Arban Method

The Arban Method is a method that allows students to learn different instruments, such as:

• Arban Method for trumpet
• Arban Method for horn
• Arban Method for tuba
• Arban Method for trombone.

It is often called the “Trumpeter’s Bible”, as it is still used today by talented musicians.

In BlackBinder, the Arban Method is the most popular one. The sheet music is available for free in the App in BlackBinder’s format, from the 18 blocks included in the Arban Conservatory Method for Trumpet: Abridged Edition, by Laverty, which contains the most commonly used exercises found in the larger Complete Conservatory Method, first published before 1859. This new edition is designed to be a more user-friendly version of the original work.

Who created the Arban Book?

The creator of Arban Method was Jean-Baptiste Arban, had the intention of making it a complete and pedagogical resource to study cornet. His first masterpiece, “La grande méthode complète de cornet à piston et de saxhorn par Arban”, published in 1879, contained theory and exercises for both cornet and trumpet.

The exercises of the Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method differed in difficulty, aiming to create a logical sequence that students could go through, in order to learn and make progress. The publication included the popular “Carnival of Venice”, based on a Neapolitan folk tune, with many variations introduced by the author.

Indeed, Jean-Baptiste Arban, during his life (28/02/1825 – 08/04/1889), made important contributions to the importance attributed to such instruments, showing it is possible to make cornet, and other instruments, solo instruments, that can be mastered using the right techniques and by following a proper sequence.

The Phases of the Arban Studies

The masterpiece written by Arban, not only covers exercises, but also explanations that are as important as the practices.

In his book:

• He starts by detailing alternate fingerings and the usability of the tuning slide.
• As for the mouthpiece, he states it should be two thirds on the lower lip and one third on the upper, which contrasts with the opinion of other musicians, such as Herbert Clarke.
• He covers the importance of the breathing technique, which is done by contracting the diaphragm, in which the air enters the lungs, and the belly expands.

First Studies of the Arban Method for Beginners

Arban starts by focusing on tone (Studies 1-10), a necessary part of playing any instrument. Next (11-50), guides the readers with fingerings, develops the range and insists on the habit of being precise while attacking notes.

He dedicates exercises to syncopation, from a simple quarter-half-quarter rhythm to a sixteenth-eighth-sixteenth repeated rhythm, as well as in the dotted eighth-sixteenth and eighth-double sixteenth rhythms.

The first studies for the beginners end with exercises on the 6/8 meter. This chapter will help students to articulate effectively.

Playing: Slurring or Legato Playing

The simple slurs are covered in his method, which are done by variating the valves, and suggests pronoun “taw-ee” when playing.

He goes through advanced studies that combine slurred and staccato playing. In the end of the chapter, the student will acquire more flexibility, as well as control.

Scales in the Arban Method

The Arban Book includes studies on the major, minor, chromatic scales and numerous variations thereof. There are also fun scale patterns and short exercises to help gain control over the instrument.

Ornaments

Jean-Baptiste Arban covers a diversity of ornaments to be played on a trumpet or cornet.
He then integrated them into various tunes. The chapter is crucial for learning how to get a “musical edge.”

More Advanced Studies

This section was built for students who already acquired an advanced level of skill, and are ready to learn more about:

• intervals
• broken octaves and tenths
• triplets
• the four-sixteenth rhythmic figure
• major and minor arpeggios
• the dominant seventh arpeggio and cadenzas.

Tonguing

Different ways of tonguing are covered in this section, such as triple, double and fanfare tonguing. The author uses a variety of pronunciation combination.