Pitch Context Exercises are a simple way to develop both the muscles used for buzzing and application as well as some ear training skills. The “Beginner” level exercises give the user an opportunity to “practice with” (match pitch) to a single pitch (the Unison Tones exercises) or the “root” of different types of chords (Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented, and Dominant 7). Intermediate to Advanced level recordings place the target pitch at various degrees (3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, etc.) within more and more complex chord types (major, minor, diminished, augmented, 7, 7b9, etc.).

The Beginner level recordings have been released on all audio platforms (Apple, YouTube, Spotify, etc.) and are free for you to use. The Intermediate and Advanced levels are exclusively available through BandCamp which allows a limited use before requiring purchase of the files.  

All of these audio files have specific exercises designed for developing the embouchure through Buzzing and Application as outlined in The Balanced Trombonist – A Method Supplement. 

Beginner Level = Look for the following

  • Artist: The Balanced Trombonist
  • Album: Pitch Context Exercises – Beginner
  • Also on BandCamp

 

Practice with the PCE Tracks

Here are the steps for the initial PCE exercise:

  1. A four beat click to set the tempo
  2. A piano tone for 4 clicks to set the target note
  3. Four “unaccompanied” clicks where you buzz the targeted tone
  4. Continue to buzz for the next four clicks where you are accompanied by the piano tone (Unison exercises) or tones (all other chord based exercises); listen and adjust if needed
  5. The next four clicks should be used to audiate the next pitch – 1/2 step above (ascending tracks) or below (descending tracks) – the previous pitch
  6. Repeat steps 2-5 until you reach the octave above/below  
For further exercises beyond this basic form, consult The Balanced Trombonist – A Method Supplement, Chapter 2 – Buzzing and Chapter 3 – Application 

Intermediate & Advanced Levels = Follow the links to BandCamp

  •  Intermediate, Vol 1 (Context: Third/Fifth of chords)
  • Intermediate, Vol 2 (Context: Fourth/Sixth of chords)
  • Advanced, Vol 1 (Context: Seventh of chords)
  • Advanced, Vol 2 (Context: Ninth/#5/#11 of chords)
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