Basic Trombone Lesson Plan

Zack Spivey

Synopsis:
This lesson will teach the student the fundamentals of making music
on the trombone.

Lesson Overview:
The student will learn everything they need to know in order to get
started playing trombone, including instrument assembly, lubrication
and care, posture and air support, producing a sound and slide
positions, as well as some very basic tunes taught by ear.

Lesson Materials:

Student model trombone with case (2)

Student trombone mouthpiece
Sheet music of basic tunes to teach

Itinerary:
1. Have the student set the trombone case on the ground. Explain
that the direction of the latches determine which way the case is
opened.
2. Demonstrate how to properly take the bell out of the case. Have
them hold the bell with their left hand, bell facing forward.
3. Before asking the student to remove the slide from the case,
explain that it is the most easily damaged part of the instrument
and should be treated with the utmost care (analogy:
fluorescent light bulbs)
4. Once the student has (CAREFULY) removed the slide, have them
bring the slide to the bell, demonstrating where to attach the
slide and the proper angle to do so.
5. Trombone in hand, depict proper trombone posture, sitting up
straight with feet on the floor and if necessary having the back
off the chair. Show them how to properly hold the instrument
and, being sure to reiterate the delicacy of the slide, where the
trombone should be for playing and resting positions.
6. Show the student how to properly set down the trombone and
have them do so.

7. Instruct the student to take out the mouthpiece. Begin to show

them how to make a buzz
a. Make a razzberry with the lips
b. Same general concept but with the corners of the mouth
remaining firm
8. Insert the mouthpiece into the instrument and have the student
make their first note.
9. Before teaching the slide positions, have the student get
comfortable moving the slide. Have them use the basic pattern
In, out, bell. This will resemble hot cross buns.
10.
Teach the slide positions in this order:
a. 1st position: All the way in
b. 3rd position: slide brace to the bell
c. 2nd: in between 1st and 3rd
d. 4th: just past the bell
e. 5th, 6th, and 7th: Same distance away as the rest of the
positions
11.
Discuss proper lubrication, including how often and what
types of lubrication you can use as well as how to do so.
12.
Have the student put the trombone away.

Evaluation
Overall my teaching was quite effective in conveying the basics
of trombone playing. I did a good job of communicating exactly what I
wanted done and I covered all of the material covered in my lesson
plan. I felt that my time management and pacing was good as well.
Looking back, I lucked out in some aspects that my student responded
well to everything I suggested, but if I were to repeat the process I
would probably have included several backup options for each step. In
general, I spoke too quickly at times and ended up getting my words
twisted, which might lead to confusion in some students, so this is an
area that I could work on as well.
My partner, Haley, did many things right with her teaching. She
used many examples while explaining trombone basics and had a
calm, friendly tone of voice. I am not certain, but Ive been told that at

times I can be a bit harsh/loud with my speech, and this was

especially evident when on the other side of the learning process. The
only minor fault in her teaching was the omission of a couple key
elements in playing (i.e. she forgot to teach a couple positions), but
this could be due to nerves and/or inexperience with teaching.
More than anything, my musical agility has improved on
trombone since my lesson. It was a fantastic experience as it was the
first time I have ever taught an instrument to another person other
than my own. This forced me to be especially knowledgeable with the
subject matter in order to teach the concepts with the most precision
and efficiency.