The fundamental approach to trombone technique : a comprehensive strategy for addressing common technical deficiencies in trombone performance
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Seidel, John A.
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Abstract
The topic commonly referred to as trombone technique consists of four separate but related components. Those are Breathing and Air Support, Embouchure Control and Flexibility, Slide Precision and Timing, and Articulation. Regardless of the difficulty of the music to be performed, or of the trombonists’ skill level, mastery of these fundamental components is essential to successful performance. Throughout the twenty years that I have practiced, studied, and taught trombone performance technique, I have identified several technical deficiencies that seem to be common among many trombonists, myself included. I believe these deficiencies may be traced to flaws in the four fundamental components mentioned above. This dissertation seeks to explain the four fundamental components, identify the common deficiencies related to each component, and offer a method of addressing these deficiencies. There are three parts to this project. The first is the written element, the second consists of musical exercises, and the third element is an audio recording demonstration of the musical exercises. Contained within the written element, are the results of a survey conducted to determine the validity of the concepts of the four fundamental components. This dissertation project provides a clear and concise explanation of the four fundamental components of trombone performance technique. It also identifies common technical deficiencies. Furthermore, it prescribes a practical, systematic approach to eliminate these deficiencies through the development of necessary fundamentals.