Producing a Sound on a Trumpet
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Photo copyright of Deborah Tedeschi

Shape the mouth as if saying the letter "M."

The lips should be firm in the corners, yet relaxed in the center.

At first, take a full breath of air and try to create a relaxed buzz tone without the mouthpiece.

Try playing a long, steady tone of 8 beats.

The mouthpiece is placed approximately 1/3 on the upper lip and 2/3 on the lower lip.

Once this is mastered, gently place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe of the trumpet with a 1/4 turn twist.

Do not "palm" the mouthpiece into the instrument.

Proceed each buzz with a "too."

Correct Position for Playing a Trumpet

Sit up straight on the edge of the chair.

The left hand goes around the valves with the left ring finger placed in the pinky ring.

The right thumb rests between the first and second valve casing.

The right pinky is placed on top of the ring to allow for the wrist to be arched with the fingers curved and relaxed.

Play on the tips of the fingers, pressing straight down. The valves are "piston-like" and should not be depressed to the side.

The bell of the instrument should aim toward the audience, not the floor.

Valve movements should be smooth. Do not lift all valves prior to each new note. (e.g. Teacher will demonstrate correct way to play "D" to "E".)

The elbow is away from the body, slightly to the right.

Interesting Facts About the Trumpet

The trumpet dates back to 2000 B.C. (4,000 years ago) when it was first used for signaling in Ancient China.

Trumpets were later used in Egypt and Scandanavia.

The first trumpet was long and had no valves.

In Roman times, the trumpet was played at civilian and military ceremonies.

In the late 1300's, the trumpet became used for musical purposes. It was then that the curled-shaped was developed.

Germany was the center of trumpet making in the 1500's.

The trumpet became a regular member of the orchestra in the 1700's.

The valves were invented in 1815. These made the instrument capable of playing more notes.

Trumpets are similar to cornets in their appearance. However, the tubing configuration is different. The trumpet is a bit longer in length and narrower in width. The cornet is shorter in length and wider in width.

The trumpet is brilliant in sound, while the cornet is mellow.

Trumpets and cornets are most often made of brass. They are then silver-plated or lacquered.

Trumpets and cornets usually read the same music. Notes and fingerings are the same.

Trumpets are played in bands, orchestras, brass ensembles and jazz bands.

Trumpets are often featured as solo instruments.

[from: http://schools.portnet.k12.ny.us/~dtedeschi/Trumpet.htm]