Brad Edwards: Publications

Lip Slurs: Progressive Exercises for the Development of Tone and Technique

"This is the bible of Lip Slurs."
Joseph Alessi
Principal Trombone, New York Philharmonic

This new book (84 pages) is divided into three sections: slow slurs, fast slurs, and lip slur melodies. The exercises range from elementary to advanced.
Click here to learn more (including samples).

Introductory Studies in Tenor and Alto Clef: Before Blazhevich.

This book uses a mixture of exercises and short etudes to help teach tenor and alto clef quickly and effectively. Using a system of "guidepost notes," students learn a few easily recognizable pitches and then progress smoothly to more challenging material. The first main section of the book focuses on tenor clef (75 exercises); the second on alto clef (36 exercises). Six final etudes use all three clefs. Special sections are devoted to the skills of reading B-flat treble clef and bass clef transposed as tenor clef down an octave. Unlike other popular methods, these original exercises and etudes avoid rote learning and "playing by ear." Most of the etudes include pedagogical commentary and also serve as good musical character studies. Melodies sometimes take unexpected turns to keep students on their toes. Can also be used as sight-reading practice for more advanced students. 56 pages. Here's a link to purchase this book from Hickey's Music.

Reviews:
"I plan on making this book my primary method for the teaching of tenor and alto clef. What I like most is Brad's use of a "Guidepost" system that most of my students will understand and remember. Other great aspects of the book are the pacing (it progresses quite nicely), the written commentary, and the use of new unfamiliar melodies. Congratulations on adding a new and relevant book to the resources for trombone."
—Keith Jackson, Professor of Low Brass, West Virginia University

"Great book, well organized. A very interesting and useful step by step method to learning clefs. Particularly useful is Brad's idea of guidepost notes. Highly recommended!"
—Don Lucas, trombone soloist.

Blue Wolf

This is a challenging solo for unaccompanied trombone. Length: app. 8 minutes.

This work incorporates modern elements without losing track of tonality. It falls into three sections: fast-slow-fast. One notable characteristic: the entire piece is performed with the F-attachment slide removed, allowing a kind of counterpoint between the sound of the trombone through the bell and the sound through the open F-attachment pipe.

This work has recently been recorded by John Marcellus, trombone professor at the Eastman School of Music for an upcoming CD.