Trombone Lessons

Learn to play the Trombone.

A trombone belongs to the brass category of instruments. It has characteristics like those of other brass instruments. It is an aerophone, which produces sound when a person’s lips vibrate as they blowing air into the trombone. This causes a vibration in air columns.

Trombones also have a telescopic slide. In order to play a trombone, a player changes pitch by reducing or increasing the length of the trombone’s tube. A valve trombone has three valves, which makes it similar to the trumpet. Trombones have a cylindrical bore.

There are two most commonly used trombones: the bass trombone and the tenor trombone. An typical trombone consists of one cylindrical tube, which looks elongated. The mouthpiece has the smallest taper while the largest is at the bell’s throat.

The trombone’s mouthpiece is similar to that of the baritone. Trombones have detachable mouthpieces, which can be inserted on the slide. The slide comprises both internal and external slide tubes, lead pipe and a bracing. The lead pipe comprises of a venturi- a tiny constriction. The venturi increases the degree of resistance and controls the tone produced by the instrument. Lead pipes can be permanent or temporary depending on the manufacturer.

In order to play a trombone one should either decrease or extend the air column’s length. When a player extends the air column's length, then the trombone produces a low pitch and vice versa. There are sleeves, which assist in the prevention of friction. The manufacturers make the trombones with the sleeves on the internal slide tubes. The sleeves cause a slight widening in the slide tube, thus accommodating the alleviation of friction.

In order to play a trombone, tighten the lips so that a certain amount of pressure can be applied. This pressure will enable a different harmonic series. To produce higher notes, use the slide's first four chambers. The higher tone results from the closeness of the partials. The trombone can produce a glissando, where the slide is shifted without altering the airflow. Trombones are not transposing instruments like other brass instruments. Before the valve systems invention, most of the brasses could only play one series at a go. Changing the trombone's pitch was manual.

Trombone playing requires the breath to be held for a long period and the ability to release strong pressure in order to produce the desired tone. Transpositions of trombone parts were according to the length of the instruments. A note corresponded to the partial that was on the instrument. Most trombones have chromatic characteristics. In order to play a trombone, one may use the trombone together with mutes in order to change its timbre.

If used, the mutes are held in place by use of a cork grip. The designs of some mutes allow them to fit on the bell such as the bucket mute. Tuning of a trombone requires skills because it is a tricky activity. However, once mastered, you can enjoy a wide range of melodies from your trombone.

Other Instruments

Click this link to find prices for Trombone lessons.

Look for information on another musical instrument.

Search in our directory for a Trombone tutor.

Go to this link to become a Trombone teacher.