Brass Essentials: An Arban Companion

Brass Essentials: An Arban Companion works through the Arban Cornet Method in the sequence that the excerpts appear in the original publication. It is not a method in itself, but a way to address the building blocks of a solid technique – good sound, good intonation, developing technical skills and applying rhythmic accuracy. It is suitable for all valve instruments.
Simply choose which of the sections applies to the issues you are facing in your playing at any given time. Advice is given at the head of each section on how to deal with the technical processes involved for that particular area of practice as well as suggestions on rehearsal and performance tempi.
A regular approach to the most basic aspects of playing a brass instrument will help maintain a strong technique whilst addressing any problems that may occur during your playing life, as they do from time to time. It can also provide a regular practice diet that will encourage real attention to detail.
Brass Essentials: An Arban Companion can be used as a resource for teachers helping players starting out on their musical journey, but also performers at any point in their musical life as a back-to-basics approach is often the way forward when dealing with playing issues. The overriding principle is that every note counts!
Section Headings : Set-Up, Articulation and Sound; Light Articulations; Syncopation, Spacing and Rhythm; Single Tonguing; Controlled Slurring Technique; Running Scales and Chromatics; Breathing, Shaping and Phrasing; Arpeggios, Dominant Sevenths and Diminished Sevenths; Triple Tonguing; Double Tonguing; The Studies
Paul Cosh
After a successful freelance career including engagements with the major London orchestras, stints in the West End and appearances on recordings and film soundtracks, Paul joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1987 and remained a member until 2005.
Alongside his work as a performer, Paul was a Professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for 30 years and has acted as the external examiner at colleges and conservatoires throughout the United Kingdom.
Paul has always maintained close links with the brass band community. He has coached and conducted some of the finest bands in the UK and adjudicated high profile contests at home and abroad. He is currently part of the team delivering Player Development lectures around the country for Brass Band England.