Switching from clarinet to trombone?

Question

I need some tips on getting the upper register of the trombone to work for me, and also on a quick and easy way to brush up on bass clef. I took piano lessons for about two months, so I can already read bass clef, but I am really rusty. My main problem is hitting the higher notes. I can hit four notes in one lip slur (which I cannot do very well!), and I have problems reaching the upper two. Anybody have any suggestions? By the way, I have played clarinet for four years, and sax for about two. i can also play a little piano and guitar (which I have never been taught).

Answer 1

As you probably already know, the trombone (and baritone) are different from other instruments in that the armature (spelling?) is as important as the positions of the slide (hand, fingers, etc.) Remember to change the opening of your lips (smaller opening) to let as much air through as you would when you hit the lower notes. Experiment with different amounts of opening. (It's been years since I've played trombone, but this is what I remember.)

Answer 2

this is exactly like me. my main instrument is clarinet but i learned to play trombone this year for jazz. for me, i  just practiced a lot in the upper register or found music that was also up in the rafters. i was 3rd bone at first and my director moved me up to second bone so i had to work on getting those high notes. it also helps if you practice on a stronger size mouthpiece. if you're using a 12C buy a 6.5. practice on the 6.5 all the time. then use the 12C. you'll find that it is easier to get the high notes. but always practice on the 6.5. if you can hit the high notes on the 6.5 stick with it and don't use the 12C anymore. it's like the reed sizes for clarinet. if you use a 4 it builds up your embroucher and makes it easier to play on lower size reeds.

Answer 3

the upper register can be accessed easier if you form the vowel structure "TEE".

air speed should be slightly faster for higher notes.

keep working the lip slurs until you get used to the changes in jaw/vowel formation & air speed neccessary to hit the notes without tongueing.

add long tones to your warm ups; start mid range & work upwards chromatically until you gett to your highest note, then go back to mid range and work downward to your lowest note.