Brass Ensemble Methods

To teach brass instruments effectively, you begin by developing the skills and learning the teaching methods presented in this book. Here is the process: You receive specific instruction for playing trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone horn, and tuba. You discuss the techniques and performance concepts common to all brass instruments. You participate in playing the variety of scores that make up approximately one-third of the book. Throughout the text you learn by doing. A continuing focus on brass ensemble playing provides opportunities to explore musical balance, phrasing, timbre, intonation, styles, and other performance concepts. Progressing from the simple to the complex, the scores include compositions by Bach, Palestrina, Beethoven, Purcell, Glazounov, and others. In the future, these scores can form the basis of recital material for your students. In addition, the book offers suggestions for solving typical brass performance problems as well as valuable advice and practical procedures for recruiting, scheduling, and motivating beginning students.