Wanna play lead better!?
Learn from World-Class Lead Trombonist Steve Wiest

- WHAT YOU'LL LEARN INSIDE LEADOLOGY
Two Editions Available: Choose Yours
📖 Coil-Bound Edition: $59.95 – Perfect for easy page turns and long-term use. FREE SHIPPING
📲 Digital Edition (PDF): $34.95 – Download instantly and start practicing today.
What the Pros Say About Leadology
"Steve has crafted a true love letter to the institution of trombone lead playing. A wealth of practical information, etudes, and backing tracks work together to usher the reader into this world of bold, beautiful melodic expression called lead playing."

Michael Dease
2023 Downbeat Critics Poll Trombonist of the Year
"In Leadology, Steve shows you the real difference between playing first trombone and playing LEAD! Bravo Steve."

Joshua Hauser
Professor of Trombone Tennessee Tech University
What is Leadology?
Leadology reveals the secrets of effortless lead trombone playing by focusing on one key principle: letting air do the heavy lifting.
From gliss tones and lip slurs to legato etudes, the book fosters a tension-free, resonant sound, emphasizing the synergy between relaxation and efficiency.
Drawing inspiration from masters like Slide Hampton and Christian Lindberg, it offers a structured yet adaptable practice philosophy—rest often, use minimal pressure, and track your progress.
With “practice until you can’t get it wrong” as its mantra, Leadology ignites confidence and joy.
Experience a truly revolutionary approach that reshapes your tone, endurance, and personal creative spark.

- Etude 25 (Finally! A Rhyme For Submarine) Loading...
- Etude 26 (The Sheep Who Rings a Bell) Loading...
- Etude 27 (Wait What_) Loading...
- Etude 28 (Discount Emotions) Loading...
- Etude 29 (The Third Gummy) Loading...
- Etude 30 (Now's A Good Time!) Loading...
Still Have Questions?

Who is Leadology for?
Leadology is for trombonists—from ambitious students to seasoned professionals—who want to dominate the lead chair with power, finesse, and personality. If you’ve ever struggled with range, endurance, or phrasing, this book will unlock your full potential and give you the confidence to own the section with authority.
How does Leadology help improve my high range?
Leadology helps you build a stronger, more confident high range by focusing on:
- Gliss Tones & Warm-Ups: Special exercises to develop effortless air support and efficiency in the upper register.
- Relaxed Airflow Techniques: Learn how to stop overblowing and let the air do the work.
- Gradual Range Expansion: Play structured etudes that stretch your range naturally while keeping control.
- Play-Along Tracks: Reinforce your new range with real music, not just scales and drills.
- Mental Approach: Shift your mindset to playing with ease instead of forcing the high notes.
I've heard about the book's 'Gliss Tones.' What are they?
Gliss Tones are my modern evolution of Emory Remington’s Warm-Up Studies. They train your airflow to be effortless while maximizing resonance and efficiency in every register. Unlike standard exercises, these come with rich harmonic audio tracks, so you’re not just playing scales—you’re training your ears, your intonation, and your ability to blend in a real musical setting. Bonus: Play them solo or with a group to tighten section playing and strengthen harmonic awareness.
Is the book interactive?
Absolutely! Leadology isn’t just a book—it’s an immersive practice experience. Inside, you’ll find 30 original etudes, each paired with pro-level play-along tracks recorded by a live rhythm section. These tracks are organized by difficulty, so as you move forward, your range, flexibility, and control naturally expand.
What other trombone skills will I learn from the book?
Leadology isn’t just about hitting high notes—it’s about owning them. Inside, you’ll master:
- Vibrato that Sings – Develop a beautiful, expressive vibrato that adds emotion to every note.
- Timing & Groove – Internalize perfect time feel so you lock in with the rhythm section effortlessly.
- Articulation Mastery – Learn how to shape each note with precision and musicality.
- Lead Player Analysis – Get an inside look at my own performances, with bar-by-bar breakdowns of how I shape my solos and phrases.
- Listening Guide – A curated list of lead trombonists (both legends and unsung heroes) to expand your concept of phrasing and style.
What makes Leadology different from other trombone method books?
Leadology takes a fresh, practical approach to playing lead trombone by focusing on real-world skills rather than just exercises on a page. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Ear-first approach – Instead of relying on theory and memorization, you train your ears to hear and execute lead playing naturally.
- Live rhythm section play-alongs – Each etude is paired with professionally recorded backing tracks to simulate a real playing environment.
- Inside the mind of a lead trombonist – Steve Wiest breaks down his performances, explaining phrasing, articulation, and musical choices in detail.
- High-range mastery – Unique exercises help you expand your upper register while maintaining control, endurance, and a great sound.
- Actionable techniques – From vibrato control to dynamic shaping, you get practical tools to refine your lead trombone skills immediately.
What format is the book?
Choose the format that fits your playing style and practice routine:
- Coil-Bound Edition – Sturdy, lay-flat binding for easy use on the music stand.
- Digital PDF – Instant download, perfect for tablets and computers.