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Brian Kay

BRASS INSTRUMENT INSTRUCTOR

Skill Levels for Intermediate and Advanced Students 

Intermediate 1 (6-12 months)

  • Finish an intermediate 1 level method book
  • Develop high range to high concert G
  • Play with dynamics and good phrasing
  • Perform an intermediate 1 level solo with piano
  • Perform in at least 2 group concerts
  • Maintain a steady practice routine

Intermediate 2 (6-12 months)

  • Finish a harder intermediate level method book or start an advanced level etude book
  • Learn 9 major scales and two octave chromatic scale
  • Perform an intermediate 2 level solo with piano
  • Perform in at least 2 group concerts
  • Take part in an elite ensemble (Junior District, NEC Prep School, GYBSO, High School Band, etc.)
  • Play 7 note lip slurs up and down
  • Tries to play with appropriate musical style
  • Successfully maintain a practice routine of at least 30 min. per day, 5 days per week

Advanced 1 (one year or more)

  • Progress in Advanced etude books
  • Perform Advanced 1 level solo with piano
  • Solidify range to high concert C with pure sound and good playing habits
  • Begin to learn transpositions (tenor clef for trombone, C Treble for trumpet)
  • Continue to take part in an elite ensemble
  • Learn all major and minor scales
  • Able to learn difficult pieces quickly through good sight reading and practice skills
  • Aware of intonation and adjusts pitch to match others
  • Able to analyze and perform complex and unusual rhythms
  • Plays with good musical style and interpretation
  • Practices 30-60+ minutes per day, 5 days per week

Advanced 2 (one year or more)

  • Complete several advanced etude books
  • Solidify range to high concert D
  • Fluent with standard transpositions
  • Practices fundamentals striving for professional level
  • Plays difficult literature with good musical style and interpretation
  • General knowledge of trombone literature and trombonist's role in various music genres
  • Continue to take part in an elite ensemble
  • Practices 60+ minutes per day, 5 days per week

College (2-4 years)

  • Continue to refine the above with emphasis on fundamentals and maturity of musicianship
  • Perform one half and one full recital
  • Perform with a variety of college level groups
  • Solidify range to high concert F
  • Plays with sophisticated musical style and interpretation

Curriculum List

Trombone Sheet Music

My Intermediate Methods