Should i play trumpet or trombone

Similar to the trumpet valves, the slide on a trombone is held and adjusted with the right hand while the left hand holds in the instrument steady. In some cases, certain trombone models feature an extra valve that can be operated with a single finger on the left hand while still allowing the left hand to hold the instrument tightly.

Unlike the French horn and the trumpet, the trombone is considered a low brass instrument. If you live in the U. Since the trombone is a low brass instrument, the pitch is significantly lower than that of the trumpet. The Allora line is an excellent choice for students selecting their first horn. You could get a used name brand horn, but young players are sensitive about playing a tarnished, dented horn when they are in a line of kids who have shiny instruments. Although the trumpet and trombone are easier to care for than most professional band or orchestra instruments, trombones are generally a little more difficult to care for than trumpets.

In order to properly maintain a trumpet, the valves should be regularly oiled and the instrument should be wiped down after each use. Similarly, the slide and tuning slide on a trombone should be oiled regularly. Unfortunately, even the slightest dent or bend in the slide can render the entire instrument unplayable. To prevent this misfortune, some trombonists leave the routine maintenance to the professionals.

Many who are familiar with brass instruments believe that, since the trumpet requires a more focused embouchure than the trombone, the trumpet requires more strength to play. This is false, as the trumpet simply requires a different kind of strength.

It can be overwhelming to figure out which trumpet or trombone to buy with so many options to choose from. See which brands we trust and recommend to beginners. Just try making a sound and see which one resonates with you more.

Trumpets and trombones come in a wide range of prices depending on which brand you go for and which models you choose from. Depending on what you like to do and how you interact with a group, one instrument might better match your personality. Do you like being recognized, or do you prefer supporting and lifting others? Trumpets will often get the melody in a group setting, while trombones often play more of a background role.

Think about the music you like to listen to and the artists that play them. Then the trumpet may be your thing. Whoever it is, choosing the same instrument as an artist who inspires you is a great way to start. Both instruments can be very loud, so be considerate of your neighbors or housemates when playing.

The trombone is more physically demanding due to the size of the instrument and the length of the slide. Playing the trombone requires more air from the player due to its bigger size. More air and less resistance help the trombone feel like it breathes more naturally though. During fast passages of music, trombone players have to move the slide rapidly , which is particularly difficult in the mid to low range.

Transitions from the first position to the sixth position require extending your entire arm, which can impede accuracy.

Articulation on the trombone is a unique challenge caused by the slide as well. All notes must be tongued on trombone , even those marked legato or slurred, which is not a concern for trumpet players. The cost of the two instruments is comparable.

Listed below are approximate costs of used and new trumpets and trombones at the beginner and intermediate levels. Players of both instruments enjoy active roles in jazz, orchestral, and symphonic music. Trombone and trumpet are prominent instruments of small and large ensembles.

The trumpet is classified as a high brass instrument and is most often used for melodic lines. It is also very versatile. Along with jazz and classical music, the trumpet is also heard in rock, soul, pop, salsa, Dixieland, and just about any style out there. As a low brass instrument, the trombone often plays a supporting melody or harmony in ensembles. In many pieces of music, the trombone gets to play countermelodies, which are unique, fun lines popular in marches. Due to its mainstream popularity, more people choose to play the trumpet, which increases competition.

As a trombone player, there are more opportunities to play because the instrument is more in demand. Brass instruments share the technique of buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece to create sound. Once a buzz is established, the skill is transferable between instruments with some adjustments. Embouchure and air resistance are two physical adjustments to make when switching from one instrument to the other. Going from trombone to trumpet involves a significant adjustment of the embouchure due to the size of the mouthpiece.

A trumpet buzz is tighter than on a trombone because the mouthpiece is smaller. Trombonists will also experience changing from a more free-blowing instrument to the high resistance of the trumpet. This in combination with the tighter buzz may make higher notes difficult to play initially. It should also be noted that music parts for these instruments are written in different clefs. Trombone music is written in bass clef, with the occasional use of tenor clef in later playing, while trumpet music is written in treble clef.

Instrumentalists double between instruments frequently, and with a bit of effort, a player of either instrument can learn to play the other. For general maintenance and assembly, the trumpet might be slightly more convenient.

The trumpet is definitely easier to travel with and is small and compact enough that it can fit as a carry-on for flying.