In a way, the success of our teaching is all about what we do next.
And what I mean here, is the very next thing we give a pupil to do once they’ve done the last thing!
If we serve up the right thing, for the right reasons and in the right order, it’s pretty likely our pupils will get it and will feel pleased. And they’ll also feel energised and motivated to go on to the next thing because they are continually making progress – rather like going up levels in their latest computer game. Basically, it's all about fun and progress!
We’re on a roll… we’re moving forward… we’ve created successful teaching and learning.
So, the Basics books present carefully structured and methodically introduced material – precisely following the Simultaneous Learning principles of introducing ingredients logically and sequentially, providing plenty of suitable reinforcement, and making appropriate connections, all coming together to provide a very satisfying, positive and musical journey. There are some other principles that also inform and influence the background, character and material in the Basics series:
Pupils like catchy tunes (even when it comes to exercises and studies!)
They would rather be entertained than ‘lectured’
They enjoy fun titles
They learn best what they want to know and what they need to know
They like to laugh (as we all do!)
An excerpt from Trombone Basics
There are lots of fun exercises and studies, often carefully disguised, and a broad mixture of newly composed music together with old favourites and popular tunes. The Activity Boxes provide musically connected activities, with gentle suggestions on theory, composing, practice and performing, while entertaining crossword and wordsearches encourage related knowledge.
There are activity boxes on every stage exploring musical ingredients
The Basics series also encourages ensemble playing from the very beginning, which is such an important part of learning an instrument. With a mix of teacher’s piano accompaniments, duet parts, canons and downloadable audio backing tracks, there is plenty of material to help students develop ensemble skills and have fun playing with others. In Trombone Basics, you can even find a canon that works for up to 76 trombones!
Overall, we have tried not to get in the way of the teacher but, instead, to support the teaching and provide a method that both pupil and teacher can enjoy together.
Trombone Basics is available now from Faber Music in both bass and treble clef editions
