As the parent of a trombone student, you’ve probably been to your fair share of student performances and had plenty of exposure to the pleasant (and not so pleasant) sounds of your child practicing. While you might think you know your way around your child’s instrument, there’s probably a lot you don’t know. The quality of your child’s instrument has a massive impact on their musical development, confidence level, and even their ability to play basic material. When a student plays on an instrument that truly suits their needs, they’ll have a much better chance at thriving with the trombone. This is why knowing how and when to upgrade their instrument is so important.
When will my child need a new trombone?
The answer to this question completely depends on who your child is and where they’re at in their music development. No matter what the circumstance, it’s often tricky for parents to know how and when to level up their students’ instruments. Here are some important signs that it’s time to look for a better trombone for your child:
Your child feels held back by their current instrument
If your student is putting in plenty of time and effort into learning the trombone but development has stalled, their instrument could be to blame. The trombone is a tough instrument to learn, even on a terrific instrument. If the time comes when your child’s skills exceed the capabilities of their instrument, it’s time to get them on a more advanced model. Arming your child with a great instrument will give them the tools and confidence they need to succeed.
Your child is thriving on their current trombone and is eager to learn more
Learning an instrument like the trombone isn’t easy. So when students start to thrive in their trombone lessons, parents should reward their children’s interest and hard work with better instruments. Trombone upgrades not only give kids a superior playing experience, but also the inspiration and excitement they need to pursue musical performance and creation even further. Sadly, without trombone upgrades, some students inevitably lose interest in their instruments and music altogether. To keep this from happening, it’s up to parents to match their student’s ambition, excitement, and talent with the right trombone.
There’s material that your child can’t play on their current instrument
Some beginner models aren’t equipped to handle difficult playing material, whether it’s specific notes or fast musical passages. If your child has run into this problem, they’ve probably needed an upgrade for a long time. The trombone your student plays on needs to be able to accommodate all of the material they encounter.
How to pick the best trombone for your child
Professional trombone players will tell you that there are many different types of trombones out there, from alto trombones to tenor slide models. But before you choose a model, you should consult with your student’s music teacher to get specifics for which type of instrument to choose. Even if your child is young, you shouldn’t leave them out of this process. When you shop for their trombone upgrade, bring them along and ask them which models interest and excite them. The instrument you end up with should meet your child’s musical needs and also be a big step up in terms of look, feel, and function.
Trombone upgrade recommendations
- Allora ATB-450 Vienna Series Intermediate F-Attachment Trombone – when it comes to moving a student up from a beginner model, this is a great way to go. This gorgeous and affordable instrument offers excellent sound projection and comes with a perfectly weighted hand slide.
- Giardinelli F-Attachment Trombone by S.E. Shires – great for advancing students. This model offers a handspun gold brass bell, a torch-annealed bell throat, and a rich, unforgettable brass sound.
- S.E. Shires TBQ30R Q-Series Professional F-Attachment Trombone – for intermediate musicians with proficient skill. The S.E. Shires TBQ30R offers the needed reliability and excitement of a professional trombone. This model features the stunning look, sound, and playability of a professional model for a terrific price.
Upgrade your child’s trombone with Music & Arts
With special discounts, no-interest financing, and a vast assortment of incredible brass instruments to choose from, Music & Arts’ Upgrade Your Sound event is the perfect time to up your student’s game by purchasing an amazing new instrument. This year’s event ends soon, so browse deals on brass instruments now!