by Michael Mulcahy
This is a self help guide for Trombonists. It is a guide
only, and as such requires each Trombonist to determine her/his own work load
and technique. I recommend that such technical work not exceed 50% of total practice
time. Bear in mind the principles of practice and warm-up as outlined
in the handout, especially as regards concentration and regular rest. All basic
technical areas must be regularly covered and of course, weaknesses given
special emphasis.
- Self-Sufficiency is Freedom: Enjoy the independence and flourish
from the responsibility of planning and executing your development. The
challenge of tackling your own problems. Allowing your teacher to move into
more creative areas.
- Let Your Head Do The Work: Encourage maximum development by the
application of regular, intelligent and cool practice. Whatever time you
spend with your instrument should be at the very least enjoyable, if not
challenging and rewarding as well.
- Time is Money: By considering what you need to practice, or even
how you should practice away from the instrument, you can save a lot of
counterproductive wear and tear on your embouchure. Not to mention suicidal
neighbours. Utilize your time more efficiently and enjoyably:
- Establish your Status Quo in writing, in as much detail as possible.
(Range, Endurance, Finesse, Velocity, etc.)
- Project development required and maintain a written practice record.
(You will take practice more seriously!!)
- Organize your practice away from the instrument, balancing repetition
and variation of material, substituting brains for brawn as much as
possible.
- Milk The Experts: Think of the hundreds of years combined
experience of musicians such as Arban, Schlossberg, Remington and Tuckwell.
Use their experience, collect their material- create a practice materials
list from which to collate your practice. Adapt their exercises to your
needs. Even write your own if you can't find one to fit the bill.
Michael Mulcahy is Solo Trombonist of the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra.
He was born in Sydney and studied with his father Jack, Baden McCarron and Geoff
Bailey. He has won International Competitions in Munich, Vercelli and
Marneukirchen.
(note- Mr. Mulcahy is currently 2nd trombone in the Chicago Symphony.- JR)
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© 2008 Julia Rose