John Kinyon's Basic Training Course, Book 1: Trombone Book

Kinyon designed this method to work seamlessly across three very different teaching contexts: solo lessons, sectional classes, and full mixed ensembles. That flexibility means you can move freely between formats without stopping to rewrite parts or hunt for supplementary materials. The straightforward progressions and reliable pedagogy have made this series a stable foundation for thousands of beginning trombone students over decades.

This book feels methodical and purposeful. Each page builds on the last with clear patterns and familiar note groups, so progress feels tangible. The writing avoids clutter while staying musically honest; you are learning real trombone fundamentals, not just mechanics.

Beginning trombone students in any setting—private lessons, school sectionals, or concert band. The method works equally well whether you are a student learning one-on-one from a teacher or playing alongside other trombones in a band full of mixed instruments and levels.

• Start with slide positions firmly in mind. Many young trombonists rush the mechanics of position changes; work through the exercises deliberately, establishing which position each note requires before adding any tempo.
• Use a consistent embouchure throughout. The early exercises demand precise pitch control, so anchor your embouchure setup from the very first page and maintain it as the book progresses.
• Practice the long tones with a tuner. You will hear how slide angle and air speed affect intonation, and that feedback will refine your control faster than any exercise alone.
• Mark the breath points clearly in your book. Plan where you will breathe before rehearsals so that you stay relaxed and never gasp for air mid-phrase.

Use this as your concert band's foundational trombone method during the first year of the program. It pairs well with similar beginner-level brass and woodwind methods across your band, keeping all sections on track during the critical early months when students are still learning their instruments.

• Reading treble clef with sharps and flats
• Understanding and executing first, second, and third slide positions
• Producing and sustaining stable long tones across a range of dynamics
• Matching pitch and intonation with consistent embouchure and breath support
• Playing simple melodies and rhythmic patterns in 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 time
• Distinguishing between whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes in practice