The topic commonly referred to as trombone technique consists of four separate but related components. Those are Breathing and Air Support, Embouchure Control and Flexibility, Slide Precision and Timing, and Articulation. Regardless of the difficulty of the music to be performed, or of the trombonists’ skill level, mastery of these fundamental components is essential to successful performance. Throughout the twenty years that I have practiced, studied, and taught trombone performance technique, I have identified several technical deficiencies that seem to be common among many trombonists, myself included. I believe these deficiencies may be traced to flaws in the four fundamental components mentioned above. This dissertation seeks to explain the four fundamental components, identify the common deficiencies related to each component, and offer a method of addressing these deficiencies. There are three parts to this project. The first is the written element, the second consists of musical exercises, and the third element is an audio recording demonstration of the musical exercises. Contained within the written element, are the results of a survey conducted to determine the validity of the concepts of the four fundamental components. This dissertation project provides a clear and concise explanation of the four fundamental components of trombone performance technique. It also identifies common technical deficiencies. Furthermore, it prescribes a practical, systematic approach to eliminate these deficiencies through the development of necessary fundamentals. / Introduction -- Literature review -- Discussion of four technical components and common deficiencies -- Discussion of survey results -- Discussion of musical exercises -- Conclusion. / School of Music

The basic purpose of this dissertation is to provide the trombonist of today with a realization concerning ornamentation practices of the baroque period, and to supply trombonists and trombone instructors with the resources necessary to include the appropriate ornaments in a performance of baroque music.Chapter 1 is concerned with the ornamentation practices of Italy and France, the two most influential nations in the development of a mature style of baroque performance. The Italian tradition of free embellishment is presented and compared with the French tradition of composers' providing specific ornaments for their music. The author's choice of ornaments presented in the sonatas of Galliard, Marcello, and Vivaldi in Chapters 4, 5, and 6 is based on the prominence of these two styles.Chapter 2 is a presentation of the three most popular categories of embellishments employed during the baroque period. The families of appoggiaturas, trills, and mordents, are notated together with suggestions for their proper expression and execution on the trombone. Examples are taken from the embellished sonatas presented later in this study, using measure numbering to identify their placement withineach measure.Chapter 3 is an essay dealing with the art of trilling on the trombone. The overtone series is explained in regard to the formation of thirds, and to the proper notation necessary to adequately perform trills of major and minor thirds. A section concerning the use of the "F" attachment for performing baroque trills is highlighted with examples identifying several valve and slide combinations that favor the execution of major and minor seconds on the trombone.Chapters 4, 5, and 6 are an application of baroque embellishments to eighteen sonatas from the baroque period. Each of the ornaments is notated and placed within the context of the music. The musical compositions chasen for this study represent the Six Sonatas for Bassoon and Harpsichord Johann Ernst Galliard, Six Sonatas for Viloncello and Piano by Benedetto Marcello, and Six Sonatas for Violoncello and Figured Bass by Antonio Vivaldi.

Doubling is defined as playing two instruments. It is becoming increasingly necessary for low brass musicians to double in the course of their careers. Euphoniumists often learn trombone, and trombonists learn euphonium. The instruments share several surface similarities but also differ in many significant ways. Interviews with six professional doublers highlight strategies for learning, teaching, and performing on both trombone and euphonium. Slide and valve technique, adjustment of intonation, tone quality, air usage, repertoire, and skill maintenance are all addressed. Trombone literature comprises a large part of the euphonium repertoire, due to the fact that most trombone pieces can be performed on euphonium. Euphoniumists should avoid playing pieces that require glissandi or extremely loud dynamics to be effective. Euphonium solos are generally too technical to be practical for trombonists to perform. Grøndahl's Concert pour trombone et piano ou orchestre is a standard piece for both instruments. When performing the piece on either instrument, it is helpful to practice the piece on both trombone and euphonium in order to tap into each instrument's strengths.

This dissertation consists of three solo recitals and one lecture recital. The repertoire of all programs is composed of music written specifically for the trombone plus two transcriptions of works for voice. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of selected vocal pedagogical material as a means of developing musicianship for the trombonist. The historical relationship of the voice and the trombone is traced through written documentation and musical composition. Similarities between the development of legato technique for the vocal student and the trombonist are examined. A brief history of the vocalise and its pedagogical function is presented. The development of expressive musical performance for the trombonist is explored through the use of examples from three different vocalises of Marco Bordogni.

The modern bass trombone has undergone many changes in design since the 1960s and a student beginning on or switching to bass trombone today needs pedagogical material that methodically addresses the many valve combinations available on an independent double valve bass trombone. The existing books for bass trombone contain useful exercises, but none of the currently available books address all the valve combinations and patterns that are helpful for developing proficient valve technique on bass trombone. Therefore, I created a new bass trombone double valve technique method book that includes a thorough exploration of the bass trombone's two valves within the context of scales, scale exercises, and original material specifically designed to be applicable to common literature for the bass trombone.

The purpose of this research is to explore the benefits of chant music and its pedagogical applications for the individual trombonist or ensemble member. Several common method books are examined and categorized as either musical exercise or lyrical etude. Through this analysis I highlight a gap between the two method types that can be bridged through practice of chant. I support this claim through an analysis of chant characteristics that make it an ideal candidate to encourage pure sound production and connection in a performable work. Practice of chant in trombone chamber or choir ensembles will also encourage the development of skills necessary to play as a member of a group. I propose regular practice of this music will aid the ensemble in blend and balance, intonation, articulation, and slide coordination. The final chapter of the research provides the reader with a brief summary of the works refenced to promote further study as one chooses.