Play Mood Indigo with Ella Fitzgerald

There are a few things to consider when starting a new day of trombone playing. Before challenging yourself with new music, it’s a good idea to ensure all aspects of your playing are up and running. I would recommend covering these areas:

1. Breathing and posture (without the instrument)
2. Sound
3. Flexibility
4. Articulation
5. Ballad (playing some actual music)

This article focuses on the ballad part. Pick a ballad or a slow etude and make it sing through your trombone. It doesn’t have to be technically challenging – in fact, I prefer the opposite. Here’s a ballad for you in the form of Duke Ellington’s evergreen ‘Mood Indigo’, performed by Ella Fitzgerald. Play the melody as written, make your own musical choices, or try to mimic Ella’s phrasing. There’s a lot to learn from that lady!

Download the sheet music