JAZZ TROMBONE
FOUNDATION COURSE
Pre-Academic Jazz Trombone Course
The Pre-Academic Jazz Trombone Program at Saint Louis College of Music is a preparatory program designed to build a solid technical and musical foundation in jazz. Students gradually develop the skills necessary to continue their studies in the Jazz Trombone Bachelor’s Degree Program.
The course is designed for trombonists who wish to strengthen their instrumental technique, deepen their understanding of jazz, and gradually expand their knowledge of the repertoire. Particular attention is given to tone control, intonation accuracy, breath control, phrasing, and the role of the trombone as a melodic voice and harmonic support within the jazz ensemble.
The program consists of individual trombone lessons, supplemented by ensemble activities and guided study of the musical and theoretical aspects related to the instrument. The pre-academic program is the initial phase of a progressive educational path that allows students to continue their studies in the Jazz Trombone Bachelor’s Degree Program at Saint Louis.
Duration 1 to 3 years, depending on entry level
Attendance 6 to 10 hours per week, in regular or long-distance mode, depending on the curriculum and student need
Where Rome, Saint Louis College of Music
Language Italian and English
Admission Process: Placement Test to Assess Initial Skills
The Pre-Academic Course in Jazz Trombone lasts between 1 and 3 years, depending on the student’s entry level and pace of learning. The curriculum is structured to ensure the progressive development of technical, musical, and theoretical skills.
The program follows a gradual progression that consolidates instrumental technique, develops stylistic awareness, and strengthens the ability to interact musically within an ensemble. At the end of the third pre-academic year, after passing the required exams, the student is admitted directly to the Jazz Trombone Bachelor’s Degree Program at Saint Louis.
During the pre-academic course in Jazz Trombone, students acquire skills in the following areas:
- Lezioni individuali di Trombone Jazz. A personalized program focused on developing instrumental technique, tone control, intonation, articulation, and jazz phrasing, with a teacher chosen by the student.
- Ensemble Jazz. Ensemble music activities—ranging from trios to big bands—led by professional jazz musicians, to perform the jazz repertoire in the studio and live.
- Sezione Fiati. Section-specific work focusing on collective intonation, coordinated articulation, and tonal cohesion in the jazz repertoire.
- Improvvisazione Jazz. A progressive study of improvisational techniques applied to the repertoire, with a focus on phrasing and the relationship between harmonic structure and melodic development.
- Armonia jazz contemporanea. Study of the main harmonic structures used in improvisation and musical interaction.
- Jazz Ear Training. Development of listening and transcription skills for melodies and harmonic progressions drawn from the jazz repertoire.
- Armonia applicata al piano. Piano practice as a tool to support harmonic understanding and independent study of the repertoire.
- Music Technology. Use of the main music production software programs for individual study and jazz practice.
Upon successful completion of the Pre-Academic Course in Jazz Trombone, students are admitted directly to the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Jazz Trombone, a degree recognized by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) and awarded by Saint Louis College of Music.
The subsequent three-year program will provide students with a structured, in-depth exploration of the language of jazz and enable them to develop artistic and professional skills geared toward concert performance, studio production, and participation in musical projects in the jazz and contemporary genres.
Career Opportunities for Graduates of the Jazz Trombone Degree Program
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Professional jazz trombonist for live performances, concerts, tours, and recording sessions in the jazz genre.
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An artist and bandleader of original jazz projects, playing an active role in the musical direction and management of the ensemble.
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Arranger for small and medium-sized jazz ensembles, with a particular focus on writing for wind instruments and on the balance between melodic and structured parts.
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Music producer involved in the development, production, and pre-production of jazz projects inthe recording and independent music industries.
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Composer of background music and music for visual media, in the fields of audiovisual production, digital media, and multimedia content.
The Pre-Academic Jazz Trombone Program at Saint Louis College of Music does not start from scratch; it requires prior instrumental experience and a basic understanding of musical theory. The program is designed for trombonists who wish to systematically build their jazz training through a progressive curriculum that allows them to continue their studies in the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Jazz Trombone.
Entrance test and pathway customization
Students may enroll in the first year or be admitted directly to the second or third pre-academic year, depending on the level of preparation demonstrated during the entrance exam.
For each subject, students are placed in the level that best matches their skill level. It is therefore possible, for example, to take an advanced trombone class, an intermediate harmony class, and a beginner ear training class. Each subject follows an independent, progressive curriculum tailored to the student’s actual level, ensuring a coherent and personalized education.
How the entrance test is conducted
The entrance exams are held:
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in June
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In September, exclusively for any places still available
The entrance test evidence includes:
- Jazz trombone audition, performance of one or more pieces of the student’s choice, and additional pieces requested by the Admissions Committee (see the admissions program by clicking on“Download Study Plan”)
- Harmony Exam, structured as shown in the facsimile for admission to the 2nd and 3rd levels of harmony
- Ear training test, structured as per the facsimile for access to the 2nd and 3rd levels of ear training
- Aptitude interview aimed at assessing the student’s profile, awareness of the chosen path, and motivation
