Introductory Studies in Tenor & Alto Clef – for Trombone

Subtitled “Before Blazhevich,” this book uses a mixture of exercises and short etudes to help teach tenor and alto clef quickly and effectively. Using a system of “guidepost notes,” students learn a few easily recognizable pitches and then progress smoothly to more challenging material. The first main section of the book focuses on tenor clef (75 exercises); the second on alto clef (36 exercises). Six final etudes use all three clefs. Special sections are devoted to the skills of reading B-flat treble clef and bass clef transposed as tenor clef down an octave. Unlike other popular methods, these original exercises and etudes avoid rote learning and “playing by ear.” Most of the etudes include pedagogical commentary and also serve as good musical character studies. Melodies sometimes take unexpected turns to keep students on their toes. Can also be used as sight-reading practice for more advanced students.