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