So you've just picked up a brand-new pBone. Congratulations! We obviously think it's a brilliant instrument, and one that you (or the person you've purchased it for) will get a lot out of. But you're probably wondering where the best place to start this brand-new musical journey is.
Fortunately, we have a ton of dedicated learning resources designed to help you really hit the ground running and assist your pBone education. Read on for a look at just some of the guides, song books, and self-help videos that are guaranteed to send you on your way.
In this article, we'll cover:
- How to hold your pBone and make your first sounds
- How to clean your pBone
- How to assemble your pBone
- Backing tracks and how-to-play guides
- How to practice
- Resources for teachers
How To Hold Your pBone And Make Your First Sounds
Naturally, you'll want to get the absolute basics down first. That's why Liam Kirkman, president of the British Trombone Society and Trombonist for Lady Gaga, Radiohead and Michael Bublé, has provided a handy two-minute video explaining how to hold your pBone and make that all-important first sound.
You can watch Liam's video below, and if you want more from him you can download a full pBone video course from MusicGurus for £19.99.
The course covers everything from how to assemble and disassemble your pBone all the way through to playing full tunes together - and even learning a bit about improvisation!
How To Clean Your pBone
At a certain point, you'll probably want to give your pBone a good clean, especially if you want to ensure it stays in good condition.
Watch the video below for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make your pBone sparkle.
All you need is:
- A bath or large storage box
- Microfibre cloths (or any other cleaning cloths)
- An old towel
How To Assemble Your pBone
Have you ust pulled your pBone out of the box and have no idea what to do with it? Not to worry! Below is a handy video explaining exactly how you'll need to put your pBone (or pBone Mini) together.
How To Play pBone
Once you've got the basics down you'll probably be looking for actual songs to play, and maybe a few backing tracks to play along with. Matt Kingston and Steve Legge's 'Learn To Play The pBone' is an excellent resource for younger players.
Specifically written with first-time players in mind, it's a bright and colourful book that combines some of the basics we've already covered with some simple tunes and links to various backing tracks. It's well worth a look, and a great resource for beginner players.
How To Practice pBone
Establishing a good routine is vital when it comes to practice. If you need some guidance and inspiration in this consider heading to BrassTabs and the Brass Blast UK YouTube Channel. These are filled with fun and accessible exercises designed to strengthen your technique and improve your playing - and you can try them all at home!
pBone Resources For Educators And Music Teachers
Are you an educator or music teacher looking for specific resources to use in schools? Of course, we have you covered. We have an entire page on our website dedicated to providing a database of useful tools, tips, and guides for classroom learning.
These resources cover ages from the very youngest beginners playing their first notes to retired returners or late starters, but the theme is strongly centred on how to begin or restart your brass playing journey, learning to play trumpet or trombone. Hit the link below to search for new pieces and backing tracks, first lessons, introductions to brass playing, teacher training sessions, lesson plans and schemes of work, arrangements and how-to-play books.
Click here to find resources for educators and music teachers
Find Out More!
Feel free to browse through our comprehensive learning guide, or take a look at the full range of pInstruments to see if there might be a better fit for you. You can also find a roundup of all the most useful pBone reviews right here!
And as always, please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. We're here to help!
After seven years writing about video games, Ewan made the jump to the music instrument industry to stop his family asking when he was going to get a real job. Mostly, though, he adores music and is passionate about its vital role throughout life - especially in education. He also played guitar in several bands with deeply embarrassing names that won't be revealed here. With a degree in journalism from an NCTJ-accredited university under his belt, Ewan uses everything he learned as a writer over the last decade to help answer any questions you might have about pBone Music in an accessible (and hopefully entertaining) way. Because if you can write 1,000 words on SSDs and ray-tracing, you can explain why plastic instruments are accessible, sustainable, and fun.
