This site is dedicated to my father Joseph Alessi Sr., a professional trumpet player and teacher to countless trumpet players in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was also my first brass teacher, starting me on the cornet and later on the trombone. For many years, I have thought about publishing a book on trombone technique. Instead, I have redirected this idea in the form of a website dedicated to all aspects of trombone playing and musicianship. I intend to add content to this site for years to come and dedicate my time and efforts to making the material worthwhile. Currently, we have 11 areas for you to peruse: Warm-up, Video Tutorials, my recordings of orchestral passages, the Orchestra “Machine” 2.0 (a new way to prepare orchestral excerpts by playing along with an orchestra as part of your audition preparation as well as complete accompaniments for concerti), “Play Duets with Joe”, my approach to using Arban’s (and how to get the most out of this valuable resource), Interval Exercises, an “Ask Joe” questions section, Just Intonation and drone exercises to help improve your intonation, my recordings from the past, and Music for Trombone and Piano. We intend to improve this site and welcome your suggestions.

Joseph Alessi

        On this site you will find a new way to prepare orchestral excerpts; playing along with an orchestra as part of your audition preparation. Your orchestra is called  the Orchestra “Machine”. The developer of this audio device is my good friend Stan Adams, former trombonist with the RAI in Rome.  In my opinion, too many players present themselves at auditions not being aware of the musical score for the excerpt; the important musical themes, harmonies and orchestrations that precede the excerpt and that lead up to the “big moment”. On many occasions, the candidate will play in the wrong tempo or with incorrect style or faulty rhythm. I find that students and professionals will practice an excerpt over and over again, not ever getting the gist, essence of the meaning of the piece – not to mention the intonation and harmonic progressions.

        Somebody once said that going to auditions was always the same result, FAILURE, until this person started listening to and practicing with the recordings. After doing this for awhile, that person’s efforts led to success. Similarly, after practicing with the Orchestra “Machine”, you can take with you to the audition all the necessary information and play in a more calm and confident way because you are hearing the orchestra in your head.   Please try it out by clicking here.

Joseph Alessi
The New York Philharmonic, Principal Trombone