Book Recommendations

This is a list of books that I recommend to trombone players aspiring to a career in music. Internalizing each one is like taking several lessons and/or years of life experience and, in my opinion, well worth the time invested.

You may be able to find the books in different formats and/or prices by shopping around. Frankly, I almost always just borrow from the public library!

My list starts with the ones directly related to trombonists and gradually moves towards less-direct recommendations. They are not listed from best to worst – In some cases, it might be the exact opposite!

Trombone

Also Sprach Arnold Jacobs: A Developmental Guide for Brass Wind Musicians, compiled by Bruce Nelson.

What Every Trombonist Needs to Know about the Body, by David Vining

Music

Sound in Motion: A Performer’s Guide to Greater Musical Expression, by David McGill

Career

The Savvy Musician: Building a Career, Earning a Living & Making a Difference, by David Cutler

The Savvy Music Teacher: Blueprint for Maximizing Income & Impact, by David Cutler (Kindle, Paperback)

Other

Indirect Procedures: A Musician’s Guide to the Alexander Technique (The Integrated Musician), by Pedro de Alcantara (Kindle, Paperback)

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth (Kindle, Paperback)

Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell (Kindle, Paperback)

Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, by Geoff Colvin (Kindle, Paperback)

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear (Kindle, Paperback)

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein (Kindle, Paperback)

The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield (Kindle, Paperback)

Questions/Comments?

Any other books you think trombone players should read? As always, comment below or contact me!