Benny Sluchin has done a superb job of collecting numerous studies, etudes, solos, and duos for various instruments and making them available for the alto trombonist. These prove to be invaluable source material to assist the developing as well as proficient alto trombonist. Many of the etudes originate with composers well known to trombonists, Bordogni, Bleger, and Kopprasch to name a few.
Volume one is intended for students learning the alto and forms a solid basis for playing the instrument. The etudes become progressively more difficult throughout the book and into volume two. Volume three is largely duets that focus on intonation while the last volume consists of solos transcribed from various sources. This set of books is a must for those interested in learning or furthering their playing on the alto trombone.
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Volume 1. This first volume of 130 pages includes text in French and English dealing with different types of high trombones including the soprano, F alto, E-flat alto, D-flat alto and the alto valve trombone. It also discusses practical problems, overtones, glissandi, trills etc. The music is comprised of the following etudes: Cornette: Exercises, Scales and Short Studies taken from his Méthode de Trombone alto, ténor et basse ca.1841, which also includes duets; Cornette: 20 Lessons taken from his Méthode de Tromboneca.1831; Bordogni: 24 Vocalises; Bléger: 31 Studies taken from his Méthode de Trombone á Coulisse ca.1883. This volume provides a valuable method for learning the alto trombone but it is also recommended for tenor players interested in improving their alto clef reading.