The trombone, with its distinctive slide and rich tone, is a popular instrument for jazz, classical, and commercial styles. While finding qualified local instructors can be challenging, online trombone lessons now make quality instruction accessible worldwide. By leveraging video chat platforms, elite performers can share their expertise remotely. This article covers the 10 best websites for unlocking the full potential of your trombone playing through online instruction. We’ll explore structured courses for fundamentals, personalized feedback options, specialist sites for orchestral excerpts, and top communities to join. With the right online trombone lessons, students of all levels can access pro guidance to advance their skills and musicality from home. Let’s discover the ideal online options to meet your learning goals!
1. ArtistWorks – Best for Video Exchange Learning
ArtistWorks is one of the top destinations for online trombone lessons thanks to its patented Video Exchange Learning® method. This allows students to submit practice videos to get personalized feedback and critiques from their instructor.
Some of the reasons ArtistWorks stands out:
– Video exchange learning with leading trombonists like Wycliffe Gordon, Tony Baker, and more
– Structured courses taking you from basics to advanced techniques
– Additional learning tools like sheet music, tablature, playback, and loop points
– Supplemental material like PDFs and live masterclasses with instructors
– App with slow motion, subtitle, and marker features to breakdown videos
– Affordable access starting at $15/month for core trombone lessons
– Ability to learn from Grammy-winning trombonists
The direct video feedback and critique from an instructor like Wycliffe Gordon is invaluable. You get tailored guidance from a jazz great to develop solid fundamentals and more musicality. The video exchange method makes the learning experience interactive and personalized.
2. MusicProfessor – Best for Beginners
MusicProfessor provides online trombone lessons through prerecorded video courses for all skill levels. The lessons are focused on clearly explaining fundamentals in a step-by-step manner geared for beginners.
Some advantages of MusicProfessor for learning trombone basics:
– Very affordable access starting under $10/month
– Step-by-step instruction from qualified teachers
– Lessons start with proper assembly, maintenance, and posture
– Covers reading notes, rhythm, scales, and slide positions
– Practice techniques for improving tone, embouchure, and breath control
– Supplemental materials provided like songs, etudes, and warm ups
– Supportive community of students in forums
– New lessons added regularly beyond core fundamentals
MusicProfessor excels at building a foundation for new trombone students of all ages. The combination of clear explanations, supplemental materials, and focused curriculum make the lessons student-friendly. The affordable pricing also lowers barrier for entry.
3. Udemy – Best Budget Online Trombone Lessons
For budget-friendly online trombone lessons, Udemy has great course options starting under $20. These video lessons deliver core concepts in an affordable package.
Some benefits of Udemy for trombone:
– Huge selection of courses from instructors to choose from
– Courses range from 1-25+ hours of content
– Most classes are under $20 for on-demand lifetime access
– Beginner to advanced techniques covered
– Step-by-step video lessons
– Downloadable supplemental materials
– Practice tracks, sheet music, and resources
– Accessible anytime from iOS, Android, desktop
– 30-day moneyback guarantee for refund if not satisfied
– Sales can drop prices up to 90% off
Udemy provides affordable à la carte trombone lessons. For a one-time fee, you gain lifetime access to the video course content. This allows learning at your own pace via the video tutorials.
4. TakeLessons – Best for Customized Instruction
TakeLessons stands out by making it easy to connect with private trombone teachers for customized 1-on-1 online lessons.
Some notable benefits of TakeLessons for trombone:
– Search profiles of hundreds of qualified trombone teachers
– Background checked instructors geared for beginner students
– Teachers offer flexible scheduling for your convenience
– Lessons via video chat make it feel in-person and engaging
– Teaching tailored specifically to your skill level
– Affordable pricing, often under $50/hr for lessons
– Range of teachers available for jazz, classical, rock styles
– Trial lessons available to test compatibility before committing
The combination of screening qualified teachers, the interactive lessons, and flexibility of scheduling makes learning student-focused. You get the perks of private lessons adapted online.
5. TromboneExcerpts.org – Best for Orchestral Training
For trombonists looking to improve their orchestral audition and performance skills, TromboneExcerpts.org stands out with hundreds of excerpts covered in detail.
Some key benefits:
– Created by Los Angeles Philharmonic trombonist Michael Hoffman
– Hundreds of excerpts from orchestral literature like Brahms, Mahler, etc.
– Excerpts include tips, standard interpretations, recordings
– Ideal for preparing for auditions and professional performances
– Affordable one-time access fee around $25 for full site content
– CDs with section recordings of excerpts available
– Active forum section to interact and get feedback
– New excerpts added based on user requests
If your goal is performing trombone with orchestras, TromboneExcerpts.org provides focused training from an elite performer’s point of view. The large library of excerpts teaches the nuances that separate good from great.
6. The Trombone Forum – Best Free Online Trombone Community
The Trombone Forum is the web’s leading free online community for trombonists to discuss the instrument, share knowledge and get feedback.
Some key features:
– Large discussion forums on technique, gear, practicing, and more
– 200K+ posts for finding answers to any trombone question
– Classifieds section to buy/sell equipment and accessories
– Events calendar to list recitals, workshops, masterclasses
– Excerpts forum to discuss orchestral repertoire
– Arranging and composition section for writing tips
– Free membership to access discussions and knowledge
– 15K+ professional and amateur trombonists participating
As the largest online trombone community, new and experienced players gain valuable insight from the discussions. It’s an excellent free resource to improve skills by connecting with fellow trombone enthusiasts worldwide.
7. Tim Coffman’s Pop Trombone – Best for Learning Jazz/Pop Styles
Tim Coffman’s Pop Trombone lessons focus on teaching the trombone techniques, vocabulary and theory used in jazz, funk, Latin, pop, and more.
Reasons Pop Trombone stands out for contemporary styles:
– Lessons use music theory, ear training, and pop vocabulary
– Hundreds of licks, riffs, and phrases demonstrated
– Concepts like lip bends, growls, smears, and effects covered
– Tips for improving improvisation and soloing skills
– Play-along tracks for applying concepts to real grooves
– Affordable one-time access starting under $50
– Money-back guarantee if not satisfied after 30 days
– Taught by professional trombonist Tim Coffman
The emphasis on contemporary techniques and musical concepts makes these lessons ideal for trombonists looking to expand beyond classical. You get a toolkit of practical skills for playing in jazz bands, funk groups, studios, and more.
8. MusicGurus – Best for 1-on-1 Online Trombone Lessons
MusicGurus makes it easy to take online trombone lessons via live 1-on-1 video chat with qualified teachers. Their screening process and money-back guarantee help find the right instructor.
Notable benefits of online trombone lessons with MusicGurus:
– Take free intro lessons to try different teachers
– Teachers screened and rated for quality instruction
– Hourly lesson rates competitive starting around $20
– Monitor progress and take notes during and after lessons
– Reschedule or purchase one-off lessons as needed
– Guaranteed 1 hour lesson time each session
– Zoom built into site for ease of use
– Instructors have teaching diplomas and degrees
– Teachers available for core styles like jazz, classical
For personalized feedback, the interactive Skype-style format helps students improve quickly by identifying weaknesses. MusicGurus vets instructors to ensure you find the right teacher-student match.
9. TromboneForumOnlineLessons – Best for Flexible Scheduling
Teachers on Trombone Forum offer online trombone lessons worldwide via video chat platforms like Skype or FaceTime. The global roster allows matching time zones for scheduling flexibility.
Advantages of the Trombone Forum teachers for online lessons:
– 35+ vetted instructors active on the forum
– Teachers located around the world
– Schedule based on suitable lesson times
– Rates from $40-60/hr for qualified teachers
– Students post feedback on instructor profiles
– Specialists in jazz, classical, commercial styles
– Teachers active on forums for vetting
– International options for remote learning
With a worldwide pool of teachers, students can find times that fit their schedules across time zones. The active forum participation also helps gauge teaching quality when selecting instructors.
10. Trombone Page of the World – Best Free Learning Resources
The Trombone Page of the World is a free educational site with a wealth of reference material, tips, and resources for trombonists.
Some examples of the learning content provided:
– Info on trombone makes, models, gear
– Guides on breathing, embouchure, tone production
– Music theory lessons focused on trombone
– Technique guidance like slide positions, legato
– Solo transcriptions to learn from the greats
– Exercises, etudes, and warm ups to practice
– Music industry career articles for professionals
– Historical information on trombone evolution
– Directory of online lessons and instructor bios
– Calendar of conferences and events worldwide
In addition to curated articles, The Trombone Page indexes other useful sites to bookmark. It’s a great reference for self-learners looking to improve different aspects of playing.
Summary
The growing number of online trombone lesson options make learning accessible and affordable. Structured courses provide step-by-step direction while customized instruction allows targeting specific goals. Beginners can build solid foundations with fundamental techniques and reading skills. More advanced players seeking to perform professionally get elite training on orchestral excerpts and jazz vocabulary. No matter your level, online trombone lessons open up new ways to improve technique, expand your repertoire and have more fun with the instrument.
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