Best Method Book for Trombone (2026)

A trombone student who has moved past a beginner book needs a method that keeps the slide moving, and the best method book for trombone is the method that matches the player’s level. We compared method books by level, scope and media.

ShelfAnswers earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Arban Method for Trombone	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Essential Elements Book 2	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Tradition of Excellence Book 1	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Standard of Excellence Book 1	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Rubank Intermediate Method	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Arban Method for Trombone

Jean Baptiste Arban·9.8/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A trombone and baritone method with expanded scales, slide drills, and MP3 accompaniments.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Revised for trombone by Randall and Mantia
• Expanded scales and arpeggios, plus slide drills
• MP3 accompaniments to 12 Celebrated Fantaisies

Cons

• No level stated in the listing
• No page count stated in the listing
• No warranty term is stated

2

Essential Elements Book 2

Various·9.8/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A trombone method book 2 with EEi online resources.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Builds on Book 1 skills
• EEi online resources included
• Advanced articulation

Cons

• Needs Book 1 first
• No page count stated in the listing
• No warranty term is stated

3

Tradition of Excellence Book 1

Bruce Pearson·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A band curriculum for trombone with an interactive practice studio.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Practice Studio included
• Pacing with careful review
• Tools for differentiated instruction

Cons

• Book 1 level only
• No page count stated in the listing
• No warranty term is stated

4

Standard of Excellence Book 1

Bruce Pearson·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A band method book 1 with theory, history and ear training.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Theory and ear training
• Listening and composition
• Performance-centered approach

Cons

• Book 1 level only
• No page count stated in the listing
• No warranty term is stated

5

Rubank Intermediate Method

Joseph E. Skornicka·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An intermediate trombone method with scales, arpeggios, solos and duets.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Scales, arpeggios, solos and duets
• Beginner to advanced technique
• Trombone or baritone use

Cons

• Intermediate level, not for beginners
• No page count stated in the listing
• No warranty term is stated

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• Arban Complete MethodComplete Arban method for trombone and euphonium, with text by Joseph Alessi and Brian Bowman.Check on Amazon
• Arban Spiral BoundArban method for trombone and baritone, Book/MP3, spiral bound edition.Check on Amazon
• Breeze-Easy Method 1Breeze-Easy method for individual and group instruction, by John Kinyon and Valentine Anzalone.Check on Amazon
• Beeler Method Book 1Conservatory-style method for trombone, book 1, using Beeler's teaching techniques.Check on Amazon
• Ed Sueta Band MethodEd Sueta band method trombone book 1 with CD, per its title.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For a method book, performance means level and scope: Arban covers scales and slide drills with MP3 accompaniments, band methods cover theory and ear training. No pick states a safety certification or a warranty term, so both measures score 0 here.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best method book for trombone

Match the level first: Book 1 for beginners, Book 2 after Book 1, Rubank Intermediate for developing players. Match the scope second: Arban scales and slide drills, band methods theory and ear training. Check the media third: MP3 on Arban, EEi online on Essential Elements.

Before you buy

• Check the level: Book 1 for beginners, Book 2 after Book 1, Rubank intermediate.
• Check the media: Arban Book/MP3, Essential Elements EEi online.
• Check the instrument: Arban trombone and baritone, Rubank trombone or baritone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book suits a beginning trombone player?

Tradition of Excellence Book 1 and Standard of Excellence Book 1: both Book 1 level.

Which book includes audio?

The Arban pick: MP3 accompaniments to 12 Celebrated Fantaisies and Airs Variés.

Which book follows Book 1?

Essential Elements Book 2: it builds on Book 1.

Which book suits an intermediate player?

Rubank Intermediate Method: beginner fundamentals to advanced techniques.

Still deciding? Our top pickArban Method for Trombone

Check price on Amazon

Related lists

For more choices, see our method book for trombone collection.