Learn Trombone: A Beginner's Guide To Playing

Hey guys! Ever been captivated by the smooth, resonant sound of a trombone? Maybe you've seen a marching band and thought, "I want to do that!" Or perhaps you're just looking for a new musical adventure. Well, you've come to the right place! This guide is your starting point for learning the trombone, from the very basics to getting ready to play your first tunes. We'll cover everything you need to know to get started, so let's dive in!

Choosing Your Trombone: The Right Instrument for You

Selecting the right trombone is your first crucial step. It’s like choosing a trusty steed for a grand adventure! For most beginners, the Bb tenor trombone is the standard and recommended choice. These trombones are versatile, relatively affordable, and perfect for learning the fundamentals. The Bb tenor trombone is like the reliable sedan of the trombone world – it gets you where you need to go with comfort and ease. It's the most common type you'll encounter, and it's used in everything from jazz bands to orchestras. When you’re starting, you want something that will help you learn good habits, and the Bb tenor does just that. Other types, like the F-trigger trombone, offer extended lower ranges, but they can be a bit more complex to manage initially. Think of the F-trigger as adding an extra gear to your car – cool, but maybe not necessary when you're just learning to drive. Consider your budget, too. Student models are generally more budget-friendly and designed to withstand the wear and tear of learning. You don't need the fanciest, most expensive trombone to start. A good quality student model will serve you well as you learn the basics. As you progress, you can always upgrade later. Try out different trombones if you can. Many music stores will allow you to try out instruments before you buy them. This is a great way to get a feel for what works for you. Pay attention to the slide action – it should be smooth and easy to move. Also, listen to the sound – does it resonate well? Does it feel comfortable to hold? Don't be afraid to ask for help from the store staff. They are usually musicians themselves and can offer valuable advice. Remember, choosing your first trombone is a big step, so take your time and find the instrument that feels right for you. This is the instrument that will be your partner in your musical journey, so make sure it's a good fit!

Essential Trombone Accessories: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Now that you've got your trombone, let's talk about the essential accessories that will set you up for success. Think of these as the trusty sidekicks in your superhero origin story! First up is slide lubricant, or slide cream. This is super important! A smooth-gliding slide is key to playing the trombone effectively. Imagine trying to run a marathon with shoes that don’t fit – not fun, right? Slide lubricant keeps your slide moving smoothly between positions, allowing for seamless transitions between notes. Apply it regularly, following the product instructions, to keep your slide in top condition. Next, you'll need a mouthpiece. Your mouthpiece is where you channel your breath and create the sound, so it's a pretty big deal! Most student trombones come with a standard mouthpiece, often a 12C or similar size, which is a good starting point. However, you might find that a different size or style suits you better as you progress. A mouthpiece that’s too small can feel restrictive, while one that’s too large can be difficult to control. Experimenting with different mouthpieces can help you find the perfect fit for your embouchure and playing style. Don't hesitate to consult with your teacher or a knowledgeable music store employee for recommendations. Cleaning supplies are another must-have. Think of it as taking care of your body after a workout. A trombone is an investment, and regular cleaning is essential to keep it in good working order. You'll need a slide cleaning rod and a mouthpiece brush to remove any buildup of moisture and debris. You should also have a soft cloth for wiping down the exterior of the trombone. Cleaning your trombone regularly will not only prolong its life but also improve its sound. A well-maintained instrument plays better, plain and simple. And finally, a sturdy case is crucial for protecting your trombone during transport and storage. It’s like a suit of armor for your musical weapon! A good case will shield your trombone from bumps, scratches, and temperature changes. Make sure your case fits your trombone snugly and has adequate padding. Some cases also have compartments for storing accessories like your mouthpiece, lubricant, and cleaning supplies. Investing in a quality case is a smart move to safeguard your instrument and ensure it stays in top condition for years to come. These essential accessories are more than just extras – they’re vital tools that will help you learn and play the trombone with confidence and ease. So, gear up, and let’s make some music!

Understanding Trombone Anatomy: Getting to Know Your Instrument

Before you start making music, let's get to know the anatomy of your trombone. Think of it as learning the names of all the players on your favorite sports team before the big game! Understanding the different parts of your trombone will not only help you care for it properly but also give you a better sense of how it produces sound. The slide is the most distinctive feature of the trombone. It's made up of two tubes, the inner slide and the outer slide, which slide past each other. The slide allows you to change the length of the tubing, which in turn changes the pitch of the notes you play. The slide has seven different positions, each corresponding to a different note. Mastering the slide positions is fundamental to playing the trombone, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with them early on. The bell is the flared end of the trombone. It’s like the loudspeaker of your instrument, projecting the sound out into the world. The size and shape of the bell can affect the tone and volume of the trombone. Larger bells tend to produce a bigger, more resonant sound, while smaller bells may have a brighter, more focused tone. The mouthpiece is the small, detachable piece that you blow into. It’s like the steering wheel of your musical vehicle, giving you control over the sound. The mouthpiece is inserted into the leadpipe, which is the tube that connects the mouthpiece to the rest of the trombone. The leadpipe plays a crucial role in the trombone’s tone and responsiveness. Its shape and size can affect the way the air flows through the instrument and how easily it responds to your playing. The tuning slide is a small slide located near the bell. It’s like the fine-tuning knob on a radio, allowing you to adjust the overall pitch of the trombone. You can pull the tuning slide out slightly to lower the pitch or push it in to raise the pitch. Adjusting the tuning slide is an essential part of keeping your trombone in tune with other instruments. The water key (also known as a water valve or spit valve) is a small lever located on the tuning slide or the main slide. It’s like the drain plug on a bathtub, allowing you to empty the condensation that collects inside the trombone. This condensation, often referred to as “spit,” can affect the trombone’s sound and should be emptied regularly. Understanding these parts and their functions will give you a solid foundation for learning the trombone. It’s like having a map before you embark on a journey – you’ll know where you’re going and how to get there. So, take some time to explore your instrument and get to know its ins and outs. It's going to be your musical companion for a long time, so it pays to build a good relationship!

Producing Your First Sound: Embouchure and Breath Control

Alright, let's get to the exciting part: producing your first sound! This is where you start turning your trombone into a voice. It’s like learning to speak a new language – it might sound a little funny at first, but with practice, you’ll be fluent in no time! The key to a great trombone sound lies in two main things: embouchure and breath control. Let’s start with embouchure. Your embouchure is the way you position your mouth and facial muscles when playing a brass instrument. It’s like the foundation of your sound, and getting it right is crucial. To form a basic trombone embouchure, start by moistening your lips and positioning the mouthpiece in the center of your mouth. About one-third of the mouthpiece should be on your upper lip and two-thirds on your lower lip. This is a general guideline, and you might need to adjust it slightly to find what works best for you. Your lips should be relaxed but firm, as if you're saying the letter “M.” Avoid pressing the mouthpiece too hard against your lips, as this can restrict your airflow and make it difficult to produce a sound. Think of it as a gentle seal, not a tight clamp. The corners of your mouth should be firm to provide support, but the center of your lips should be free to vibrate. This is where the magic happens! Now, let's talk about breath control. Good breath control is the engine that drives your trombone sound. It’s like the fuel in your car – without it, you’re not going anywhere. The trombone requires a steady, consistent flow of air to produce a clear, resonant tone. The best way to breathe for trombone playing is to use your diaphragm. Your diaphragm is a large muscle located at the base of your lungs, and it’s the powerhouse of your breathing system. To breathe diaphragmatically, imagine that you're filling a balloon in your stomach. As you inhale, your stomach should expand, and as you exhale, it should contract. This type of breathing allows you to take in a larger volume of air and control its flow more effectively. When you inhale, try to take a deep, relaxed breath. Avoid raising your shoulders or puffing out your cheeks, as this can create tension and restrict your airflow. Exhale slowly and steadily, maintaining a consistent embouchure. Imagine you’re blowing air through a narrow opening, like a drinking straw. Now, let's combine embouchure and breath control. Place the mouthpiece on your lips, form your embouchure, and take a deep breath using your diaphragm. Exhale steadily, and try to produce a buzz with your lips. It might sound like a raspberry at first, but that’s okay! Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be able to produce a clear, focused tone. Once you can buzz consistently, try buzzing into the mouthpiece while it's not attached to the trombone. This will help you develop your embouchure and breath control without the added weight and resistance of the instrument. When you feel comfortable buzzing into the mouthpiece, it’s time to try it on the trombone. Hold the trombone securely with your left hand, and place the mouthpiece in the leadpipe. Form your embouchure, take a deep breath, and exhale steadily. You should hear a sound! It might not be the most beautiful sound at first, but that’s perfectly normal. The important thing is that you’re making progress. Keep practicing these fundamental techniques, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your sound improves. Remember, learning to play the trombone is a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and most importantly, have fun!

Slide Positions and Basic Notes: Building Your Musical Vocabulary

Now that you're making a sound, let's talk about slide positions and basic notes. Think of these as the letters and words you need to form musical sentences! The trombone uses a slide to change the length of the vibrating column of air, which in turn changes the pitch of the note. The slide has seven basic positions, each corresponding to a different note in the harmonic series. The first position is with the slide all the way in, closest to you. This position produces the fundamental note of Bb (B flat) on a Bb tenor trombone. Think of it as your home base – you’ll be returning to it often. The second position is slightly extended, about the width of your hand. This position lowers the pitch by one half-step, producing the note A. The third position is extended further, about an arm's length from the first position. This position produces the note Ab (A flat). The fourth position is halfway between the end of the slide and the bell. This position produces the note G. The fifth position is extended further, almost to the end of the slide. This position produces the note Gb (G flat). The sixth position is extended even further, near the very end of the slide. This position produces the note F. And finally, the seventh position is with the slide fully extended, as far away from you as it can go. This position produces the note E. To help you visualize the slide positions, imagine a line of seven equally spaced marks on the slide. Each mark represents a different position. As you move the slide from one position to the next, you're essentially changing the length of the tubing and, therefore, the pitch of the note. Learning the slide positions takes time and practice, but it’s essential for playing the trombone. It's like learning the notes on a piano keyboard – once you know where they are, you can start playing melodies. To practice the slide positions, start by playing long tones in each position. A long tone is simply a note that you hold for an extended period. This will help you develop your embouchure, breath control, and slide technique. Start in the first position and play a Bb. Hold the note for as long as you can, maintaining a steady tone and consistent embouchure. Then, move to the second position and play an A. Again, hold the note for as long as you can. Continue this process for all seven positions. Pay attention to the sound of each note. Does it resonate well? Is your embouchure stable? Are you breathing properly? If you notice any problems, make adjustments as needed. It's also helpful to use a tuner when practicing slide positions. A tuner will tell you whether you're playing in tune, and it can help you identify any tendencies to play sharp or flat. If you consistently play sharp in a particular position, you might need to adjust your slide placement slightly. Once you're comfortable playing long tones in each position, you can start practicing simple melodies. Start with songs that you know well, like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” or “Hot Cross Buns.” These songs use only a few notes, so they’re perfect for beginners. As you progress, you can start learning more complex melodies and rhythms. You can also try playing duets or with a backing track. This will help you develop your ensemble playing skills and your sense of timing. Learning slide positions and basic notes is like building your musical vocabulary. The more positions and notes you know, the more melodies you can play. So, keep practicing, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you progress. Remember, every great trombone player started where you are now – learning the basics. With dedication and practice, you can achieve your musical goals.

Reading Music for Trombone: Unlocking the Musical Code

Time to unlock the musical code: learning to read music for trombone! Think of sheet music as a map, guiding you through the musical landscape. Knowing how to read music will open up a whole new world of musical possibilities, allowing you to play a vast repertoire of songs and pieces. The trombone, like the bassoon and cello, primarily reads music in the bass clef. The bass clef is the clef (the symbol at the beginning of the staff) that looks like a backwards C with two dots. It indicates the pitch of the notes on the staff. The staff is the set of five horizontal lines and four spaces on which musical notes are written. Each line and space corresponds to a different pitch. In the bass clef, the lines, from bottom to top, represent the notes G, B, D, F, and A. You can remember this with the mnemonic “Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always.” The spaces, from bottom to top, represent the notes A, C, E, and G. You can remember this with the acronym “All Cows Eat Grass.” Notes can also be written above or below the staff on ledger lines. Ledger lines are short lines that extend the staff, allowing you to write notes that are higher or lower than the range of the staff itself. The most common ledger line notes for trombone are F below the staff and Bb above the staff. Once you know the notes on the staff, you need to understand rhythm. Rhythm is the organization of music in time. It's what gives music its pulse and groove. Musical notes have different durations, indicated by their shape. A whole note is held for four beats, a half note for two beats, a quarter note for one beat, and an eighth note for half a beat. These are the basic note values, and there are many other rhythmic figures you’ll encounter as you progress. To understand rhythm, you need to know about time signatures. A time signature is a symbol written at the beginning of a piece of music that indicates the number of beats in each measure and the type of note that receives one beat. The most common time signature is 4/4 time, which means there are four beats in each measure, and a quarter note receives one beat. Other common time signatures include 3/4 time (three beats per measure, quarter note gets one beat) and 2/4 time (two beats per measure, quarter note gets one beat). Measures are the units of time in music, separated by bar lines on the staff. Each measure contains a specific number of beats, as indicated by the time signature. When you're reading music, it's important to count the beats in each measure to maintain a steady tempo. Tempo is the speed of the music. It’s like the pace of a runner – it can be fast, slow, or somewhere in between. Tempo is usually indicated by a metronome marking at the beginning of a piece of music. A metronome marking tells you how many beats per minute (BPM) the music should be played. For example, a metronome marking of 60 BPM means that there should be 60 beats per minute. In addition to notes and rhythms, you’ll also encounter various other symbols in sheet music, such as dynamics, articulation marks, and accidentals. Dynamics indicate the volume of the music. Common dynamic markings include p (piano, soft), mp (mezzo piano, medium soft), mf (mezzo forte, medium loud), and f (forte, loud). Articulation marks indicate how notes should be played, such as staccato (short and detached) or legato (smooth and connected). Accidentals are symbols that alter the pitch of a note. The most common accidentals are sharps (#), which raise the pitch by a half-step, and flats (♭), which lower the pitch by a half-step. Learning to read music is like learning a new language. It takes time and practice, but it’s well worth the effort. Once you can read music, you’ll be able to play almost any piece of music you encounter. So, start with the basics, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you progress. Remember, every great musician started by learning the fundamentals of music reading. With dedication and perseverance, you can unlock the musical code and embark on a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

Practicing Effectively: Tips for Progress and Improvement

Okay, you've got the basics down, but now it's time to talk about practicing effectively. Think of practice as your musical workout – it's where you build strength, endurance, and skill. But just like any workout, you need to have a plan to get the best results. Randomly noodling around might be fun, but it won’t lead to consistent progress. So, let’s dive into some tips for making your practice sessions productive and enjoyable. First and foremost, consistency is key. It’s better to practice for 30 minutes every day than for three hours once a week. Short, regular practice sessions allow you to reinforce what you've learned and develop muscle memory. It's like learning a new language – you need to immerse yourself in it regularly to become fluent. Try to establish a daily practice routine. Find a time that works well for you, and stick to it as much as possible. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, after school or work, or before bed, having a consistent practice time will help you make music a habit. Next, set clear goals for each practice session. What do you want to accomplish today? Do you want to master a particular passage, improve your tone, or learn a new scale? Having specific goals will help you focus your practice and track your progress. Before you start practicing, make a list of the things you want to work on. Be realistic about what you can achieve in a single session. It’s better to focus on a few things and do them well than to try to do too much and end up feeling overwhelmed. Once you have your goals, break down your practice into manageable chunks. Don't try to tackle an entire piece of music at once. Instead, focus on smaller sections, like phrases or measures. This will make the material less daunting and allow you to work on specific challenges more effectively. You can also break down your practice into different types of exercises. For example, you might spend some time working on long tones to improve your tone and breath control, then move on to scales and arpeggios to develop your technique, and finally work on repertoire to apply your skills in a musical context. A well-rounded practice session will include a variety of exercises that address different aspects of your playing. Use a metronome! This is one of the most important tools for any musician. A metronome helps you develop a steady sense of time and rhythm. It’s like having a personal timekeeper who keeps you honest. When you practice with a metronome, you're forced to play in time, which will improve your overall rhythmic accuracy. Start by practicing slowly with the metronome, and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. If you make a mistake, don't get discouraged. Simply stop, identify the problem, and work on it slowly until you can play it correctly. Practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect. It’s better to play a passage slowly and correctly than to play it fast and make mistakes. Record yourself playing. This is a great way to identify areas for improvement. It's often difficult to hear your own playing objectively when you're in the moment, but a recording will give you a more accurate picture of what you sound like. Listen to your recordings critically, and make notes of any areas where you need to improve. Are your notes in tune? Is your rhythm steady? Is your tone consistent? Use these observations to guide your future practice. Finally, don't forget to warm up. Just like an athlete stretches before a workout, you need to warm up your embouchure and muscles before you start playing. A good warm-up will prepare your body for the demands of playing and help prevent injuries. Start with some breathing exercises to open up your airways and relax your muscles. Then, move on to some lip slurs and long tones to get your embouchure warmed up. A proper warm-up will make a big difference in your playing, so don’t skip it. By following these tips, you can make your practice sessions more effective and enjoyable. Remember, progress takes time and effort, but with consistent, focused practice, you can achieve your musical goals. So, grab your trombone, set your goals, and get to work!

Joining a Band or Ensemble: The Joy of Making Music Together

So, you've been practicing, honing your skills, and feeling pretty good about your trombone playing. Now what? It’s time to experience the joy of making music together by joining a band or ensemble! Think of it as joining a team sport – you get to share your passion with others, learn from each other, and create something amazing together. Playing in a group is one of the most rewarding aspects of learning an instrument. It’s not just about playing the right notes; it’s about listening, blending, and creating a cohesive sound with other musicians. It’s a chance to develop your musicianship, build friendships, and experience the thrill of performing for an audience. There are many different types of bands and ensembles you can join, depending on your interests and skill level. If you’re a beginner, a school band or community band is a great place to start. These groups typically welcome players of all levels and offer a supportive environment for learning and growth. School bands often include concert bands, marching bands, and jazz bands, providing a variety of musical experiences. Community bands are usually made up of amateur musicians from the local area, and they often perform at community events and concerts. If you’re interested in classical music, consider joining a symphony orchestra. Orchestras are larger ensembles that perform a wide range of orchestral literature, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. Playing in an orchestra can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. It requires a high level of technical skill and musicality, as well as the ability to blend your sound with the other instruments in the ensemble. If you’re into jazz, a jazz band or big band might be the perfect fit. Jazz bands typically feature a rhythm section (drums, bass, piano, guitar) and a horn section (trumpets, trombones, saxophones). Playing in a jazz band allows you to explore improvisation, swing rhythms, and a wide range of musical styles. Jazz bands often perform at concerts, festivals, and dances. If you’re looking for a smaller ensemble experience, consider joining a brass quintet or a trombone choir. A brass quintet consists of two trumpets, a horn, a trombone, and a tuba. A trombone choir is an ensemble made up entirely of trombones. These groups offer a more intimate musical experience and allow you to develop your chamber music skills. Chamber music is music written for a small ensemble, typically with one player per part. It requires a high level of listening and communication skills, as well as the ability to play independently and as part of a group. No matter what type of ensemble you choose, the process of joining is usually pretty similar. Start by doing some research to find groups in your area. You can ask your music teacher for recommendations, check online directories, or visit local music stores. Once you’ve identified some potential groups, contact them to inquire about auditions or membership requirements. Some groups may require an audition, while others may simply ask you to attend a rehearsal. An audition typically involves playing a prepared piece of music, sight-reading a piece of music, and performing some scales and exercises. The purpose of the audition is to assess your playing ability and determine if you’re a good fit for the group. If you’re nervous about auditioning, don’t worry! It’s perfectly normal to feel a little anxious. Just remember to breathe, relax, and do your best. The most important thing is to be prepared and show your enthusiasm for making music. Once you’ve joined a band or ensemble, there are a few things you can do to make the most of the experience. First, be a reliable member. Attend rehearsals regularly, be on time, and come prepared to play. Your fellow musicians are counting on you, so it’s important to be committed and dependable. Second, be a good listener. Playing in an ensemble requires you to listen carefully to the other musicians and blend your sound with theirs. Pay attention to the dynamics, articulation, and intonation of the group, and adjust your playing accordingly. Third, be a team player. Music is a collaborative art form, so it’s important to work well with others. Be respectful of your fellow musicians, offer constructive feedback, and support the group’s goals. Finally, have fun! Making music with others is a joyful and rewarding experience, so relax and enjoy the process. The friendships you build and the memories you make will last a lifetime. Joining a band or ensemble is a great way to take your trombone playing to the next level. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and share your love of music with others. So, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and find your musical tribe. The joy of making music together is waiting for you!

Continuing Your Trombone Journey: Resources and Further Learning

Wow, you've come a long way on your trombone journey! You've learned the basics, developed your skills, and maybe even joined a band or ensemble. But the journey doesn't end here. There's always more to learn and explore in the world of music. Think of this as leveling up in your favorite game – you've unlocked new abilities, but there are still plenty of challenges and adventures ahead! To continue your trombone journey, it's important to have access to resources and further learning opportunities. These can help you deepen your understanding of music, improve your technique, and expand your repertoire. So, let’s take a look at some of the resources available to you. First and foremost, consider taking private lessons. A good trombone teacher can provide personalized instruction and guidance, helping you to identify and address your individual strengths and weaknesses. A teacher can also help you set goals, develop a practice plan, and stay motivated. Private lessons are an investment in your musical growth, and they can make a big difference in your progress. When choosing a teacher, look for someone who has experience teaching students of your level and who is a good fit for your personality and learning style. You can ask your school band director for recommendations, or search online directories for qualified teachers in your area. In addition to private lessons, there are many other educational resources available. Trombone method books are a great way to learn new techniques and exercises. These books typically include a progressive series of lessons that cover topics such as embouchure, breath control, slide technique, and music reading. Some popular trombone method books include the Arban's Complete Conservatory Method for Trombone, the Rochut Melodious Etudes for Trombone, and the Kopprasch Sixty Selected Studies for Trombone. Online resources can also be a valuable source of information and inspiration. There are countless websites, YouTube channels, and online communities dedicated to trombone playing. These resources can provide tutorials, demonstrations, and advice on a wide range of topics. Just be sure to evaluate the credibility of the sources you’re using. Look for reputable websites and channels that are run by experienced musicians and educators. Attend workshops and masterclasses. These events offer opportunities to learn from renowned trombone players and teachers. You can participate in group lessons, masterclasses, and performances, and network with other musicians. Workshops and masterclasses are a great way to expand your knowledge, gain new perspectives, and get inspired. You can find information about upcoming events by checking online calendars, contacting music schools and organizations, or asking your teacher for recommendations. Listen to a wide variety of trombone players. Listening to recordings of great trombonists is a fantastic way to learn about different playing styles and techniques. Pay attention to their tone, articulation, phrasing, and overall musicality. Try to identify what you admire about their playing, and incorporate those elements into your own playing. There are many great trombone players to listen to, in a variety of genres. Some well-known classical trombonists include Christian Lindberg, Joseph Alessi, and Ian Bousfield. In the jazz world, you might check out J.J. Johnson, Curtis Fuller, and Slide Hampton. Expanding your listening repertoire will broaden your musical horizons and inspire you to new heights. Join a local trombone club or organization. Many communities have trombone clubs or organizations that offer opportunities for fellowship, education, and performance. These groups often host concerts, workshops, and social events. Joining a trombone club is a great way to connect with other trombone players, share your passion for the instrument, and learn from each other. The International Trombone Association is a worldwide organization that supports and promotes trombone playing. They offer a variety of resources and programs, including an annual trombone festival, scholarships, and publications. Becoming a member of the ITA can connect you with a global community of trombone enthusiasts. Finally, never stop exploring new musical challenges. Learning an instrument is a lifelong journey, and there’s always something new to discover. Challenge yourself by learning new pieces, trying different genres, and experimenting with different techniques. The more you explore, the more you’ll grow as a musician. Continuing your trombone journey is about staying curious, persistent, and passionate about music. With the right resources and a dedication to learning, you can achieve your musical goals and experience the joy of playing the trombone for years to come. So, keep practicing, keep listening, and keep exploring the wonderful world of music!