Jazz vs. Classical Trombone - The Benefits of Learning and Practicing Both

Jazz and Classical are the two primary styles of music at the foundation of most of our playing. As a trombonist, there are many benefits to studying and performing both genres of music. In this video I discuss five concepts: sound, rhythmic feel, theory, ear training, and freedom of exploration, and how their application can vary based on the stylistic setting we find ourselves in.
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[@stevetucker5851]

I appreciate the speed at which you talk. It allows me to absorb the information easier. Most teachers on KZbin talk way too fast.

[@TheChopsShop]

I’m glad the pacing works for you. I’m always thinking about the viewers experience.

[@markrosenberg1232]

In a previous musical life I was a classical guitarist. As such, Bach solo string transcriptions are a mainstay of the repertoire. No surprise that when I was reincarnated as a trombone player (mostly big band and salsa), these are always on my music stand. Doug Yeo has some Bach Cello Suite PDFs, but I like to read from the Cello parts. The magic of Bach is that is sounds great at any tempo, on any instrument.

[@TheChopsShop]

I love Bach cello concertos. I need to add some of those to my practice routine. Beautiful music stands alone no matter the genre.

[@thetonycooper]

Dude. Cool.

[@TheChopsShop]

Thank you sir!

[@carolepaul8390]

Hery insightful!

[@TheChopsShop]

I'm glad the information was helpful!

[@danmach-holt9850]

I study jazz and always practice classical trombone. I use blazevich clef studies, Arbans, bordogni vocalises, and vinning range songs.

[@TheChopsShop]

I’ve used all of the books you mentioned except the Vinning Range Songs. It’s a great way to stay connected to an essential skill set!

[@christopherridout8804]

Normally I play set pieces , Since I heard you play mood indigo I have started playing about with the songs that are written and adding my own interpretation ‘ it is great fun . Chris

[@TheChopsShop]

Improvisation over songs we know is a great in thing in any genre. I improvise over classical music as well.

[@zemry]

I love jazz ands use play along song books. I also use Arban and the Rochut studies. In my brass quintet, we play a wide variety of music, from traditional New Orleans to classical pieces.

[@TheChopsShop]

That’s killin your group plays such a wide range of music. The Arban and Rochut studies are my go to books as well. Fundamentals are key!

[@clisboa]

Você é muito bom! Valeu pelas dicas! 👊🏽🙌🏽

[@ktang001]

I used to play the piano and flute (classical) decades ago. I've never played any jazz before. I recently started learning the trombone (9 weeks ago). I'm finding that I'm leaning towards classical again on the trombone.

[@TheChopsShop]

That’s some great diversity in your instrument pool. As a musician you probably have a understanding of classical music that translates to any instrument.

[@Entropy114]

I'm actually the opposite of most, I've never done any jazz before but have dozens of classical books. Are there any good spots to start for learning jazz when coming from the other side? I have decent ears for the sound and style, but all I can manage are dictated lines on the paper. I have no idea where to start if, for example, there are marked open solo bars on a chart.

[@TheChopsShop]

Learning to play jazz is like learning to speak a language. The more you listen and try to speak the language, the easier it will become. There are many improve books out there to give you an understanding of basic jazz theory but transcribing is the best place to start. Check out trombonist Bennie Green. He’s a great person to transcribe cause feel is on the money and his lines are simple and easy to analyze. Learn the songs form and melody first, then expand your analysis to how the components of the song fit within that melody and form.

[@Entropy114]

Wonderful, thanks so much! I'll check out Bennie Green and see if I can scratch out a few lines of his to begin with.

[@TheChopsShop]

@@Entropy114 I think you’ll enjoy his playing. Happy practicing!

[@BrainDent]

im in highschool i play trombone and i want to do some self practice with a more jazzy style so thank you

[@TheChopsShop]

Keep your ears open to all styles of music. It will pay off in the long run!

[@BrainDent]

@@TheChopsShop thnx

[@carolepaul8390]

I am mostly Classical and should practice jazz. Can you please suggest some for me? Thank you

[@TheChopsShop]

I always recommend listening to J.J. Johnson. His sound resonates will all trombonists. Look for a recording of his playing the jazz standard "Old Devil Moon." Learn the melody and his solo. It's a great place to start.

[@eddie3051]

I've only played classical, what should I start with if i want to play jazz?

[@TheChopsShop]

I would recommend a recording of “Old Devil Moon” by J.J. Johnson. Even if you just learn the melody, that’s a great place to start.

[@eddie3051]

@@TheChopsShop thanks, I'll get to learning it

[@niallydp]

Haven't played any classical trombone for years. Are there any classical etudes which you would recommend? Also really interested in the relationship between articulation and rhythmic feel. I have recently been focusing on improving my sense of rhythm and prioritising rhythm in my improvisation. I spent too many years focusing jazz harmony and realised that rhythm it is often much more fundamental than note choice. Be great if you could share your approach to mastering your internal sense of rhythm and any rhythmic improvisation exercises which you recommend. Keep up the great content. Have to interview Ryan Porter some day!

[@TheChopsShop]

The etude books I practice from are the “Arban’s” book and the “Rochut (Bordogni) Melodious Etudes”. The latter is great for legato playing and flexibility. The “Arban’s” book is great for technique and articulation. As far as what I work on to connect my articulation with my rhythmic feel is, I’ll practice playing through the rhythm’s of a solo I know but just using one note. It gives me the opportunity to just focus on the feel and placement of the notes. Also transcribe a drum solo and put your own notes to it. That will totally change where your rhythm is coming from. I would love to get Ryan on the channel one day! I’ll reach out to him soon enough. Thanks for checking out the content, it’s much appreciated.

[@niallydp]

Great thanks for your wisdom

[@TheChopsShop]

My pleasure, stay safe!

[@thetonycooper]

I, probably like most started off in middle school band in “classical” and transitioned

[@thetonycooper]

To jazz and loving it.

[@TheChopsShop]

I think I started playing jazz in middle school. I still love trying to play classical pieces. The challenge is great for keeping things fresh.