170 Original Studies for Trombone: Trombone Book

This collection bridges the gap between method book fundamentals and serious technical study without requiring the student to switch pedagogical languages. The 170 studies are organized progressively, meaning each one isolates a specific challenge while reinforcing everything learned before, so students stay motivated rather than overwhelmed. Cimera's writing respects the trombone's voice and phrasing requirements, making these studies feel like real music to practice, not just finger drills.

Working through these studies feels like climbing a well-marked trail. Each piece is short enough to accomplish in one or two practice sessions, giving you regular wins and tangible progress. The writing is always musical—you're not slogging through abstract interval patterns, but rather playing lyrical passages that happen to isolate the technical work your embouchure and slide position need.

This book is designed for trombonists who have completed a primary method or instruction book and are ready for focused technical and musical development. It works equally well for students in school band programs and private studio settings who need systematic, cumulative studies to build confidence and range. The 48-page format makes it substantial enough for a full year of study without feeling like an overwhelming encyclopedia.

• Work through the studies in sequence rather than jumping ahead; each study builds a specific technical foundation that the next one assumes you've mastered.
• Approach each study as a complete musical phrase, not a mechanics exercise. Shape the line with legit air support and attention to tone production, even at slow tempos.
• Use a practice tempo that allows you to execute cleanly without tension. Once a study feels secure, increment the tempo gradually across multiple practice sessions rather than jumping to performance speed.
• Mark trouble spots between practice sessions and return to them fresh the next day. This spaced repetition solidifies both muscle memory and mental recall.

Assign one or two studies per week as part of a student's regular lesson and practice routine rather than as a standalone repertoire project. They complement audition preparation, all-county tryouts, and solo contest work by building the consistency and control that judges notice. Many directors also assign studies to students preparing for jazz band or solo and ensemble festivals, since the technical foundations here transfer directly to those contexts.

• Slide position accuracy across registers
• Legit tone production at varying dynamics
• Articulation clarity and control
• Intonation refinement and ear training
• Interval recognition and jumping
• Endurance and breath management
• Musical phrasing and shaping within technical exercises