Prepare with purpose and find joy in the process of musical growth, focusing on appreciation rather than just competition

How To Make First Chair Book Cover

What Readers Are Saying

"I've been using the book How to Make First Chair with my program, and since I've been using this book, we have had more students make the all-district band than ever. In fact, we set a record high this school year. Nothing replaces hard work and preparation, and How to Make First Chair guides us through this preparation. I feel that every music student should have this book."

Kelley Taylor

Kelley Taylor

Director at Brandenburg Middle School - Garland, Texas

"What a marvelous book! I wish I could have read it when I was in school! It will be a required textbook for all my trumpet students."

Dr. James Buckner

Dr. James Buckner

Henderson State University

"I know that anyone who does precisely what Roberts describes in his book will be successful in their musical endeavors."

Eddie Lewis

Eddie Lewis

Professional musician, composer, educator

"This book helped me by overcoming my nervousness and just relaxing and being myself."

Jamal Huey

Jamal Huey

7th Grade Percussionist and 1st Chair All-District, Garland, Texas

"I would just like to thank you for publishing this book. Recently, I auditioned for the All-Region Band, made first chair and advanced to Area. Setting aside all the chairs and competitions, I believe your book has taught me to look beyond the notes and realize that we are all giving art."

Elias Barry

Senior Tuba, Community High School, Nevada, Texas

"Chris Roberts has written a book full of great common sense approaches to success in the music performance business. Even though it is mainly aimed at students, it is a worthwhile book for any professional musician to read."

Mike Vax

Mike Vax

Yamaha International Performing Artist and Former lead and solo trumpet - The Stan Kenton Orchestra

Video Success Stories

Downloads

Practice Startup Checklist

A comprehensive checklist to optimize your daily practice sessions for maximum productivity.

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Metronome Worksheet

Structured exercises to improve your timing, rhythm, and tempo control using metronome practice.

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Customized Practice Calendar

A customizable calendar template to schedule your practice sessions and track your progress over time.

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About the Author

Chris Roberts has been an award-winning high school and middle school band director, professional trumpet player, music arranger, college mathematics instructor, software engineer, and is currently a Vice President of Information Technology.

Chris received his bachelor's degree in music education in 1994 from Henderson State University. While at Henderson, he studied with trumpet professors Dr. James Buckner and Mr. Don Kramer and was under the baton of Mr. Wendall O. Evanson and Mr. David Rollins. Chris received the Mae Whipple Most Outstanding Performer scholarship in 1993.

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