7. Natural Minor or Aeolian Mode
Lesson time: (4min 48sec)
Peter Gane and Chris Houlding tackle the natural minor (Aeolian) mode with crabwise scale and arpeggio exercises to play it fluently on trombone.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Trombone Circuit Training
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Circuit Training: Unit 7 - Natural Minor or Aeolian Mode
Hello and welcome to circuit training!
Understanding the Natural Minor or Aeolian Mode
The easiest way to find the natural minor or Aeolian mode is by playing all the white notes on the piano from A to A.
Demonstration
Chris, could you demonstrate the A mode by playing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"?
Note: Remember, the difference between the various modes is the order in which the tones and semitones are placed, not on which notes they start or finish.
Patterns in Time
Again, patterns like these can be put into five time, which add musical flavor and interest.
Chris, can you now play the natural swing study?
This study cleverly combines:
- Harmonic and melodic minors
- Chromatic syncopated rhythms
- Different articulations in an irregular 5/4 meter
Challenges in Coordination
Playing the harmonic and melodic scales crabwise is not only challenging but also great for:
- Coordination
- Intonation
Using the same format as the major crabwise scales in Unit 6, try working on the harmonic and melodic minor crabwise in your own time. Have fun!
Combining Interaction with Unfamiliar Keys
Now, let us combine interaction between more unfamiliar keys with a variety of changing compound rhythms in Minor Spider Crab on the Move.
Review of Material Covered
In Unit 7, covering the natural minor or Aeolian mode, we have looked at:
- Harmonic and melodic minor crabwise scales
- Arpeggios to consolidate these concepts
Final Reminder
Play the complete unit once again. And don't forget that all we have talked about can be found in Circuit Training, Volume 2.
About the instructor
Peter Gane is one of Britain's leading brass specialists and trombonists. At the age of 19 he became a member of the London Symphony Orchestra. He became a professor at the Guildhall School in 1971 and remains so to this day. He was elected a Fellow of the Guildhall School in 1981 and was Head of the Wind, Brass and Percussion from 1988 to 2008. He is Artistic Adviser to the Combret Music Festival, Aveyron, France. A founder and former president of the British Trombone Association, Peter is a noted educator. He has a long-standing association with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the European Union Youth Orchestra, where he has been professor of trombone since 1977 and 1984 respectively. As a teacher, brass specialist and conductor he has taken masterclasses and workshops in many European conservatoires and with professional groups in Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Holland, Austria, Italy and the US. In 1996 his international reputation was confirmed by the presentation of the Neill Humfeld Award for excellence in trombone teaching by the International Trombone Association. Peter's publications include: The Good Brass Guide, Trombone Books 1 & 2, published by Trinity Guildhall; Circuit Training for Trombone, volumes 1 and 2, Slide Systems, Five Games, Guildhall 125, World in Motion, Mansion House Fanfare, all published by Warwick Music; How Trombonists Do It, published by Brass Wind; and Brass Medals, published by the Associated Board. That same Circuit Training approach is what Peter shares with you here: focused, repeatable workouts that build the slide accuracy, breath control, flexibility and tone you need to take real command of the trombone - whatever your level. read more