i play the saxophone and i decided that i wanted to learn to play the trom. so any help on self teaching???

I can't offer any.. knowing what I know now, getting a teacher would have saved me from having to change a lot of bad habits.
if it's any way humanly possible, get a teacher, even if it's just a good student who can help you out. but you get what you pay for.

i just want to learn the basics of the trom. nothing major. i know music pretty well but it is hard to get lessons because no one in my town gives lessons and i don't know any of the guys that play the trom. in my school.

the Standard of Excellence books can give you a good start.. especially the ones with a playalong cd since tuning is always a challenge for beginners.

i have a beginning book. i will have to go to the music store tomarrow and get some books

You might also want to try to ask your band teacher if he/she knows if anybody is giving private lessons for trombone. Usually they know some private teachers and can help you out.

Hi,

I'm a saxophone player and clarinet player who has been exploring the trumpet, a little bit of the trombone as well.

I'd definitely encourage taking lessons. The one-on-one is really helpful.

Wether or not if it's possible for you to take lessons, there some videos out there that are helpful even though they can't remotely replace a teacher. At the very least, they can give you information on some basic points. There are a couple of trombone one's I've seen. And I've had a few trumpet ones that gave me helpful information, for sure.

One video that I really found helpful is one by Claude Gordon - in vhs only.
I find that what Claude Gordon has said/teaches, has written about playing brass instruments works for me. And his views cover all brass instruments, so that's why I mention his video tape, which can only be ordered on the official Claude Gordon website.. it is expensive ( arond $89.00 I think ), but I am happy with it. But, there's enough written to where you can get the same info without the video as well - via his books or some websites -- for free!


I've gained a lot more respect for brass players since I've been working with the brass instruments. And things like working with breathing are helpful for playing woodwinds.

Like you were saying about not wanting to be an expert on trombone, I'm not looking to be an expert on the trumpet nor the trombone. However, I do enjoy the process of learning and starting over again and doing it a bit differently. At the same time, I think I'd be wasting my time and money if I wasn't trying to find ways to improve and seeking to be able to enjoy playing and learning.

Have fun!

Thanks

Michael