Trombone Rental

What Is a Trombone?

The trombone is a member of the brass family, along with the trumpet, tuba, French horn and other instruments. Known for its versatile sound — from mellow and warm to bold and radiant — it features a slide that allows players to glide smoothly between pitches, resembling the expressive phrasing of the human voice. The trombone is a fixture in symphony orchestras, concert bands, marching bands, jazz bands, funk groups and other ensembles. While there are several types of trombones, the tenor trombone is by far the most commonly used, owing largely to its flexible range, which enables the instrument to excel across genres and ensemble roles.

How Are the Trombone and Trumpet Different?

While the trombone and trumpet are both brass instruments that produce sound when the player buzzes their lips into a mouthpiece, they differ significantly. The trumpet is a “high brass” instrument and typically plays in a higher register than the trombone; the trombone is a “low brass” instrument, along with the tuba, euphonium and baritone horn. To change pitch on the trumpet, a player presses down on one or more of three valves, while the trombone changes pitch through its slide, which the player moves to vary the length of the tubing, allowing for seamless transitions between pitches.

Is the Trombone a Good Instrument for My Child?

The trombone is a fantastic first brass instrument for kids, offering the chance to build confidence, discipline and a deep connection to music. Certain traits can be especially helpful when learning to play — such as a good musical ear for recognizing pitch, which supports accurate slide placement, and longer arms, which make it easier to reach the outer slide positions (though attachments, extenders and student-model horns can address this problem).

Like all brass instruments, the trombone requires consistent practice to develop strong breath support and an effective embouchure (the combination of the lips, tongue, teeth and the muscles around the mouth). With patience and dedication, many young players thrive on the trombone and fall in love with its fluid, full-bodied sound.

Renting vs. Buying a Trombone

When considering a trombone rental, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of renting vs. buying an instrument. If your child is already dedicated to the trombone, purchasing may be the better route. For beginners, renting is a low-risk way to discover an instrument.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trombone?

Trombone rental rates at Music & Arts are consistently affordable across the country, with pricing that varies by location and school. Special introductory offers make it even easier to get started. Considering that a quality trombone with accessories can cost well over $1,000, renting from Music & Arts is a smart, budget-friendly alternative.

Trombone Products and Accessories

Your trombone rental includes a protective case, a mouthpiece and a bottle of slide oil. Additionally, your child’s music teacher at school will recommend key accessories that you’ll be able to purchase during the rental process, as well as a method book.

To keep your instrument in great shape, we highly recommend adding the Giardinelli Trombone Starter Pack. This cost-effective, all-in-one kit includes essential products that will help your child maintain their instrument.

A streamlined Giardinelli Trombone Care Kit is also available.

Other Recommended Products

Tuner and Metronome: Every practice session should begin with tuning, so pick up a digital tuner that is both precise and easy to use. A metronome is a small device that provides a steady beat to practice along to, helping your child improve their sense of rhythm and musical time. These tools are available individually or combined into a single product.

Trombone Stand: An instrument stand provides a safe and convenient way to store your trombone temporarily, when not in use during practice sessions.

Learn more about the accessories your child needs in this Buyer’s Guide.

Next Steps for Your Trombone Rental

Private lessons: As the leading provider of private music lessons in the United States, Music & Arts is the perfect place for your child to advance their skills. Visit our Music Lessons page or find a store near you.

Continue renting: If your child is enjoying the instrument, you can extend your trombone rental period with Music & Arts.

Buy an instrument: Music & Arts rental fees act as credit toward the purchase of an instrument. If you wish to buy a rentable, student-level trombone, your accrued rental payments can cover up to 100 percent of the instrument’s purchase price. Buy early, before your rental term expires, to receive a discount of up to 30 percent.

Trombone Rental FAQs

How do I rent a trombone from Music & Arts?

You can rent online in just a few simple steps. First, visit our Instrument Rentals page. Then, search for and select your school. Choose your instrument, confirm or select your trial period, and add any method books or supplies. Finally, enter the student and renter information, choose your delivery method and complete the billing details.

What comes with my trombone rental?

Your trombone rental includes a protective case, a mouthpiece and a bottle of slide oil. We also highly recommend the Giardinelli Trombone Starter Pack, which contains essential products for maintenance and practice.

Will my rental trombone be new?

Most rental instruments are like-new. We recommend renting a previously used instrument, as each one is professionally adjusted for optimal playability. A young learner with a poorly maintained instrument may struggle to progress.

How long will it take to receive my trombone?

If you choose Ship to Home, orders are processed within 48 hours and typically arrive within one to five days, depending on your location. For Pick Up at School, delivery is arranged by your child’s music teacher. If you select Pick Up at Store, the store will contact you when your instrument is ready — usually within 48 hours.