Review

Scott Stratton
Study Duets for Trombone:

Dallas, TX, United States
Publisher: TrumCor Music
Date of Publication: 2002

Performing score

Primary Genre: Study Material - etude
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

Duets may serve many purposes in the applied studio. Sight reading skills, intonation, the ability to match articulation, dynamics and style, and musical expression can all be improved through the use of duets. Playing together with one’s teacher can be an enjoyable reward at the end of a successful lesson. For teachers who use duets as a regular part of each lesson, the quest for new music is ongoing. Intended for students in grades 9-12, Scott Stratton wrote this collection as an alternate source to the ever-popular Rubank duets. Key signatures span from five flats to three sharps. Range extends from F to c2, with the bottom voice typically staying in the bass staff and the top voice hovering slightly above the staff. Roughly half of the duets are original compositions; arrangements of melodies by composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Bach and Telemann complete the book. Study Duets for Trombone is good private-lesson material for intermediate students. Teachers who work with many students each week are sure to appreciate this collection of music. The diversity of styles, composers, and time periods represented are apt to provide welcome variety that will help keep lessons fresh for student and teacher alike. 

-Donn Schaefer
University of Utah