On learning the flute and learning the trombone

Flute : "Right, you'll need a scales book and a studies book - this is the one to get for now, then maybe an album of pieces." That set the agenda for lessons and for practice. 1/3 scales, 1/3 studies, 1/3 pieces. Later on a method was introduced - the august and unmasterable "Big daily exercises of the mechanism" by Taffanel and Gaubert. When I did my exam (I only ever did the one) I had to play various scales and arpeggios, the 1st movement of the Poulenc sonata, the complete Telemann Fantasia in D minor and a lovely Koehler study. Also a keyboard harmony test.

Trombone : It's a method. I started with Lafosse, then Schlossberg, then Pichaureau then there's another waiting in the wings. Pieces are a problem for the trombone. There's LOADS of brilliant pieces for flute in comparison.

I think part of the difference is the amazing level of standardisation that the Associated Boards have produced. Pretty well everyone follows the syllabus, and even if they choose to do Guildhall instead it's not that different. In France it's not standardised and centralised like that. It's pretty rare for Britain to be more organised and more centralised than France, but it is the case with music tuition.

This brief meditation was brought on by the bombshell dropped on Friday that I must sit a trombone exam, so I have to prepare a piece. It'll be something by Naulais, who is a French trombonist composer and some of his stuff is used in Britain.

OK - It's on Wednesday 8 April, there'll be a JURY and all that's involved is to play one piece. The piece in question is "Pièce n° 1" by Jacques Toulon, and it's not bad, though it's not trivial. There's one section in 6 flats ! There'll be a pianist with whom I am allowed two rehearsals.

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