Entrepreneur Steven Greenall was nine years old when he started playing the trombone. It is a passion which never left him. But little did he know at the time it would spark a global business which has led to half a million children all over the world playing the instruments his company now makes.
The secret of his success is the trombone is made of plastic. This means it is lighter, brighter (it comes in a number of colours) and less expensive than the traditional heavier brass instruments on which children used to learn.
By inventing the world’s first plastic trombone, Steven Greenall and his colleagues at the Warwick Music Group, have been able to make the instrument much more accessible to children and more fun too. It won’t dent if they drop it and because it is much cheaper than a brass instrument, there isn’t as much pressure to continue playing when they have lost interest.
It’s all part of the business ethos which is playing music should be fun, build self-confidence and discipline. It’s creative and active. It should never be a chore.
Steven said: “Entrepreneurs care about something more than just making money. It’s about creating something worthwhile. It’s much more than creating a plastic object. It’s the impact of that plastic object on the youngsters who pick it up.”
The invention is built in the same factories as the automotive industry. To offset the plastic the company has ensured its products are carbon neutral. It is also looking at using waste produced locally to make the instruments as part of its commitment to the environment.
