[Trombone-l] beginner's bookk

[Brian Kay]

Charles and List,

Regarding beginner books, I use and enjoy the Accent on Achievement, 
Books 1 and 2 by John O'Reilly and Mark Williams in my private teaching. 
The thing I like the most about them is that in the context of any one 
page spread, there is a balanced "diet" of musical enjoyment and 
learning challenges.  In most other books, you will encounter "dead 
spots" when trying to work straight through the book, and this can be a 
real problem when trying to keep a kid's learning momentum going.  In 
addition to being strong pedagogically, in my experience, the Accent on 
Achievement books also pass the "real world" test of kids actually 
liking it.  Other books that might have generally appropriate content 
are often perceived as "dry" by kids today, and you run the risk of 
completely losing a student's interest.

Pedagogically, I think the Accent on Achievement books do a great job of 
introducing concepts sequentially and then following up with well paced 
review and reinforcement in succeeding pages, so a new skill (such as 
3/8 time) gets built on regularly. One thing I don't understand is that 
the first line of most pages, which often introduces a brand new skill, 
is often the most complex, and mixes the new challenges with other 
difficult elements such as range, key signature or rhythm.  I would have 
preferred a brand new skill to be introduced in the simplest possible 
setting to isolate the new skill.  Usually there is a better piece to 
start with further down in the page, so you might want to get in the 
habit of not starting a lesson with the top of the page, and you will 
find the books marvelously effective.

The books have worked very well for me with adult beginners, as long as 
they don't mind that the graphics and layout are oriented towards kids.

The book is a "band method" so compromises have theoretically been made 
to make the same material work for every band instrument.  However, the 
authors have done such a good job with it that I find its a far more 
effective book than others written expressly for brass or trombone.

The only time I don't use this book is when a private student is already 
actively working through a different band method in their school band.  
In that case I usually prefer to work through the book they are doing 
with their band, so the kid doesn't feel pulled in two directions.

Hope that helps.  If you are interested, I have my "short list" of 
recommended material for beginners posted on my website at 
http://brassstages.com/kids/kidrep.html#bnecur   There is also a 
repertoire list for intermediate and advanced players elsewhere on the site.

Brian Kay
Trombone Instructor, New England Conservatory Extension Division
www.BrassStages.com



Charles Levine wrote:

>Any suggestions for a real beginner's book? 
>
>Charlie       
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