[Trombone-l] re-starting trombone later in life

[Tom Ervin]

I'm kinda surprised that so far (in my digest version of this list)  
nobody has yet mentioned the importance of a good teacher.

Among the valuable things a teacher can do for you --
*set an example of a good sound; help correct a flawed sound
*watch you, observe your motions, your posture
*detect problems early (intonation maybe), or catch bad habits  
(pressure, grips, motions)
*suggest the better materials, the best exercises
*help with choices of equipment, and instrument maintenance
*give the student a deadline of sorts, to spur practice for the  
Tuesday lesson
*help keep the student from practicing too much of one thing, perhaps  
slurs and flexibility, at the expense of other important things like  
reading, scales, range, dynamics, style, et al

it is probably possible to be your own trombone teacher. Or even to  
teach yourself one of the "Easy Instruments" like piano or guitar or  
saxophone. Or yoga, or tai chi. But a good teacher is usually worth  
it. Save you a lot of time and keep you on the right path.


Tom Ervin
ervint at u.arizona.edu
Prof of Trombone, Univ Arizona (Emeritus)
...now a recovering trombone player.... ; >}
(520)241-4411 (new!)
website:     tom-ervin.com