Choosing the first brass instrument for a child or student requires a certain amount of research and patience. Visiting a music store you may quickly get lost among all those long rows of shiny gold- and silver-finished instruments, but their visual look is not the only factor to consider as not all brass instruments are suitable for beginners. Where to start to make a clever decision and buy an instrument that is comfortable to hold and easy to play? In this article, we’ll explore what things to pay attention to when choosing a brass instrument for kids and students.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Brass Instrument for Young Musicians
The best brasswind instruments for beginners are not the most trendy ones to cause envious looks from peers and definitely not the cheapest ones that will make you a regular visitor in the repair shop. There are several significant criteria to consider when exploring the collection of instruments in search for a suitable one:
-
Size and Weight: Kids have smaller hands and weaker muscles, which creates the number one rule: the first brass instrument should be lightweight enough to hold it comfortably during practices. Children may get tired more quickly with heavier instruments. Make sure that the chosen model features well-thought-out ergonomics to be simple to play.
-
Durability: It’s obvious that with kids and students in a rush, the risk of accidental drops and shocks increases. Careful handling is what young maestros will learn with practice, so during their first steps it’s important to opt for well-built models for daily use featuring lacquered brass bodies.
-
Sound Quality: Beginners don’t need a professional-level tone, but their first brass instrument should still sound well to encourage them to practice and prevent them from quitting music.
-
Price: Budget is the most deciding factor for many families. Fortunately, today you can buy beginner-friendly brass instruments that are affordable and well-built to serve long.
-
Accessories: When selecting the first brass instrument for kids or students, make sure that it’s easy to find the mouthpieces and other brasswind accessories, which are compatible with this specific model. In addition to them, you should also buy cleaning kits, hardshell or soft cases to transport the instruments from home to music school and back safely.
Regardless of the model and brand you choose, be ready for gradual upgrades. Starting with a student model is enough for early stages when children are just developing their skills, however as they practice more, one day you will need to upgrade the current instrument to an intermediate model.
What are The Best Student Models of Brass Instruments for Beginners?
Now let’s explore models of brass instruments that earned a reputation of all-time favourites amongst young musicians and got the best reviews for their easy playability and reliable build.
Trumpet for beginners
Among trumpets suitable for beginners, the Yamaha YTR-2330, with the two-piece yellow brass bell, definitely sets itself apart from the others as a truly student-friendly instrument praised for its durable construction and ease of play. In addition to its lightness, this trumpet also features ergonomic design that makes it easier for students to progress and build confidence. The model is perfect for kids who still work on their finger dexterity. The trumpet features monel pistons, which are not only responsible for smooth action but also extend the life of the instrument, helping it wear out not so quickly.
Another good option for beginners is Jean Paul USA TR-330. This student trumpet tuned in Bb offers a perfect balance between quality and performance.The medium bore results in superb tone and projection, while stainless steel valves provide young musicians with rapid action — all together it creates the best conditions for the comfortable playing experience.
The TR-330 trumpet features a two-piece yellow brass bell, a lead pipe of a standard taper and golden brass lacquer. The instrument is especially praised by trumpet players for its balanced construction and the ability of pressure points to feel good on lips.
Advice From KGUmusic: Your first lessons on trumpet can be more productive and satisfying if using skill development tools. Among our trumpet accessories, you will find many interesting things designed to help you grow to the next level with less effort.
Flugelhorn for beginners
Among flugelhorn models for beginner students, the Yamaha YFH-631G remains a highly regarded instrument thanks to its medium bore size, a perfect balance between ease of play and good tone quality. This model also features a third valve slide trigger considered a thoughtful addition to help students fine-tune their intonation and achieve a perfectly accurate pitch. The monel pistons make the playing more smooth. Many players admit that this instrument’s sound quality can closely align with professional models.
Another flugelhorn that is worth beginners' attention is the Bach FH600 featuring excellent craftsmanship and durable construction. The instrument is considered an ideal transitional option for students who already know how to play the trumpet or cornet. This Bach model features a medium bore size, which is responsible for easy playability and smooth airflow. The bell of this model is made from yellow brass, which makes the instrument's tone brighter. The Bach FH600 is also equipped with the third valve slide trigger making it easier to fine-tune the instrument.
Advice From KGUmusic: Taking care of your instrument using specially designed cleaning tools as well as incorporating skill development gear is crucial for every beginner. You can find many helpful products in our category of flugelhorn accessories.
Cornet for beginners
The cornet looks a bit similar to the trumpet but differs from it thanks to its warmer, mellower sound. The Jupiter JCR700 is the ideal instrument for beginning students. Tuned in Bb and attracting attention with its lacquered brass body, it comes with a shepard's crook, medium large bore, stainless steel pistons, and a 1st valve slide saddle. Equipped with hand-fitted, dual-lapped valves, this cornet offers fast action and quiet operation. With this instrument, beginners can effectively develop their skills.
Another model that is good as the first instrument is the Yamaha YCR2330III, which combines all features suitable for both beginner and intermediate-level students. This model replaced the previous YCR2330II and features an improved construction, including a two-piece yellow brass bell with a thicker metal, a rounder shaped leadpipe and monel alloy pistons. The instrument is good enough for young musicians of any age.
Advice From KGUmusic: Your first cornet will need reliable protection for everyday travel to music school. This durable cornet leather gig bag will shield your first instrument from accidental damage in public transport or in the streets.
Trombone for beginners
The Yamaha YSL-354 is a popular student trombone with smooth slide action and durable construction, featuring a brass body with gold lacquer finish and nickel-silver lacquered slide. It produces good sound encouraging young musicians to develop their skills. The instrument is ideal for beginners interested in exploring slide technique. Regarding the quality, Yamaha standard models are close to professional instruments but easier for beginners to play.
The Jean Paul USA TB-400 is another good option for beginner trombonists, offering precise intonation that makes it easier to play in tune and maintain perfect pitch. Players also admit that this instrument provides them with smooth transitions between notes and pleasant action that reduces fatigue and helps get more satisfaction from practices.
Advice From KGUmusic: To make your beginner experience better, use special gear and skill development tools for your instrument as those featured in our category of trombone accessories.
French Horn for beginners
Among French horns for young musicians, there are many models that perfectly balance tone quality and ease of handling. One of them is Yamaha YHR-567, a full double horn with a basic design, featuring a lightweight construction, an adjustable 4th valve thumb lever and water key. This is an ideal option for students thanks to its easy response, sure note centering and precise intonation. However, many professional players also appreciate this instrument.
Another excellent option is the Holton H650 Student French Horn — a single horn in Bb, designed to help beginners learn the Bb side of the horn before moving to a double horn. One more option for beginners is the Mendini MFH 20 French Horn — a single horn with three valves designed to satisfy students’ needs. The instrument boasts of its excellent projection and sound quality.
Advice From KGUmusic: The lacquered finish of your French horn is sensitive to friction and can wear out in areas when your hands contact it. To extend its lifetime use special protectors. You can find these helpful products and other gear in our category of French horn accessories.
Conclusion
Choosing a proper brasswind instrument for children or students is a challenging task as you should consider the weight, playability, and strength of the overall construction. The models listed above can provide beginners with good tone quality and comfortable practice. We believe that using our guide, you can make an informed decision that will be a rewarding musical experience.
Recently we shared information about How Weather and Humidity Affect Brass Instruments where we provided tips and product recommendations to reduce the negative impact. Feel free to check it out!