Gear article
Faber Team Brass Trumpet/Cornet Tuition Book
The Faber Team Brass tuition book is a widely adopted educational resource designed for beginner trumpet and cornet players. It offers a flexible curriculum suitable for individual, group, or classroom settings, integrating a variety of musical styles with essential technical exercises.

Overview
Team Brass for trumpet and cornet is an established method book within the brass pedagogy market. It is structured as a flexible course that can be tailored to the specific needs of a student, whether they are learning in a one-on-one environment or as part of a larger ensemble or class. The book focuses on establishing a firm foundation in the essentials of trumpet and cornet performance.
The curriculum is built around a carefully graded selection of music, ensuring that the difficulty progression is manageable for new learners while providing enough challenge to maintain engagement. It is often cited as a staple resource for peripatetic teachers and music hubs.
Content and Curriculum
The book covers a broad spectrum of musical components beyond simple melody playing. Key features include:
- Scales and Arpeggios: Essential technical exercises to build finger dexterity and pitch familiarity.
- Aural Skills: Specific exercises designed to improve the student's ability to hear and identify intervals and rhythms.
- Improvisation and Composition: Activities that encourage students to create their own music, fostering a deeper understanding of musical theory.
- Graded Repertoire: A selection of pieces across diverse genres including Baroque, Classical, Film, Jazz, and Latin American styles.

Audio and Accompaniment
A significant feature of the Team Brass package is the inclusion of over 70 backing tracks. These tracks are designed to provide a professional-sounding accompaniment for the student, which helps in developing a sense of timing, intonation, and ensemble playing from the earliest stages of learning. These tracks allow students to practice with a full-band or orchestral feel even when practicing alone.
Suitability and Use Cases
Team Brass is primarily aimed at absolute beginners. Because the trumpet and cornet share the same fingering systems and technical fundamentals, the book serves both instruments equally well. It is particularly effective for schools and music services that require a standardised curriculum that can work across different learning speeds and group sizes. While it focuses on younger learners, the diverse range of musical styles also makes it accessible for adult beginners.
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Frequently asked questions
- What instruments is this book suitable for?
- The book is specifically written for both the trumpet and the cornet. Since these instruments share the same fingering and range, the lessons and exercises apply to both simultaneously.
- Is this book intended for beginners or advanced players?
- Team Brass is firmly established as a tuition book for beginner players. It starts with the basics and builds the essential skills required for initial trumpet performance.
- Can this book be used for group lessons?
- Yes, it is designed as a flexible course that can be tailored for individual students, small groups, or larger classroom settings.
- Does the book include any audio material?
- Yes, the book includes over 70 backing tracks. These tracks are intended to help students play along with accompaniment to improve their rhythm and musicality.
- What musical genres are covered in the repertoire?
- The book features a wide range of styles including Baroque, Classical, Jazz, Latin American, and music from films.
- Does the book cover music theory and technical exercises?
- Yes, it includes scales and arpeggios, as well as sections dedicated to aural skills, improvisation, and composition.
- Is the book focused solely on playing melodies?
- No, it is a comprehensive course that also encourages creative skills like composition and improvisation alongside technical development.
- Who is the publisher of Team Brass?
- The Team Brass series is published by Faber Music, a leading publisher of educational music materials.
- How much does the Team Brass trumpet book typically cost?
- The typical price range for this tuition book is approximately GBP 15.00.
- Can an adult beginner use this book?
- While popular in schools, the graded choice of music and diverse styles make it a functional resource for adult beginners as well as children.
- Are there specific exercises for aural development?
- Yes, the book includes instrument-related aural skills to help the student develop their ear alongside their physical playing ability.
- How does this book help with creativity?
- It includes specific encouragement and exercises for improvisation and composition, allowing students to explore music beyond the printed page.
