Trombone Dojo 
Trombone Dojo is an exciting new way to learn to learn the art and discipline of playing the trombone. It sets itself apart from typical private trombone lessons in two major ways: students focus their learning by earning belts and students learn in a more collaborative environment.
As in many martial arts studios, students progress from belt to belt by demonstrating proficiency at certain specified skills. Belts are worn around the throat of the bell of the trombone. Typically, it would take a student a year to earn each belt, but with focus and hard work, belts could be earned in less time. White belts are given to beginners and friends of the studio. To earn a black belt, a student will have demonstrated that they are in the top echilon of high school trombonists, and would be highly competitive at any music school's entrance audition, should they choose that path.
The belt system offers many advantages over traditional lessons. It provides public recognition
for all of the hard work the individual student has put in to their instrument. It helps the
student to focus their efforts on exactly what skills need to be learned to reach the next level.
It offers the student a wide selection of repertoire from which they may choose to fulfill each belt's
requirements. Solos and etudes will be provided that are challenging enough to bring about progress but
not so daunting as to become discouraging. It is a flexible program that can accomodate a student's specific
taste while still providing a standard of excellence. It's also just plain fun to wear
a martial arts belt on your trombone!
Students learn more when they learn "dojo style." This is a more collaborative approach than most other trombone
teachers use. Group lessons are not only permitted, but encouraged. This allows the students to benefit from
collaboration and can greatly reduce the cost of private lessons - to as little as half of what typical lessons would
cost. Once a month, the entire dojo will come together for a special Trombone Dojo Exhibition. This gives the students
the opportunity to perform. Also at this time, Trombone Dojo members will have the opportunity to play with a trombone
choir, do group breathing and technical exercises, participate in masterclass-style lessons, and listen to and discuss
inspiring recordings. The Trombone Dojo Exhibition is also a time for them to recieve the belts they have earned and
be recognized by their peers for their talents and achievements.
If you would like to learn more specifics about Trombone Dojo, including current availability in your area,
please feel free to contact Sensei Zachary Crawford with
any of your questions.email: utahtrombonist@gmail.com
phone: (801) 400-3904