THE SONG INSIDE

LISTEN TO THE SONG INSIDE

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, writing and recording for my upcoming book on improvisation. I’m taking a different approach than the traditional teaching of jazz improvisation, and one that I think will help players of any size trombone play jazz better with more satisfaction.

Rather than laying out exercises of scales and patterns in all twelve keys and their associated chords, I’m focusing on melody. Training the mind and ear to find the melodies within the harmonic context of the song.

To do this, however, requires much more of the player than rote memorization of notes and programmed sequences. It requires a journey of discovery for the song inside.

Preview / Buy Book

I really like this interesting and well-disposed book. So many good thoughts, facts and tips on alto trombone. Good guidance for the searching alto souls out there. A must-have for the shelves.

– Håkan Björkman, Principal Trombone at Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

I highly recommend Alto Trombone Savvy for players around the world wanting advice on handling the alto trombone at the highest level. Classical and jazz players both share the same challenges, and it’s great to have this book in either bass or alto clef to help answer some of those challenges.

– Carsten Svanberg, International Trombone Soloist and Professor of Trombone at the University of Music and Arts Graz

For anyone interested in learning to play the alto trombone, whether for classical or jazz, this book is a must. Clearly written, with excellent exercises and links to audio examples, Michael Lake has provided the trombone world with a wonderful new resource.

– Ralph Sauer, Former Principal Trombone, Los Angeles Philharmonic