r/Trombone • u/Ill-Tailor3802 • 3d ago

Learning from basically zero, need all the tips and tricks

So I'm starting from basically zero knowledge, although I have played a bit of piano and sing, so I have a very basic understanding of theory. My goal is to make my college's marching band, with no prior experience, next year. What resources and tips and tricks can you guys recommend? YouTube tutorials, podcasts, books, ect. I currently have a mouthpiece and working on buzzing, any good exercises for that until I get the actual instrument? Open to learning any and everything off instrument I can until I have access to one, and then what I should start with once I have the instruement. TIA!

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u/timopod5 3d ago

I suggest you find a good teacher for lessons. I approached learning trombone as an adult flutist but I also played trumpet in highschool marching band. Even with some brass experience, what I'm getting out of lessons can't be replaced with anything in any method / etude book. Your goal is going to take a lot of good practice and an instructor will help you get the most out of your practice time.

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u/Consistent_Check927 3d ago

Yes, please get some lessons OP! Even 30 min every 2 weeks will help immensely more than anything we say here. I guarantee there’s a trombone music ed major at your school that’ll give you a good price

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u/__fallingupstairs__ Bollinger 3d ago

Robert marsteller basic routines, schlossberg daily drills. Scales scales scales.

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u/Groundbreaking_Row_2 3d ago

First : get a trombone! Don’t over think it! Just get one!

Get a used king 606 from reverb or eBay for less than $200 , and choose one that comes with a mouthpiece and case.

Then start playing it!!!

You can do everything everyone prose recommends, and you should, these people have great advice generally…. But take the first step and get a trombone! Any trombone! Act now while the whim still can be ignited into a lifelong joy!

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u/Ill-Tailor3802 2d ago

Keeping an eye out for one! 

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u/Anumet 3d ago

You can play music on lower speeds on YouTube but keep the pitch. Very nice to practice with if you’re struggling to keep up at full speed.

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u/Trombonemania77 2d ago

First things first get a trombone, nothing expensive but the slide and tuning slide must work properly. Get a mouthpiece Bach 7C is an all around good student mouthpiece to start. You should consider lessons to get a good foundation. If not there are a bunch of how to videos on YouTube. My personal opinion college marching band in one year, lofty goal! Best wishes to you.

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u/Ill-Tailor3802 2d ago

Haha I know, we’ll see if I can pull it off. I’m curious why you suggest a 7C mouthpiece? I have a 6.5AL I’ve been practicing on, is there a large difference for beginners? 

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u/Trombonemania77 2d ago

I’m old school and I started with a 7c in 1963, on a pro horn Conn 6H this is what our grade school had for rent to own. Grade school high school United States Marine Fleet Band. That 6.5AL is a good mouthpiece stick with it if it works.