Free Introductory Lesson
Trombone Lessons in Colorado Springs
The trombone is one of the most fun and expressive instruments in the band. Its slide lets you glide smoothly between notes, and its sound can go from warm and mellow to bold and brassy. You’ll hear it in concert bands, orchestras, big bands, ska, funk, and New Orleans jazz. At Rocky Mountain Academy of Music, we offer private trombone lessons for students of all ages and skill levels at our studio on North Academy Blvd. Your first lesson is free, so you can meet your teacher and see how lessons work before you commit.
Who Trombone Lessons Are For
- Kids and teens in school band who want to keep up, move up a chair, or prepare for honor band, jazz band, and all-state auditions
- Beginners picking up their first brass instrument
- Students preparing for college music auditions
- Baritone and euphonium players adding trombone (the music is in the same range and bass clef)
- Adults starting fresh, or getting back to the horn they played in school
What You’ll Learn
Lessons are built around your goals and the music you love. Most students work on:
- Breathing and tone. Strong, relaxed air support is the foundation of a full trombone sound.
- Embouchure. Forming the lips correctly gives you better range, endurance, and accuracy.
- Slide technique. Learning the seven positions and moving the slide quickly and precisely is the key to playing in tune.
- Lip slurs and flexibility, for smooth playing across the range
- Reading music in bass clef, and tenor clef as you advance
- Articulation, including legato tonguing. The slide means trombonists have to tongue differently to play smoothly, and this is one of the first things a teacher helps with.
- Jazz skills. You’ll work on swing feel, playing by ear, and improvisation.
- Audition preparation for honor band, jazz band, all-state, and college auditions
Weekly lessons keep you progressing steadily, and a teacher can catch embouchure and slide habits early, before they become hard to unlearn.
“Ben knows a ton and he has a knack for explaining difficult or complex concepts to novices. He can cover the basics of music theory, and go beyond that very easily. … My entire skill set has changed in just a short time.”
Tenor, F-Attachment, and Bass Trombone
Most beginners start on a straight tenor trombone. As students advance, many move to a tenor trombone with an F-attachment, a trigger that opens extra tubing to make low notes and fast passages easier. Students who love the lowest parts can explore bass trombone. Your teacher can help you decide when it’s time to upgrade.
A Little Trombone History
Trombone is Italian for “large trumpet.” The instrument dates back to the 1400s, when it was known in English as the sackbut and played in church, court, and town ensembles. Composers like Monteverdi, Bach, and Handel wrote for it. Mozart used it in his Requiem, and Beethoven brought it into the symphony in his Fifth Symphony. In the 20th century, the trombone became a star of New Orleans jazz and the big band era, thanks to players like Kid Ory, Tommy Dorsey, and J.J. Johnson. Today it’s at home everywhere from orchestras and marching bands to ska, funk, and salsa.
Play With Other Musicians
Trombone is made for playing in a group. Our students can join one of our jazz ensembles to learn standards and practice improvising, play in our rock band program, and perform in student recitals. We also teach trumpet, baritone, and tuba, and many brass students take piano lessons to strengthen their music theory and ear training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are lessons?
Choose 30, 45, or 60-minute private lessons. There’s no long-term contract, and your first lesson is free.
What age can my child start trombone lessons?
Most students start around age 10 or 11, often when they join school band and their arms are long enough to reach the outer slide positions. Adults are welcome at any age.
Do I need my own trombone?
Yes, you’ll need an instrument to practice at home. Many families rent one through their school or a local music store. Ask us at your free lesson if you’d like recommendations.
How do you play in tune without keys or valves?
Trombonists learn to adjust the slide by ear. The positions are a starting point, and good players fine-tune each note. It takes practice, but it also makes trombonists some of the best listeners in the band.
Can I switch to trombone from baritone or trumpet?
Yes. Baritone players already read the same bass clef parts and use a similar mouthpiece, so the switch is mostly about learning the slide. Trumpet players will need to adjust to a larger mouthpiece and bass clef, and a teacher can help with both.
Schedule Your Free Trombone Lesson
Ready to get started? Call us at 719-722-0248 or send us a message to book your free introductory trombone lesson.
Rocky Mountain Academy of Music · 5426 North Academy Blvd, Ste 101 · Colorado Springs, CO 80918