Bertrand Moren

My First Steps 1

This first volume covers the first lessons on a brass instrument, from the very first attempts to produce a sound, up to a level which allows the pupil to play short recital pieces and play a very simple part in an ensemble. I do not give any advice about breathing and attack etc. This is the teacher's job. This method is simply a collection of exercises and pieces, organized in a carefully progressive way, which is the result of my long experience as a brass teacher at all levels. In this first book, which accompanies the pupil's first contact with the instrument, it is essential that he or she understands first of all breathing technique and attack. It is also important that, in every lesson, the teacher works on 'buzzing', i.e., producing sound with the lips. Each lesson in the book should be accomplished in one or to weeks. I have provided plenty of exercises, as some pupils need to work harder on some aspects than on others. For fast learners, it is also possible to skip some parts and move forwards more rapidly. The tempi should be chosen by the teacher according to the ability of the student. The dexterity exercises should be played slowly at first, then accelerated, but always maintaining accuracy and clearness. The fundamental concept of scales is introduced gradually in the lessons, and it is very important that pupils keep on practicing them once they have learned them, preferably from memory. Each lesson finishes with a solo piece with piano accompaniment. The latter are available in a separate book. A wider choice of performance pieces is also available in the 5 volumes of Melodies for Beginners.