#6 - Play-along Materials

March 21, 2004 - Link Added July 9, 2008

There are now so many great products on the market which many of us wish had been available years ago. They can make practicing more fun, and as a result, even seasoned players have reported that they practice longer when using these materials.

As I discover new items, I will update this list. As usual, if I have missed any, please email me.

Software – The most flexible materials that let you adjust tempo, transpose, record your performance, burn to a CD (with performance or accompaniment only), etc.

• Band in a Box - Unrivaled jazz accompaniment tool, with pre-programmed song & styles, or put in your own changes
• SmartMusic - With a clip-on mic, the accompaniment actually follows the player!

Web-based Play-alongs – Free and downloadable!

• Drone Tones - Edwards, Brad
• Bordogni (arr. Rochut) Vocalise Piano Accompaniments - Gibson, Tom
• Chromatic Scale Play-along - Gibson, Tom
• Ear Training Midi Files (scroll down to the yellow panels) - Gibson, Tom
• Major Scales with Harmonization - Gibson, Tom
• 6 Part Warm Up & Technical Routine - Gibson, Tom
• The Musical Intervals Tutor - Salocks, Madeline
• TromboneExcerpts.org (although this was designed for listening, playing along with the excerpts is a great way to learn style, pitch, and more!) - Vatt, Seth
• Blues Chord Changes - Wilken, David
• Major Scale/Chord Chord Changes - Wilken, David
• Trombone Warm-ups wtih MP3 Play-along Tracks - Hauser, Joshua

Technical Development

• 15 Minute Warm-Up Routine (see website for more)
• 20 Minute Warm-Up Routine
• Brass Player's Warm-Up & Practice Guide
• Breakfast - Intonation Practice for Trombonists
• The Intonation Tutor
• Intonation Repair Tool
• The Tuning CD
• TuneUp Systems

Classical Play-alongs – For practicing solos with the piano or band accompaniment

• The Bordogni Vocalises with play-along CD accompaniments
• Cantolopera - vocal music
• Frits Leffef Brass Sheet Music and Play Along
• Hal Leonard’s series
• Music Minus One at Hickey’s Music Center
• Music Minus One at Sheet Music Outlet
• Play Along with the Canadian Brass
• Play Puccini with CD - scroll down to Puccini with CD
• SmartMusic
• Trombone Accompaniments at Hickey’s Music Center
• Trombone Accompaniments at Wind Music Plus

Jazz Play-alongs – For practicing melodies and improv with a jazz accompaniment

• BackUp Trax series - click on "Brass and Reeds" - also available from other dealers
• Band in a Box
• Blues Chord Changes for improvisation in all keys
• Chop Monster series - also available from other dealers
• Hal Leonard’s series
• Jamey Abersold’s series
• Major Scale/Chord Chord Changes for improvisation in all keys
• Mark Nightingale's Play-alongs
• Mel Bay’s series - play-alongs say "Book/CD Set"
• Play With A Pro - also available from other dealers
• Karaoke Discs and Players at Singing Store - pop, country, R&B

Another Article on this Subject

• Symphonic Play-Along Practicing by Jerry Fallenberg