Brass instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas, produce sound through a combination of buzzing the lips and the resonance of the instrument itself. The lips produce the sound source When a player blows air through the instrument, it passes through a small, cup-shaped mouthpiece that is placed against the lips. The player then buzzes […]
Tips for Learning Scales
Learning musical scales can seem daunting, but with practice and the right approach, it can become easier and more enjoyable. Here are some tips for learning scales: Start with the basics Before diving into complex scales, it’s important to learn the basics such as the names of the notes, the structure of a scale, and […]
Why Learn Scales?
So, why learn scales? It seems boring, right? Learning scales is an important part of learning music, and there are several benefits to doing so: Improving Technique Practicing scales can help improve your finger dexterity, hand coordination, and overall playing technique. This can make it easier to play more complex pieces and improve your overall […]
What’s the difference between a slide and valves?
Members of the brass family are equipped with either valves, or a slide. Slides and valves on brass instruments provide the player with a different method to change pitch. Both methods change the length of the instrument to change the pitch. The longer the instrument, the lower the pitch; the shorter the instrument, the higher […]
What are the instruments in the Brass Family?
The brass family is comprised of several instruments, each with its own unique characteristics and sound. Here’s an overview of the main instruments in the brass family: The brass family of instruments produce a powerful and dynamic sound that is essential in many genres of music. While each instrument shares similarities in construction and technique, […]
TROMBONE SLIDE POSITION ACCURACY
This chart shows how to play each note on a trombone using it’s slide position. Pitch is controlled by blowing a note on the correct partial combined with moving the slide to the correct position. Slide Position chart Note: There is a fundamental partial one octave below the 1st partial. This is where the ‘pedal’ […]
Trombone slide lubricants — which is best?
Trombone slide lubricants — which is best? Have you ever assembled your trombone, after a long period of neglect, only to discover that your slide moves with the finesse of a rusty gate? The antidote is trombone slide lubricant. But which one should you use? There a plenty of options on the market, however, most […]
Returning to playing brass after a break
Returning to playing brass after a break doesn’t need to be traumatic Many brass players have been restricted from playing with other people due to COVID restrictions. This has been disastrous especially for youngsters just starting out. Much of the fun of playing a brass instrument is making music with other people. A generation of […]
Tenor clef – a crash course
A tenor clef at the beginning of a new piece of music can be a frightening symbol to face if you have never seen one before. It looks a bit like a schematic of the crossbow that the conductor might use to fire his baton at you if you stuff it up. Fortunately, learning to […]
Role of the Bass Trombone in a Big Band
How is the role of a bass trombone in a big band any different to the other trombones in the section? Is it simply the 4th trombone part, or something more? Listen to any good big band and you will hear the difference. In a big band, the bass trombone part should be approached by […]