Trombone Improvisation Savvy

Finally, learn to improvise with the most complete and comprehensive book and audio collection specifically created for the trombone.

“Mike has created what has to be one of the most comprehensive tools for learning to improvise specifically for trombone! From the basics to more advanced concepts, great tune selections, and an amazing array of interactive play-alongs and demonstrations. This is a thoughtful, thorough, and dynamic approach to learning trombone improvisation.”

Nick Finzer

New York Trombonist and educator

What you will gain from this book

100 audio files serve as play-along tracks to the book’s exercises, performance examples, and challenges for evaluating your time and rhythm sense and then showing you how to improve it.

A better ear for jazz playing

Connecting your musical mind to your trombone is the core skill you'll develop from the book. Unique exercises and cool backing tracks will keep you improving and having fun.

Knowledge of basic harmonic theory

Jazz theory is not necessary to improvise well but it helps to understand a little bit of what is going on under your solo and how to play knowledgeably within it.

More melodic improvisation

Improvisation is the spontaneous weaving of melodic lines throughout the tune's form. Learn some rules for melodic structure and phrase rhythm so that your solos create more melodic interest.

A stronger sense of time and rhythm

Rhythm could be the most important skill to master. Play any note, but do it with great time and feel, and all is well. Play some challenging but fun exercises to improve your time.

Part 2: Learning standards

Learn 16 tunes and their chord changes. Analyze the tune, drill the difficult parts, play along with transcribed solos from Mike Lake and famous players on tunes including: • Rhythm Changes • Bye Bye Blackbird • Hello Young Lovers • Have You Met Miss Jones • Dolphin Dance • Lament • Moment's Notice