Progressive Brass Studies: Brass Instruments Book

Engaging and purposeful. These aren't dry technical exercises; Miller writes with melodic substance that keeps players invested while their chops develop. The studies feel rewarding to play, not like work.

Intermediate and advanced brass players ready to move beyond beginner materials but still building foundational technique. Works equally well for students working independently or in sectional rehearsals.

• Work through the collection in order. Each study builds on technical foundations from the previous ones, so skipping around leaves gaps in muscle memory and confidence.
• Extract single studies as warm-up material before rehearsals. A five-minute focused study beats generic long tones for addressing specific technical challenges your section is facing.
• Pair studies with your concert repertoire to isolate and reinforce techniques needed for upcoming performances.

Assign one or two studies weekly in sectional rehearsals throughout the year for consistent technical growth alongside your concert season repertoire. Many directors also use them as assessment tools to track individual progress.

• Extended range across all brass voices
• Articulation control and variety
• Interval accuracy and intonation
• Tonguing techniques at varying tempos
• Breath control and phrasing
• Endurance across longer passages