Is the alto trombone a transposing instrument?

By Michael Lake | March 16, 2021 |

I am often asked this question and I’m not sure I’ve ever given a satisfactory answer, at least one that satisfies aspiring alto trombone players. So let me take another whack at it. The fundamental of the alto is Eb but it is considered a concert instrument. Remember that the tenor trombone is a concert…

Bobby Shew on proper breathing for brass players

By Michael Lake | January 17, 2021 |

Bobby Shew is a well-known trumpet great. What people may not know is that he is also a world-class teacher. I had an opportunity to sit down with Bobby and ask him questions for close to three hours. We covered a lot of topics, but the nearest and dearest to his heart was on his…