What is a Trombone?
The trombone is a bold and versatile brass instrument known for its rich, powerful sound and unique slide mechanism instead of valves. Its deep, resonant tone makes it essential in concert bands, jazz ensembles, marching bands, orchestras, and even rock and funk music!
Unlike other brass instruments that use valves to change pitch, trombone players move a long slide to adjust notes. This gives the trombone a smooth, vocal-like quality and allows for glissandos (sliding between notes) that no other brass instrument can match!
You’ll hear the trombone everywhere—from classical symphonies and jazz big bands to movie soundtracks and ska music. Learning the trombone builds strong breath control, coordination, and ear training, making it a fun and rewarding instrument to play!
Some famous trombonists include J.J. Johnson, Joseph Alessi, Glenn Miller, Wycliffe Gordon, Christian Lindberg, and Troy Andrews (a.k.a. Trombone Shorty!)
Renting a Trombone
Renting a trombone is a great way to let your child explore music without a big upfront cost. Kids grow, interests change, and a rental gives them the flexibility to try without committing to a purchase. Plus, our rental program makes it easy and affordable!
We offer two rental options:
🎵 Like-New – A high-quality, professionally inspected trombone with minor cosmetic blemishes. Budget-friendly, with protection for damage, theft, and maintenance. Every payment up to 36 months, minus tax, goes toward purchasing a brand-new trombone of choice. (Rent-to-Purchase)
🎵 New – A never-used trombone with the same protection and the option to own it after paying it off. (Rent-to-Own)
Every student rental includes:
✔ Trombone, case, mouthpiece, and your first slide oil
✔ 4-month trial period
✔ Protection coverage (for accidents, theft, and maintenance)
✔ Free school delivery
✔ Easy purchase plans
✔ Legendary Brighton Music Center service!
With flexible plans and expert support, getting started has never been easier. Let’s make music happen! 🎶
Trombone Care & Maintenance
A well-maintained trombone plays better and lasts longer! Here are the must-have supplies every trombonist should have:
✨ Slide Oil or Cream – Keeps the slide moving smoothly for effortless playing.
✨ Water Spray Bottle – Used with slide cream to maintain a fast and responsive slide.
✨ Mouthpiece Brush – Cleans the mouthpiece for better sound and hygiene.
✨ Cleaning Snake – Helps remove buildup inside the tubing for a clear, resonant tone.
✨ Proper Case – Always store the trombone in its case when not in use to protect it from dents and damage.
Regular cleaning and careful handling will keep a trombone sounding great! Need supplies? We’ve got everything your trombonist needs! 🎶
Types of Trombones
As your child progresses, they may need a trombone that matches their growing skills. Trombones come in three main levels, with differences in materials and features:
🎵 Student Trombones – Made of durable brass with a lacquer finish, these are designed for beginners. They have a straight slide with no extra tubing, making them easy to play and maintain.
🎵 Intermediate Trombones – A step up in quality, often made with better brass and nickel materials for a richer tone. Many have an F-attachment (trigger), which allows for easier low notes and smoother transitions.
🎵 Professional Trombones – Crafted from premium materials, these offer the best tone, projection, and responsiveness. Most feature custom bell designs, open-wrap F-attachments, and specialized bore sizes for serious musicians.
Exploring More Trombones!
As your child grows as a musician, they may come across other types of trombones that add new sounds and challenges to their playing:
🎵 Bass Trombone – A larger trombone with an extra trigger and bigger bell, producing a deeper, more powerful tone. Common in orchestras and jazz bands.
🎵 Valve Trombone – Instead of a slide, this trombone has valves like a trumpet. You don’t typically see this instrument in an ensemble, but it can be handy for some who are used to valves and quickly switch to trombone, like playing in a pit orchestra.
🎵 Alto Trombone – A smaller, higher-pitched trombone used in some classical and solo music.
If your child is ready to upgrade their trombone, we’re here to help! Schedule a demo appointment to try out step-up trombones and find the perfect fit. Experience the difference in sound, feel, and performance—because the right trombone can make all the difference! 🎶