Learning a musical instrument should be both enjoyable and rewarding, especially for beginners stepping into the fascinating world of music. Brass instruments, with their bold and commanding sounds, can offer an exciting experience for new learners.
Whether you’re aspiring to play in a band or simply want to learn music, a brass instrument is an excellent choice for you as a beginner. This family of instruments not only offers a rich sound range but also provides various options to choose from. Selecting one of the best brass instruments can be overwhelming as it includes various aspects such as interest, personality and physical comfort.
To simplify your search and help you make the right choice, we’ll explore in this post the top 5 easiest brass instruments for beginners based on ease of play, versatility and sound quality.
What are Brass Family Instruments?
As the name suggests, brass family instruments are typically made of brass. They have very long pipes which are curved into half-cylindrical shapes, making them easier to hold and play with. The sound is produced through lip vibration on the metal-cup-shaped mouthpiece of the instrument. Trumpet and French horn are some of the known instruments of the brass family, mostly played in bands and orchestras.
Brass instruments are very popular among both beginners and expert musicians in Australia. Why so? Well, this family can play music louder than any other instrument. Brass instruments' rich and powerful tones make them an important musical element in the orchestra.
Musicians starting their journey with the easiest brass instrument can go further, learning other instruments to secure a promising position in a band. They are played with a variety of musical genres, including classical, jazz, orchestral and pop, making brass instruments a reward career choice for beginners in Australia.
Brass Instruments – Interesting Facts to Know
- Although brass instruments are now made of brass, their early ancestors were known to have been made of tusks, animal horns, wood and shells.
- The famous brass instrument named the trumpet was used in historic times for communication in battles or gathering people in the town.
- The trumpet is the oldest and easiest brass instrument in the family, introduced in 1500 BCE. Whereas the tuba is the youngest and largest one, invented in the 1830s.
- You might be astonished to know that the size of the instrument in the brass family determines the pitch. The larger the instrument such as euphonium, the lower the sound produced by it. Whereas the smaller the size, such as the trumpet, the higher the pitch.
- Despite being made of metal, brass instruments are similar to woodwinds in that they require breath control and skilled mouth positioning to play.
- Before the invention of valves, brass instruments like the trumpet and horn were called "natural" instruments.
Top 5 Best Brass Instruments for Beginners
Here are the 5 best brass instruments from the complete list of brass instruments that are ideal for beginners,
1. Trumpet
Looking for an easy brass instrument to learn? The trumpet is widely regarded as the easiest brass instrument for beginners because of its compactness and relatively lightweight. It produces a bright and piercing sound that works well across various genres of music like classical, pop and jazz.
As this instrument is smaller in size, it’s easier to handle and play, especially for those new to this field. Plus, the three-valve system is simple to learn and lets aspiring musicians master the basics quickly. The trumpet is the best brass instrument for beginners as it allows them to play recognizable tunes in a shorter span of time.
Given its manageable learning curve and broad appeal, the trumpet is a great entry point for brass enthusiasts.
2. French Horn
The horn, also known as the French horn, is another great option for beginners looking for the easiest brass instrument. If one is dedicated to learning and entering the enchanting world of music, this instrument offers significant opportunities. This is because it is widely featured in orchestras and bands for its richer, more nuanced sound.
The French horn’s unique sound and prominent role in many classical pieces make it a rewarding instrument to master. The versatility of tones it can produce, and the sophistication it has to offer makes it a top brass instrument for beginners. Don’t wait to get started with French horn if you truly want to build a musical career and are committed to learning.
3. Trombone
The trombone stands as the best brass instrument to learn because it uses a slide and not valves to alter pitch. This makes the changing of pitch in between playing the instrument easy and simple once you become used to it. As a beginner, the trombone allows you to have excellent control over the level of sound and tone.
This instrument is a great choice for someone new who wants to learn in-depth about brass techniques. Also, learning the trombone is easy for beginners and makes it beneficial if they want to transition to other instruments of the brass family in future. This is a top pick if you have ever dreamed of performing in marching bands or with classical and jazz music orchestras.
4. Euphonium
The euphonium is the smaller version of the tuba, making it the easiest brass instrument to learn in comparison with other larger ones in the family. Its valve system used to control pitch is the same as a trumpet, so it is simple to play. This instrument of the brass family produces a warm tone that is medium pitched.
Many beginners find this brass instrument as their best choice due to the beautiful sound and the relatively easy learning it offers. If you’re ever drawn to tuba but want to first start with a smaller instrument, go with euphonium anytime for your foundational skill building.
5. Cornet
The cornet is similar in appearance to the trumpet but produces a softer, more mellow sound. Beginners often find it the easiest brass instrument to play due to its slightly more compact size and mouthpiece, which is more comfortable for young learners. Its manageable size makes it perfect for beginners, especially those who want to ease into brass playing without the challenge of handling a larger instrument.
The cornet is especially popular in brass bands, and many beginners find it to be one of the best brass instruments to start with. Its smooth sound and easy-to-hold shape make it a natural choice for those just starting their musical journey.
What is the Easiest Brass Instrument to Play as a Beginner?
When considering what is the easiest brass instrument to learn and play, both trumpet and cornet stand out. Their lightweight, straightforward valve system and simple-to-use design make these instruments of the brass family the best choice for beginners.
In trumpet, with only three valves to adjust pitch, learners quickly get accustomed to finger placements and produce clear, bright sounds. Meanwhile, the mouthpiece in cornet is slightly more comfortable, which allows the new player to produce a good sound after a few sessions only.
Both instruments are highly recommended for those just starting, as they allow learners to achieve quick results and build confidence early in their musical journey. But the ultimate choice depends on playing what kind of instrument you enjoy most - trumpet, cornet or another brass instrument.
How You Can Find the Most Suitable Brass Instrument to Play as a Beginner?
There are various factors you can consider while deciding on which is the best brass instrument for you as a beginner,
Consider the Skills If You Have Played Other Musical Instruments Before
If you've played other family instruments like woodwind, transitioning to a new brass instrument might be easier. Determine which skills or sounds you enjoy while playing the other instrument and choose accordingly.
Discover Your Interest
Think about the type of music you want to play. Do you prefer classical orchestras or jazz ensembles? Your musical interests can help you find which is the best brass instrument that suits you.
Have a Look at Your Budget
Brass instruments can vary widely in price. If you're not ready for a big investment, consider renting from a brass instrument online rental store, which offers flexibility and affordability.
Consider Size and Portability
Smaller brass instruments like the trumpet or cornet are easier to carry and handle. Choose one that fits the goals and requirements of where you are going to play.
See if You are Comfortable Playing
Comfort is key when choosing the best brass instrument, as it makes your learning journey fun and rewarding. If you can’t decide on which one to invest in, consider renting an instrument before buying, as it gives you the flexibility to try and purchase.
Wrapping Up – Top 5 Brass Instruments for Beginners
The world of brass instruments offers endless possibilities for musical exploration to beginners. Whether you choose the trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, or cornet, each provides unique rewards due to its different sounds and pitch.
Consider the factors covered in this post and understand the uniqueness and technicality of each one before selecting the best brass instrument for you. If you’re thinking of learning the easiest brass instrument for beginners, it is a wise decision as going down the journey you can always transition to other instruments.
Renting from a reliable brass instrument rental store can help you start your musical journey affordably and with confidence. Ultimately, the best brass instrument for beginners is the one that resonates with you, both in sound and feel.
