Trombone Legato Myths
The trombone is incapable of playing in a legato style.
False! Although the trombone lacks the valves that the other brass instruments have, it is still possible to play in the legato style. Trombonists instead rely on a steady airstream to create the connected sound and the tongue to articulate the beginning of each note. Listen to the recording below to hear a great example of trombone legato.Playing in the legato style requires less air.
False! The legato style requires constant air to create a connected sound. To play in a lyrical and legato style, all of the notes must be connected. It is often a good idea to practice a legato piece using no articulation to work on blowing through each phrase. Once the air stream is made consistent, the articulation can be reintroduced.To play in the legato style, the player must tongue softly and farther back in the mouth.
False! Legato playing requires a constant air stream. If the tongue is too far back, it will interrupt the air stream with each articulation. Instead the tongue must remain flat and forward. Articulation is generated with a flicking motion of the tip of the tongue. The point of articulation is on the back of the top teeth. Think of the tongue as moving up and down to interrupt the air stream, rather than back and forth.Listen to the vocalist in the recording above connects each word of the song. The articulation does not hinder the sound being produced. Trombone legato is much the same. The various consonant sounds found in vocal music reflect the varying weight and articulation strength trombonists place on each note in the legato style.
The slide moves slowly when playing in the legato style.
False! The slide moves quickly in legato playing. The key to great legato playing is to stay on each note as long as possible and move the slide quickly and smoothly when switching notes. If the slide technique is sloppy or rigid, the connections between notes will sound forced.Although this video is very silly (and may cause nausea), David Finlayson's slide technique is impeccable. His slide motions are quick without affecting the tone.
The trombone must play soft to play in the legato style.
False! Although lyrical music often requires the full range of dynamics, it is not all meant to be quiet. The sound must always be full and vibrant.Activity
Think of a simple song like "O, Danny Boy" or "Yesterday" and sing this song out loud (really belt it out!). Do you notice how the sound of your voice does not stop between each word of the song? Learn that song on the trombone in any key and try to emulate that sound quality on the trombone. If you can't think of an easy song, try "My Country tis of Thee." Be ready to play your song during your real-time video lesson.Exercises
Practice "Amazing Grace" before your next real-time video lesson. For the trombone majors, also bring a Bordogni etude of your choice.Amazing Grace pdf (file/download)
