Digital · Print · Choose your clef
The alto has a voice all its own. This book is how you find it.
You reach for a middle F in first and something else comes out. The slide positions that've lived in your muscle memory for years are suddenly wrong. The alto isn't just a smaller tenor. And that changes everything.
Digital or print · Bass or alto clef · Instant access
Updated edition — now with embedded audio
"For anyone interested in learning to play the alto trombone — whether for classical or jazz — this book is a must. Michael Lake has provided the trombone world with a wonderful new resource."
Ralph Sauer
Former Principal Trombone · LA Philharmonic
Most tenor players approach the alto the wrong way — and the instrument fights back.
The alto isn't a scaled-down tenor.
It's a different instrument — and it rewards players who treat it that way.
— Michael Lake, Music Savvy
Alto Trombone Savvy gives you the approach that makes the instrument work.
Learn alto through this clear framework for hearing and playing the alto with skills from the start.
Find positions instinctively — without guesswork or hesitation
Play the alto in tune, with a consistent, resonant sound
Develop the quicker articulation and response the alto demands
Discover the improvisation advantages unique to the alto
Train your ear to lead your arm — not the other way around
Build muscle memory the right way from your first session
How It Works
What actually changes in how you play.
Retune your ear
You learn to hear the alto's overtones and pitch center — the foundation everything else is built on.
Rebuild the physical habit
Your arm learns the shorter positions with confidence. Intonation stops being a battle.
Play it freely
The alto that once frustrated you becomes the instrument you reach for — expressive, in tune, and yours.
The Alto in Action
Get a feel for the instrument before you begin.
The sound, the key, and the playing — everything you need to know before opening the book.
Video Introduction
An introduction to the alto trombone
What it is, how it works, and why it matters
Music Video
Hear what's possible on the alto
Michael Lake plays "Tin Man"
Quick Answer
The alto's key — the question everyone asks
Answered clearly in under a minute
Praise from the Trombone World
What world-class players and teachers say.
For anyone interested in learning to play the alto trombone, whether for classical or jazz, this book is a must.
Clearly written, with excellent exercises and links to audio examples, Michael Lake has provided the trombone world with a wonderful new resource.
Ralph Sauer
Former Principal Trombone · Los Angeles Philharmonic
Alto Trombone Savvy is the most comprehensive book on mastering the alto trombone.
Being familiar with the great alto trombone playing of Michael Lake, I can attest that his words of wisdom don't come from a theoretician, but from a remarkably accomplished artist. I highly recommend this great book!!
Cristian Ganicenco
Principal Trombone · Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
I highly recommend Alto Trombone Savvy for players around the world wanting advice on handling the alto trombone at the highest level.
Classical and jazz players both share the same challenges, and it's great to have this book in either bass or alto clef.
Carsten Svanberg
International Trombone Soloist · ret. Professor, University of Music and Arts Graz
Alto Trombone Savvy covers a wide range of topics and, in combination with sound files, gives students a solid aural basis to improve on the instrument.
Michael's excellent playing — used in structured imitation exercises — is particularly helpful.
Dr. Brad Edwards
Trombone Professor · Arizona State University
This is not your father's trombone method book.
This is a thoroughly 21st Century production by a master of the art and the instrument.
Stan Pethel
Professor of Music Emeritus · Berry College
I really like this interesting and well-disposed book. So many good thoughts, facts and tips on alto trombone. A must-have for the shelves.
Håkan Björkman
Principal Trombone · Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Get the Book
Choose your edition.
Both editions include all content. Choose digital for instant access, or coil-bound print for the music stand.
Digital Edition
Alto Trombone Savvy PDF
- Instant access — start playing right away
- Audio files playable directly from the PDF
- Choose bass clef or alto clef edition
- Download once, use on any device
Coil-Bound Print
Alto Trombone Savvy Print
- Lay-flat coil binding — stays open on the music stand
- Durable, high-quality printing
- Choose bass clef or alto clef edition
- Everything in the digital edition, in print
My Personal Guarantee
Work through the book regularly. If you don't feel a noticeable improvement — more comfortable on the positions, more in tune, more confident — I'll refund you completely. No questions asked.
And you keep the book. That's how much I believe in it.
Questions you might be asking yourself.
No — but this book assumes you want to get one and will work to master it. If you're considering purchasing an alto, the book will show you equipment options used by others and help you understand exactly what you're getting into. You'll have a clear path from day one.
If you primarily read bass clef as a tenor player, start there. My personal recommendation is to get the bass clef version. Alto clef is commonly used in orchestral parts, and if you're aiming for that context, the alto clef edition may serve you better long-term. Both editions contain identical content; only the notation differs.
The book is equally useful whether you're picking up the alto for the first time or have struggled with it for years. This is also for younger players who want the alto as their primary instrument; the foundational approach applies equally to both.
The digital edition is a PDF with embedded audio links. Tap or click any audio icon in the book and the file plays directly. For the print version (and digital) you will also have access to a dedicated page containing all the audio files for easy access. You can also download all files to your device if you choose.
Not at all. The book covers the ear-training and physical fundamentals that apply to any context — orchestral, chamber, jazz, or solo. One chapter specifically addresses the unique improvisation advantages the alto offers. Yes, you can play jazz on the alto!
If you work through the material and don't feel a noticeable improvement in your playing, contact me for a full refund — no questions asked. You keep the book regardless.
Stop fighting the instrument.
Start playing it.
The alto rewards players who approach it on its own terms.
Alto Trombone Savvy gives you exactly that approach.
Digital from $34.95 · Print from $49.95 · Risk-free guarantee
