TromboneChat

I am finding using a mirror when practicing to be very helpful. But I was hoping someone had a good recommendation for a mirror. I've gotten a few, but I am having Goldilocks issues with the options I have found so far.

My college trombone professor had one double-side taped to the stand we used in lessons.

Check the auto parts stores or WalMart etc for one that clips to a visor. That's what I use, clipped to the stand.

I also find it very helpful to use a mirror when practicing. I've been using this one for a while now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PL3WFXK. My home setup is a mic stand with a tablet holder. I attach the mirror clamp to the stand post, and bend the flexible gooseneck so that the mirror is in a vertical orientation just to the side of the tablet. I have a ring light (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NKRPZXN) attached just above that, which eliminates shadows cast from overhead lighting.

I ended up buying mirror tiles from a big box store years ago. A ten pack of 12x12 (inches) was like $10 USD. I've given away most by now.

I see Walmart has a 12 pack of 6x6 acrylic for even less.

The mirror image is only true size and shape in a plane normal to the mirror plane - if the stand is tilted so the mirror doesn't fall off, you need to calibrate for that.

The previous owner of the home I live in now apparently liked to use a body-sized mirror for weight lifting. I find it occasionally helpful in practicing.

AndrewMeronek wrote: Sun Dec 28, 2025 12:50 am The previous owner of the home I live in now apparently liked to use a body-sized mirror for weight lifting. I find it occasionally helpful in practicing.

My teacher, from a good UK orchestra, suggested this many years ago and it’s been useful. Good for checking things like posture, grip and horn angles etc.

Geordie wrote: Mon Dec 29, 2025 12:12 am

AndrewMeronek wrote: Sun Dec 28, 2025 12:50 am The previous owner of the home I live in now apparently liked to use a body-sized mirror for weight lifting. I find it occasionally helpful in practicing.

My teacher, from a good UK orchestra, suggested this many years ago and it’s been useful. Good for checking things like posture, grip and horn angles etc.

Yes, it can be very helpful. It can also be disappointing, as in when I look in the mirror and see that I’m still doing that thing, or my posture is still slightly hunched over…

My stand mirror is low-tech:

I buy camping mirrors so that they don't break when I drop them! I have a very thin metal one that travels in my case, a smaller plastic one at my office, and a larger plastic one at home.