Tuners and Metronomes
These are invaluable tools for practicing. Here are a few words of advice: Do not tune with your eyes or let the metronome keep the beat for you. You are in charge of keeping the beat and playing in tune, these tools simply show you when you are wrong or confirm when you are correct.
You have two major choices for both of these devices: a traditional physical device, or a smart phone app. I tend to use the latter almost exclusively now. Below are my personal preferences.
Tuner/Metronome Combo:
Korg TM-40- This is the standard tuner/metronome combo.
iPhone/iPad Apps:
Tonal Energy- This multi-function app has a unique tuner interface that displays a happy face when you are perfectly in tune. This app also includes a simple metronome and a tone generator that is capable of tuning chords using just temperament (i.e beatless intervals that “ring”) as opposed to equal temperament (used on pianos, but not perfectly “in tune”)
Cleartune- This is a tuner only, with a more traditional interface. Very accurate and very popular. A great bet if you are used to a standard tuner.
Steinway Metronome- There are many free metronome apps and I have found this to be one of the most user friendly versions on a touch screen, but I often use Tonal Energy for my metronome.
After-Market Cases
Cases are a great upgrade if you want a more convenient way to carry your instrument. Most instrument manufacturers have bulky cases that are difficult to carry and offer little additional storage. There are two (maybe three) types of after-market cases: gig bags, semi-hard cases, and travel cases. Travel cases are really designed for someone who flies frequently and checks their instrument. These are not all that common for students. If you are a euphonium or tuba player, a gig bag may be your best option (probably only option for tuba). These are nylon or leather cases with padding that offer medium protection and are light in weight. They usually have a few external pockets for music and accessories. Trombone players are probably best served with a semi-hard case, as this will provide the most protection with only a little extra weight. Both of these options include shoulder or backpack straps that make toting these large horns a little easier.
Trombone:
Protec iPac Case
Standard Protec Case
Eastman Case
Cronkhite Gig Bags
Euphonium:
Cronkhite Gig Bags
Tuba:
Cronkhite Gig Bags
Instrument Stands
Trombone:
Hamilton Trombone Stand
K&M Trombone Stand 14990
Tuba & Euphonium:
K&M Stand (for use when playing)
Just for Fun
My friend, Robin, makes some cool fun playing accessories (like the brasstache) in addition to some very practical tools. Check out his site!
https://brasstache.com