Department of Music Towson University   

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Jazz/ Commercial Trombone Proficiency Levels

*all topics are cumulative- students are responsible for material from previous semesters at any time

MUSA 146: Semester 1 All 12 major scales and - 2 octaves where possible Chromatic scales from any pitch- 2 octaves where possible Blues scale and it’s possible applications Cycle of 5ths and 1, 2, 3, 5 patterns Prepared transcriptions as assigned Prepared etudes Exercises Rhythmic training - metronome on 1&3. Sight reading Performance of tunes from memory - chosen by teacher during semester Improvisation - thematic development MUSA 146: Semester 2 All modes of the major scales- 2 octaves where possible Common 7th chords and arpeggios Cycle of 5ths and modal improvising Prepared etudes Prepared transcriptions as assigned Exercises Rhythmic training - metronome on 2&4 Sight reading and transposing from concert pitch Improvising on the blues progression Performance of tunes from memory - chosen by teacher during semester MUSA 246: Semester 1 All 12 Harmonic Minor scales All 12 Minor/Major Pentatonic scales- 2 octaves where possible Common 7th chords and arpeggios Prepared transcriptions as assigned by teacher Prepared etudes Exercises Rhythmic training - 3/4 and aspects of 2:3 Improvising on the II-V-I progression Sight reading and transposition Performance of tunes from memory - chosen by teacher during semester MUSA 246: Semester 2 All 12 Melodic Minor scales- ascending form only (Jazz minor) ½-whole diminished scales – starting on any pitch Common 7th chords and arpeggios Prepared transcriptions as assigned by teacher

Department of Music Towson University   

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Prepared etudes Exercises Improvising on Rhythm Changes progression and Blues substitutions progressions Sight reading and transposition Performance of tunes from memory - chosen by teacher during semester Upper Division Jury: Only students that have successfully passed the UDJ in Jazz Trombone may register for MUSA 344. MUSA 346: Semester 1 All modes of Melodic minor focusing on Altered (7th mode of melodic minor) Whole Tone starting on any pitch Common 7th chords and arpeggios Prepared transcriptions as assigned by teacher Prepared etudes Exercises Rhythmic training - 2’s & 3’s Minor ii, V, I progressions Sight reading and transposition Performance of tunes from memory- chosen by teacher during semester Listening and survey of lead trombone players and trombone selections MUSA 346: Semester 2 All modes of Melodic minor focusing on Lydian Augmented, Lydian Dominant and Altered Common 7th chords and arpeggios Prepared transcriptions as assigned by teacher Prepared etudes Exercises Rhythmic training - multiple meters Giant Steps sequence Sight reading and transposition Junior Recital - see the combined division syllabus for details regarding the Jr. Jazz degree recital MUSA 446: Semester 1 All modes of Harmonic Minor focusing on HP5 (5th mode of Harmonic minor) Symetrical augmented starting on any pitch 4 note structures and arpeggios Prepared transcriptions as assigned by teacher Prepared etudes Exercises Sight reading and transposition Prepare for Senior recital MUSA 4XX: Semester 2 Expanded scale practice 5 note structures and arpeggios Prepared transcriptions as assigned by teacher Prepared etudes

Department of Music Towson University   

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Exercises Expanded rhtyhmic studies Sight reading and transpostion Senior recital

Texts used in studying with Jim McFalls

REQUIRED Arban – complete method Rochut Melodious Etudes – Books I, II and III 32 Etudes – Theo Charlier Jazz Conception – Jim Snidero (advanced level) RECOMMENDED Blazhevich Clef Studies Amsden Duets Scales for Jazz Improvisation – Dan Haerle O. Blume – studies and duets Bordogni – Melodious Etudes Volume I Bordogni – Legato Studies Bob Mintzer – 12 Etudes Doodles – Dale Cheale Caruso – Musical Calisthenics for Brass Exercises and Edudes for the Jazz Trombonist – JJ Johnson Hal Leonard Jazz Etudes – Book I and II JJ Johnson Collection – transcribed solos JJ Johnson – 13 transcribed solos Fond Memories of Frank Rosolino Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat band Play Along Series – lead trombone The Jazz Language