Trombones

Trombones

Tips for Beginners

If people talk about the trombone, they are referring to a tenor-trombone. This instrument belongs to the familly of the train trombones. Their history goes back to classic and marching music. Yet, long ago the trombone made its way as a melody instrument into big bands, dixieland bands or associations. Next to the tenor trombone there are also the treble trombone, the alto trombone and the bass trombone. The valve trombone is not that conventional. It can be found in fanfare corps or English brass bands.

Which instrument do I need to start out?

Normally you would start out with the tenor trombone. When purchasing such an instrument you should look out for the following:

• Do you only want an instrument to start up with?
• How much money do you want to spend?
• Is my child persistent?

Purchase Decisions

• The interior train should be made of nickel silver, as this material is harder and therefore durable and robust.
• The train should be smooth-running so that you don´t have any problems when you are playing fast.
• The instrument should be weight-balanced when playing otherwise it can be very troublesome.
• Do without a quart-valve to start, because this also causes additional weight.

What´s the right age to start?

Well, it is actually the arm-length that counts, as the trombone is quite a long instrument when it is at its full length. You can get a trombone for kids from Yamaha which is a lot shorter, but it´ll cost you € 1000 or more. In addition to that the lasting incisors can easily damage the oncoming teeth.

What else do I need?

• grease for the train
• a trombone stand, ´cause you´ll practice more if the instrument is at hand.
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• a music stand, ´cause your child should lern to play standing upright so that his or her breathing is correct.
  

Do I need a buffer?

Like the trumpet its a feat to play the trombone quietly when you are a beginner. You can find practice buffers, but these might change your intonation. As it is very important - especially at the start - to listen to the notes your playing, I guess it´s best to do without a buffer from scrap. If you don´t want to annoy your neighbours, just stick to the official rest period!