Instrument Levels
As with most other musical instruments, trombones are designed for a variety of ability levels. The terms Student, Intermediate, and Professional are typically used to define the different levels of trombones, their features and the ability level of the player they are designed for.
Student
Student-level trombones are designed with young beginners in mind. They are typically small-bore tenor trombones; the small-bore size (tubing diameter) makes it easier to play with less air. They are designed to be more responsive in the ranges most beginners will play in (approximately one octave) and allow a younger player to produce a good sound. They are also built to be more durable as they are prone to more damage from young, inexperienced players.
Intermediate
Intermediate-level trombones are designed with more experienced trombonists in mind (typically 2-5 years playing experience.) They are designed for players with increased air support, embouchure strength and technique and will be more responsive, have a more accessible upper and lower range and a larger, cleaner and richer sound. As compared with student trombones, intermediate trombones receive more hand-working, which plays a large role in their playing differences as well.
Professional
Professional-level trombones are designed to play at the very highest level. Significantly more time is spent in their design and construction with more handcrafting by the most experienced craftsmen. At the professional level, designs tend to vary more as experienced players typically have specific sound and response characteristics they are looking for. The handcrafting at this level results in instruments that are more nuanced in sound, response and playability for the experienced trombonist.
Instrument Levels
As with most other musical instruments, trombones are designed for a variety of ability levels. The terms Student, Intermediate, and Professional are typically used to define the different levels of trombones, their features and the ability level of the player they are designed for.
Student
Student-level trombones are designed with young beginners in mind. They are typically small-bore tenor trombones; the small-bore size (tubing diameter) makes it easier to play with less air. They are designed to be more responsive in the ranges most beginners will play in (approximately one octave) and allow a younger player to produce a good sound. They are also built to be more durable as they are prone to more damage from young, inexperienced players.
Intermediate
Intermediate-level trombones are designed with more experienced trombonists in mind (typically 2-5 years playing experience.) They are designed for players with increased air support, embouchure strength and technique and will be more responsive, have a more accessible upper and lower range and a larger, cleaner and richer sound. As compared with student trombones, intermediate trombones receive more hand-working, which plays a large role in their playing differences as well.
Professional
Professional-level trombones are designed to play at the very highest level. Significantly more time is spent in their design and construction with more handcrafting by the most experienced craftsmen. At the professional level, designs tend to vary more as experienced players typically have specific sound and response characteristics they are looking for. The handcrafting at this level results in instruments that are more nuanced in sound, response and playability for the experienced trombonist.
Instrument Levels
As with most other musical instruments, trombones are designed for a variety of ability levels. The terms Student, Intermediate, and Professional are typically used to define the different levels of trombones, their features and the ability level of the player they are designed for.
Student
Student-level trombones are designed with young beginners in mind. They are typically small-bore tenor trombones; the small-bore size (tubing diameter) makes it easier to play with less air. They are designed to be more responsive in the ranges most beginners will play in (approximately one octave) and allow a younger player to produce a good sound. They are also built to be more durable as they are prone to more damage from young, inexperienced players.
Intermediate
Intermediate-level trombones are designed with more experienced trombonists in mind (typically 2-5 years playing experience.) They are designed for players with increased air support, embouchure strength and technique and will be more responsive, have a more accessible upper and lower range and a larger, cleaner and richer sound. As compared with student trombones, intermediate trombones receive more hand-working, which plays a large role in their playing differences as well.
Professional
Professional-level trombones are designed to play at the very highest level. Significantly more time is spent in their design and construction with more handcrafting by the most experienced craftsmen. At the professional level, designs tend to vary more as experienced players typically have specific sound and response characteristics they are looking for. The handcrafting at this level results in instruments that are more nuanced in sound, response and playability for the experienced trombonist.
