early etude book, like Getchell, is helpful to teach basic rhythm and learning to play in a key. Scale work also aids in playing in tune.

 For more advanced students, engaging with more challenging etudes, like Gallay, can be motivating for learning greater rhythmic fluidity and key recognition. At this point in Horn development, having a strong solo becomes important. For example, working through Mozart Concertos with a good teacher builds confidence and allows the advanced student a wider repertoire. Orchestral excerpts are also excellent to explore at this stage of advanced Horn work and knowledge of transposition is needed.