Digital · Print · Choose your cover
Unlock the Secrets to Improvising on the Trombone.
Most players know more than they can play. This book closes that gap, and makes improvisation feel natural.
Digital or print · Choose your cover · Risk-free guarantee
"This is a must-have book for all jazz trombonists. Michael Lake's teaching is comprehensive and it guarantees a magical development and transformation in your technique and musical ideas."
Conrad Herwig
Jazz Trombonist · Recording Artist
Why It Works
Why This Book Works When Others May Fail You
Ear-First Approach
Your ear leads everything. You learn to hear what you want to play before you play it — so your instrument responds to your musical ideas, not the other way around.
Proven Methods from a Pro
Drawing from years of performance and teaching, Michael Lake distills what actually works from traditional approaches — and cuts everything else.
Interactive Audio Tracks
Over 100 play-along tracks let you develop your sound in a real musical context — not just running scales in a vacuum.
Step-by-Step Exercises
Designed to bridge the gap between your inner musical voice and what comes out of your instrument — building you from wherever you are now.
Works for Any Level
Whether you're just getting started or have been struggling with improvisation for years, this book will change the way you approach it.
Inside the Book
What's Inside
Mind's Ear Savvy
Develop the crucial habit of hearing your music clearly before playing it — the foundation of true improvisation.
Melody Savvy
Play beautifully and naturally instead of relying on scales and patterns. Build a melodic voice that's distinctly yours.
Rhythm & Groove
Lock into playing with the rhythm section and master the timing and phrasing that defines great jazz improvisation.
Classic Jazz Standards
Learn to navigate Bye Bye Blackbird, All The Things You Are, and more — the tunes that every improviser needs.
The Inner Game of Improvisation
Overcome mental blocks, self-doubt, and the inner critic that gets in the way of free, expressive playing.
Play-Along Audio Tracks
Over 100 tracks playable directly from the digital edition — no extra apps, no separate downloads, always right there.
What Trombonists Are Saying
Real players. Real results.
This book has become one of the best comprehensive tools for learning to improvise specifically for trombone. From the basics to advanced concepts, great tune selections, and an awesome array of interactive play-alongs — a thorough and thoughtful approach to trombone improvisation.
Conrad Herwig
Jazz Trombonist · Recording Artist
Michael Lake's book is as comprehensive as it is elegantly and practically laid out. I look forward to sharing it with my students. I highly recommend this book for all levels of trombonists and improvisers alike.
Steve Davis
Trombonist · Drummer Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers
This is a fantastic resource specifically for trombone. From the basics to more advanced concepts with great tune selections and an awesome array of interactive play-alongs — a thoughtful and thorough approach to trombone improvisation.
Nick Finzer
Jazz Trombonist · Composer
I really think that when you talk gets into the hands of trombone players wanting to tackle the improvisation side, it will be a must have for all jazz trombone aficionados.
Barry K.
Jazz Trombonist
Michael Lake's approach focuses on making music rather than just running patterns. My playing has never felt more easy and natural — improvisation finally makes sense.
Kate R.
Trombone Player
Hear the Book
A sample from page 9 of the book.
Three play-along tracks from the Rhythm & Groove section — typical of the 100+ inside.
Mind's Ear Savvy — Rhythm & Groove
This section trains your ear and your body to feel the groove before you play a note. The play-along tracks below are drawn directly from page 9 of the book.
In the digital edition, every track plays directly from the page — no separate app or download needed.
Here are three sample play-along tracks from the book that train your ear and your body to feel the groove and inspire your playing.
Use your ear to play along with these three audio files. Each is a repeated loop in a different groove and tempo. No form or modulations. This is an example of the ear-based learning you'll find throughout the book.
Make It Yours
Choose your cover.
Five original covers — all the same great book inside. Pick the one that fits your personality, then choose your format on the next page.
Get the Book
Start playing more freely. Today.
Both editions include all content and over 100 play-along tracks. Choose your format — then choose your cover.
Digital Edition
Trombone Improvisation Savvy PDF
$34.95- Instant access — start learning immediately
- 100+ play-along tracks playable from the PDF
- Choose from 5 covers
- Works on any device
Coil-Bound Print
Trombone Improvisation Savvy Print
$49.95- Lay-flat coil binding — stays open on the stand
- Durable, high-quality printing
- Choose from 5 covers
- Everything in the digital edition, in print
Questions you might be asking yourself.
There is something in this book for jazz playing beginners with a certain amount of chops on the horn. This is not a classical trombone technique book — it's a method for deepening your hearing and responding to chords so that you can improvise much easier and with confidence. That said, there's value within this book for players of any level.
No. In fact most players using this book are tenor players. However, it was written by an exclusively alto trombonist, so of course alto players should study it and play with it.
This book, my courses, videos, blog posts — all center around the objective of deepening your hearing, both of yourself and the people you are playing with. Develop as much technique as you need to express yourself, but 90% of your ability to play jazz really well is the instrument between your ears. That's the primary instrument this book will help you develop.
Very easy. You'll get a link to a resources page on musicsavvy.com containing every audio file organized in order by chapter. You'll also get a link to the .zip file containing every audio file so you can store them locally if that's easier for you.
In the digital edition, every track plays directly from the page — no separate app or download needed.
I thought it would be cool to give you a choice of how the book looks. It's me trying to personalize the experience.
Yes. Use the book for 30 days. If you honestly hear no improvement, I'll refund every penny.
Risk-Free Guarantee
Work through the book. If you don't feel a noticeable improvement in your improvisation — more confident, more musical, more free — contact us for a full refund. No questions asked.
And you keep the book. That's how much we believe in it.
