Dearest Trombone friends,

Already more then 1400 trombonists have bought my method Ben`s Basics.

This book is a combination of ideas which have helped me to come to where I am right now. They also have proven to be of value to many of my students. During many of my master-classes I have given in the past years, students and colleagues have asked me to write down my ideas and bundle them into a book.
The book includes breathing exercises, daily routines, warm-ups, and general tips all leading to what I call "a vocal-relaxed way of playing your instrument.

The book is recommended by some of the most prominent trombonists from today.


For those who do not yet know of the book please visit:
www.basstrombone.nl

Ben van Dijk

Wow, from one of the masters himself. I`m buying it, as soon as I get paid.

This will go great next to Arnold Jacob`s "Singing Approach to Trombone."

oh hey... its ben... crazy




MARVELOUS playing sir and the book is great ive enjoyed it quite thoroughly. although i wish i could get a lesson with you if you are ever in the LA area.

Ooohh good question. If you`re ever in the San Jose/San Fransisco area, I would love a lesson.

Hi guys,

Thanks for your positive reactions.It would be nice to meet you and who knows, perhaps there will be a visit in your direction in the future.
Just did a performance at the Kentucky University trombone day which was great to do.
see:http://www.basstrombone.nl/default.asp?subj=bnews&id=147
There are ideas to do a similar tour to the USA like i did in 1998.
see: http://www.basstrombone.nl/default.asp?subj=tours&tour=usa1998en
It will super to hit the westcoast then.

Thanks again and take care,

Ben van Dijk

Would this book be useful for a beginner, or is it intended for the more advanced student? I have over a decade of musical experience playing cornet but have just recently started playing bass trombone and I`m looking for a good method to start out with.

This book is ment for the beginner(when you can read notes)- and advanced player.
see this review:

Ben”s Basics – Ben van Dijk as reviewed in the February 2005 issue of the Brass Herald.
Reviewed by Lindsay Shilling –Principal Trombone, Royal Opera House

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When I received Ben’s Basics I had mixed ideas about such publications. Similar projects that I have seen in the past have caused more problems and confusion than they have solved and so it was with trepidation that I began reading. My first impression were dubious as there are many pages of thanks and acknowledgements to family, friends, a “who’s who” of trombone players around the world, along with a biography, discography, the equipment Ben uses and 26 (yes 26!) photos of the author dotted throughout the book with said famous trombonists. This guy gets around!

As I investigated further and got past the P.R. machine, I found that the information given was excellent and clearly explained. Whilst teaching over the past ten years at the Royal College of Music, and with my own playing, I have discovered that these “Basics” have to be used if you want to play at the highest level. Virtually all of the techniques and tips illustrated I try to use myself and have picked up over the years and offer to students, sometimes in different words, as a means to improving their trombone playing.
All the subject- posture, breathing, no tonguing technique, tonguing, using the air, diaphragm, slide technique, keeping relaxed, auditions etc – are easily understood with Ben’s undogmatic writing style.
I sense that this book is a collection of information and skills one acquires during a career of good teaching and sitting next to great players. Personally, I try to emulate breathing and sound quality like Dudley Bright, warming up and tuning like Ray Premru, keeping the instrument still and projecting like Derek James, musical integrity like Arthur Wilson, effortless demeanor like John Iveson – where shall I stop? Experience is a good teacher and over the 24 years most of the ability that I have learnt whilst sitting next to great players in this book. You cannot fail to become a better player if you put into practice the suggested techniques and the solutions to problems that many trombonists seek are also in this book.

Yes, I would recommend Ben’s Basics to any trombone player who is looking for good advise and a clear, well structured path toe improvement.

Bravo Ben!