Method (music)
In music, a method is a kind of textbook for a specified musical instrument or a selected problem of playing a certain instrument.
A method usually contains fingering charts or tablatures, etc., scales and numerous different exercises, sometimes also simple etudes, in different keys, in ascending order as to difficulty (= in methodical progression) or with a focus on isolated aspects like fluency, rhythm, dynamics, articulation and the like. Sometimes there are even recital pieces, also with accompaniment.
As typical instrumental methods are meant to function as textbooks supporting an instrumental teacher (rather than to facilitate self-teaching), usually no basic or special playing techniques are covered in any depth. Detailed instructions in this respect are only found in special, autodidactical methods.
Some methods are specially tailored for students on certain skill levels or stages of psychosocial development. In contrast, a 'complete' method (sometimes in multiple volumes) is meant to accompany the student until he or she becomes an advanced player.
Methods of certain authors or editors have achieved the status of standard works (reflecting regional and cultural differences) and are published or reissued by different publishing companies and in divers (new) arrangements.
Guitar
- Peter Bursch (several, esp. autodidactical)
- Peter Fischer
Cello
- F.A. Kummer Cello Method
- David Popper High School of Cello Playing
- Joseph Werner Practical Method for Cello
- Francis Grant A beginner's guide to the Cello
Trumpet
Trombone
- Aharoni, New Method for the Modern Bass Trombone
- Jean Baptiste Arban
- Vladislav Blazhevich (several)
- Bitsch/Grenier, 14 Rhythmic Etudes for Bass Trombone
- O. Blume, Studies for Trombone, 36 Studies for F Attachment Trombone
- Edward Kleinhammer / Douglas Yeo, Mastering the trombone
- Georg Kopprasch, Studies for Trombone
- Robert Müller, Schule für Zugposaune
- Allen Ostrander
- Marco Bordogni / Joannes Rochut, Melodious Etudes
- Alfred Stöneberg
Tuba
- Roger Bobo, Mastering the Tuba
- Richard Stegmann, Elementarschule für Tuba