Comments on: How to Begin to Play the Trombone

on 12/20/2006 Practice breathing. Try breathing in air for 10 counts, holding it for 5, and then gently relax the air out for 15 counts, then pushing air out of your diaphragm for a remaining 5 counts. Rest about 10 counts and repeat 10-15 times. This is good for breath support, and should be done daily.

on 8/8/2006 If you are a beginner, you should master the b flat scale before you learn the others.

on 8/8/2006 When playing, I recommend to sit upright with your back off the chair to ensure the air comes out in the correct fashion. Also, do not point the bell or slide toward the ground, and don't rest your elbow on your knee.

on 8/8/2006 When you are finished playing or practicing, take the trombone apart, run the mouthpiece underneath lukewarm water for 10-20 seconds and dry thoroughly, and gently shake the bell and slide over a sink to release spit.

on 7/30/2006 When you play high notes, use the exact same kind of air support that you use in the lower register. The muscles in your neck and shoulders should be completely relaxed -- more tension means more restriction of your air flow. As you get up into the higher register, avoid putting more tension in your lips -- simply move them closer together while remaining relaxed, and move faster air through the instrument to produce the pitch.

on 7/24/2006 I never buzz on my M/P, all you learn is to buzz. But if you want a clean, strong, round sound,climb into your M/P with your lips and keep them so far apart that each lip can vibrate freely without touching the other. Then stick your tongue into the gap, block the air, build up a bit of pressure and you should get a (free of buzz) great sound.

on 6/30/2006 If you are having trouble producing high notes, move the mouthpiece upward toward your nose.

on 6/30/2006 If you're having a problem playing a high note, try raising your eyebrows - it works!

on 3/21/2006 You should always start with a 12c mouthpiece. Nothing bigger or smaller.

on 3/7/2006 To oil your slide, you should purchase a small container of slide cream (Trombotine and SuperSlick work well). I prefer these over slide oil and the slide-o-mix because even though it is kind of messy, the slide will work smoother and will retain its slipperiness longer than any of the other types. Take a little bit on the tip of your finger (only one) and spread it on the ends of the slide, where the slide gets a little bit bigger. This part is called the stockings. Now reassemble the slide and work it up and down a few times. After that, pull the slide out until you can see the stockings and spray some water on them (you should also buy a spray bottle). Make sure not to confuse "slide grease" with "slide cream". Slide cream is the one you should use for your hand-slide.

on 3/6/2006 When playing, use more air to produce a clearer sound. Use your stomach muscles to push the air into the instrument.

on 1/6/2006 The best thing for me, when it comes to warming up, is first buzzing on my mouthpiece and then playing long notes as I go up a scale. First I do this slow, and then I go faster and faster with all the other scales, until I am playing each notes as a sixteenth note. After I have done this, I usually slow it back down until I am playing each note as a whole note.

on 11/22/2005 Practice regular lip slurs (changing the lip position without tounguing or without moving your slide). Eg: middle F up to Bb up to D and back down again.
Over time increase range and do a combination of slide and lip movements. Eg: middle E up to G up to B and back down again

on 11/22/2005 A cheap, effective and non-harmful way to lubricate the slide is with a bit of your mom's cold cream. Just make sure to use it sparingly and wipe off any excess. A fine mist spray after application helps, too.

on 11/22/2005 position the mouthpiece on your lips so that the mouthpiece covers 2/3 of your upper lip and 1/3 of your lower lip. This will help you rid yourself of the "buzzy" sound!