Trumpet or Trombone?

I was wondering what you guys recommend as a first instrument between trumpet and trombone. It would also be nice if you guys could tell me some things I could do while I don’t have the instrument to practice for it. Thanks!

The trumpet is easier in terms of the amount of air. And if you get one of the really compact trumpets like the one I have, it's easy to carry too. My trumpet has the same length of tubing as your average trumpet, but is made more compact to fit into a 10 inch case. However, in terms of pitch, I'd say it's harder because you only get 8 different pitches solely from the valves. The rest of the trumpet's range is accessed by blowing harder and harder into the instrument. This in turn makes forte in the low register difficult and quiet notes in the high register only really possible by talented players because the harder you blow into the instrument, the louder the pitch. Mezzo-piano on the trumpet can easily sound with the same intensity as a whole string section at forte. Yeah, that's intense. 

The trombone is easier in terms of pitch. For a higher pitch you blow harder and/or move the slide forward and vice versa for a lower pitch. And to access the pedal tones more easily, most trombones have an F trigger that basically gives you the range of a Bass Trombone on a tenor instrument. But the trombone has more tubing, so it takes more air. However, if you want to do trills, it is much more difficult on the trombone than the trumpet. On the trumpet it simply involves quick changes in valve position. On the trombone, you have to use a technique known as a lip trill. And unless you are a talented player, doing such a trill is super difficult.

In short, I don't think I can recommend just one or the other. If you're not wanting to do many trills but are wanting to play melodic bass lines and solo in the trumpet's range than go with the trombone. If you're wanting to play fanfare-like melodies solo or in a group and you are wanting to be able to do trills easily and you don't mind the lots of practice it takes to get your dynamics right and get into the high register, then go with the trumpet.

They both have their strengths and weaknesses;

1. Trumpet is smaller and lighter, and so is usually given to child beginners over the trombone. However, it should be easy enough to lift the trombone as a beginner.

2. You need a tighter, faster lip movement for trumpet, but if it is your first instrument then you won't have anything to compare it against so it shouldn't be a problem. (If you have braces, it will be easier to learn trombone because of this.)

3. 

1 hour ago, caters said:

However, in terms of pitch, I'd say it's harder because you only get 8 different pitches solely from the valves.

Not entirely true. There are only 7 different combinations (because 1st + 2nd is equal to 3rd). The same is true on the trombone, as there are 7 different positions. Both instruments also need you to change the tension of the lips to change the note. However, with trombone, you have to learn where the positions are on the slide as well as what note corresponds to which. Intonation on the trombone is also more difficult.

4.

1 hour ago, caters said:

most trombones have an F trigger that basically gives you the range of a Bass Trombone on a tenor instrument.

I just want to say a little about this. If you are not sure whether trombone is right for you, them know that trombones with an 'F trigger' are more expensive. (The F trigger is a little extra bit of tubing that can be activated to lower the pitch of the entire instrument.) The bass trombone is very similar to the tenor, but it has a wider bore leading to being easier to play the lowest notes.

SUMMARY: Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to practise before getting the instrument, research each one. As well as helping you decide, this will benefit you as knowing about the instrument leads to a better performance.

Good luck with your musical ventures!

Both are really good options, I say choose the instrument that best suites the music you want to play. If you want to play more classical, then trumpet is your pick(not that there is no trombone classical music, there is. Tuba Mirum by Mozart, Requiem). If you want to get into modern orchestral, I would say go with trombone because those bass lines are fun!(I'm biased, I play the Tuba)

Both are good instruments and you can't go wrong with either of them.

You can work on breathing routines, get a device that restricts your ability to breath(not a whole lot, just a little, like a PVC pipe thats a good 3-6 inches long) and just breathe! You need the breath support for both of them, so learn how to breathe.

You can make an O shape with your thumb and pointer finger and buzz your lips between them. Get those lips moving.

GET AN ARBAN BOOK. It will make you a better player, make sure its for the appropriate instrument.

WORK ON SCALES. 

Take care of your instrument, clean it, use the proper oils and greases. 

On 4/1/2020 at 12:38 PM, caters said:

The rest of the trumpet's range is accessed by blowing harder and harder into the instrument.

Absolutely not true, you blow faster and make your lips tighter. Blowing harder will cause you to sound bad.

On 4/1/2020 at 12:38 PM, caters said:

Mezzo-piano on the trumpet can easily sound with the same intensity as a whole string section at forte.

Dynamics is relative, you probably mean that the texture penetrates the string section, which would be true.

Anyways, I vote for the Tuba 🙂 Obviously the superior brass instrument 🙂 🙂 🙂

But for real, pick which you like, both will have unique difficulties. Just make sure you are being taught by a teacher and not self-teaching. 

If you could I would try French Horn. It would be harder than a trumpet because the mouthpiece is smaller, but I think the tone and agility will make it worth it. It has a virtually unlimited range, you can play high and low, the range is ridiculous.  

Here are my favorite pieces that features the instruments.

Bach BWV 249, Trumpet fanfare at the start and end.(not a modern trumpet, but its close)

Mozart Requiem, Tuba Mirum