Welcome to my (resurrected) rudimentary, amateur-hour, DIY website. It is corpulent (like its author) and probably best digested in small portions. The information here is primarily for the handful of students I still teach (though I suspect few take advantage), but anyone is welcome to it – if interested. Much of it is general; some is specific to the bass trombone. There is nothing for sale herein (there are endorsements and  recommendations – some of my biases may be apparent). Clickable blue text and/or “buttons” link to other pages on this site or elsewhere online (some are to Facebook posts. If you’re not on Facebook . . .). I will lead off with Pedagogy is not Theology!

All roads do not lead to Rome, but several do; this is just mine. There is a plethora of opinion (Lord knows I have mine) about trombone pedagogy. Some of it is wrong – but most disagreement is the result of different perception of the same elephant. If someone sounds great, they are clearly thinking/doing something right – that something can be learned from.

This not a controversy-free (pedagogically speaking) zone.  But I am NOT interested in debate. If this site is useful – fine – if not – fine. And, as may be obvious, I am NOT an IT wizard, a scientist, an academic, nor an “influencer” – nor do I have an editor (apparently, typographical errors grow in the dark). I am merely a retired itinerant last-chair trombone player who had a pretty good run hither and yon in the greater Los Angeles area. (I have been teaching trombone lessons for 50 years or so.) If there is a problem with the site, let me know and I will try to fix it.

There is a lot of information on this site; much of it unnecessary to learn how to play. Some of it has been called “useless trivia” (my hobby). However, it interests me, informs my pedagogical paradigm, and perhaps, my psychology. (Dunning-Kruger may be afoot – an insight into the “voices in my head” may be helpful.) One may or may not agree with some or all of this – so it goes. There is some redundancy here and there; this is generally deliberate.

Be warned, I tend to wax long-winded (and occasionally nostalgic) – sorry, not sorry (again, small portions). Also, this site evolves regularly – as does my thinking from time to time. Occasional revisits may be productive – or not.

Also, there will be occasional episodes of colorful language and some superannuated references only geezers such as myself will likely appreciate – c’est la vie – c’est la guerre – cherchez l’embouchure! (Speaking of French, Berlioz loved the trombone!)

For those who may be interested in my story, there are What About Bob, Genesis & Exodus, and Decline & Fall.

Maladies & Remedies, Equipment, Supplies, Accessories, etc. and Why Music? may be of general interest.

My students should see Resources and, perhaps, Auditions. Young trombonists can look here.

There are many other topics addressed herein – see the index.