Walter Beeler Method for the Trombone, Book II: Trombone Book

Book II continues with the methodical progression that makes Beeler's series invaluable for developing solid intermediate chops. The exercises are genuinely musical, not filler, and they prepare students for the repertoire they actually want to play without sacrificing technical foundation.

Direct and purposeful. There's no fluff here, just clear progressions that build facility and confidence. The exercises feel like actual playing rather than academic drill work, with rhythmic variety that keeps your mind engaged.

Trombonists who have completed Book I and are ready to solidify their intermediate technique. This book works equally well for middle school students with solid fundamentals, high school ensemble players, and adult learners building confidence in all positions.

• Approach the long tones with a focus on air support rather than embouchure tension; let the breath do the work, and the tone will open naturally.
• When moving through scale passages, maintain the same articulation weight regardless of register; resist the impulse to tongue harder in the upper positions.
• Use the major and minor scale studies to map out your slide positions before adding speed; accuracy first, tempo second.
• Return to the breathing exercises throughout your practice week, not just at the start of a session; they set the foundation for everything that follows.

Assign one or two exercises daily as part of regular lesson or rehearsal warmup. The systematic layout also makes it ideal for students working independently during the off-season, so players arrive back in the fall with solid technique intact.

• Consistent tone production across all registers and dynamic levels
• Accurate slide position accuracy in mixed interval studies
• Breath support and control for longer phrases
• Legit and tongued articulation clarity in moderate tempos
• Major and minor scale fluency in varied keys
• Reading in bass clef with confidence in intermediate-level rhythmic content