Trombone Music for the Beginner

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Learning the trombone as a beginner is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. A good music book provides structure, teaches essential techniques, and includes engaging pieces to keep you motivated. Whether you’re learning with a teacher or teaching yourself, having the right book can make a huge difference.

Some books focus on fundamentals and exercises, while others prioritise fun, recognisable tunes to keep learners engaged. Below, is a list of the best beginner trombone books, each with its own strengths, to help you find the right one for your needs.

1. Abracadabra Brass (Bass clef) (Basil Tschaikov)

A fun and accessible book, often recommended for school beginners, featuring:

✔ A mix of well-known melodies and original pieces

✔ Clear instructions with helpful illustrations

✔ Simple duets and ensemble parts

The balance of technique and enjoyable music makes it ideal for young players. The book also introduces useful warm-up exercises and technical tips to help students develop good playing habits.

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2.. A New Tune a Day for Trombone (Ned Bennett)

A modern take on the classic Tune a Day series, this book is ideal for young students and adult beginners alike. It includes:

✔ Step-by-step lessons with clear explanations

✔ Audio backing tracks for practice

✔ Fun exercises and well-known tunes

The book introduces music notation in an accessible way and gradually builds up difficulty, making it a great choice for self-learners.

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3. Team Brass: Trombone (Richard Duckett)

Part of the highly regarded Team Brass series, this book is designed for group or individual learning. It features:

✔ Gradual progression in difficulty

✔ Simple duets for early ensemble playing

✔ A strong focus on rhythm and technique

This book is particularly useful for students playing in school bands or ensembles, as it helps players develop confidence in group settings.

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4. First Book of Practical Studies for Trombone (Gerald Bordner)

For students wanting to build strong technical skills, this book offers:

✔ Progressive etudes to develop tone and articulation

✔ Exercises for breath control and endurance

✔ A solid introduction to sight-reading

Rather than focusing on familiar tunes, this book is designed to improve overall musicianship. It’s a great supplementary book for those looking to refine their technique alongside a method book.

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5. Essential Elements for Trombone – Book 1 (Hal Leonard)

One of the most widely used beginner books, Essential Elements is ideal for students in schools and private lessons. It covers:

✔ Basic music reading skills

✔ Proper trombone technique, including embouchure and posture

✔ A mix of exercises and simple songs

✔ Online resources, including play-along tracks

The structured approach makes it perfect for complete beginners, helping players develop a solid foundation. The inclusion of online materials is a great bonus, allowing learners to practise with backing tracks.

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6. Winners Galore, Winner Scores All, Easy Winners & Great Winners (Peter Lawrance)

These four books by Peter Lawrance are fantastic collections of well-known tunes, perfect for beginners looking to expand their repertoire. They provide an enjoyable way to apply what has been learned in a method book.

✔ Winners Galore – A varied selection of famous melodies across different genres, graded for beginner players.

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✔ Winner Scores All – A fantastic mix of classical, pop, folk, and jazz pieces, offering something for everyone.

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✔ Easy Winners – A great choice for younger players, featuring simple but recognisable tunes that are fun to play.

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✔ Great Winners – A slightly more challenging book than Easy Winners, featuring a wider range of styles and difficulty levels.

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These books are particularly useful for school performances, graded exams, and casual playing. The arrangements are designed to be accessible for beginners, ensuring they remain enjoyable without being too difficult.

Which Book Should You Choose?

The best beginner trombone book depends on your goals and learning style:

• If you want a structured, all-in-one method, Essential Elements for Trombone or A New Tune a Day are excellent choices.

• If you prefer a fun, tune-based approach, Winners Galore, Winner Scores All, Easy Winners, and Great Winners provide great options.

• If you’re looking to develop technical skills, First Book of Practical Studies is a valuable supplement.

• If you want a blend of fun and technique, Abracadabra Trombone offers a good balance.

Many students find that using two or more books together is beneficial—one for technique and exercises, and another for enjoyable, recognisable tunes. This keeps learning varied and engaging while ensuring progress in all areas of playing.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right beginner trombone book is an important step in your musical journey. A well-structured book can make learning easier, keep you motivated, and help you develop good habits from the start.