Getting Started on the Trumpet

Watch the videos on this page and go through the steps to review how to get started on your trumpet. Hopefully I've had a chance to show each of you how to make a good sound on your trumpet mouthpiece by now. Now, make sure to practice all of the things below every day and watch the videos if you need any help. Send me a message on Google Classroom or an email if you're having trouble!

The parts of the trumpet

Before your get started on the trumpet, it's important to know the different parts of your instrument. Watch the video to review the different sections.

Make sure you can identify:

The mouthpiece
The three valves (1st, 2nd and 3rd)
The tuning slide
The slide ring & finger hook
The water keys
The bell

This video will show you the different parts of the trumpet

Trumpet parts labeled

2. Making a sound on the mouthpiece

Now that you know the parts of your trumpet, let's practice making a good sound on the mouthpiece. Watch the video and follow the steps to review. Use a mirror at home to check your mouthpiece position.

Follow these steps:

Bring your lips together as if you're saying "mmm"
Firm up the corners of your mouth by pressing them into your teeth and get your chin flat and smooth (band face).
Lick your lips and set the mouthpiece on the center of your lips. Hold the mouthpiece gently between two fingers.
Blow air into your mouthpiece with a strong, steady stream.
As you blow, bring your lips together into the "mmm" shape until you get a "buzz" sound.

WARNING: Don't puff your cheeks! Keep your corners firm and against your teeth.

Above: PERFECT trumpet mouthpiece positioning:

chin is flat & smooth
corners of mouth are firm
lips are together, but not pushed in or out
mouthpiece is centered on lips

This video will show you how to correctly "buzz" into your trumpet mouthpiece

Above: BAD positioning! Lips are not against teeth

Above: BAD positioning! Lower lip is pushed forward

Above: BAD positioning! Lips are tucked in

3. Buzzing different notes

Now that you've made some good sounds on your mouthpiece, let's practice changing the sounds of our "buzz" in the mouthpiece. This will get us ready to play the full trumpet!

Practice these things every day:

Make a steady "buzz" sound on your mouthpiece, keeping your lip muscles firm & steady
Make siren sounds by using faster air and firmer lips to make the "buzz" sound go higher

If you're able to make a great siren sound, you can try to do it into the trumpet like shown in the video. But first, look below and review how to hold the trumpet.

Watch this video to learn how to make higher and lower "buzz" sounds on your mouthpiece

4. How to hold your trumpet

Watch the video to review how to correctly hold your trumpet.

A few tips:

Your left hand holds all of the weight of the trumpet
Your left hand wraps around the three valves. Your thumb curves around the front, and your index & middle finger curve around the back.
Your left ring finger goes into the slide ring
Your right hand should keep a "claw" shape
Your tips of your right fingers should rest on the three valves and your pinky should rest on the finger hook
Your right thumb should be tucked under the lead pipe between the first and second valves

Keep your elbows in and your trumpet straight when playing

Watch this video to learn how to hold the trumpet

Above: Correct left hand placement

Above: Correct right hand placement

5. Caring for your trumpet

It's important to care for your trumpet by emptying your water and oiling your valves. Watch the video to learn about those two things.

Emptying your water:

After playing for a few minutes, condensation will build up in your trumpet (it's just water, not spit!). It will make a gurgling noise if you don't empty it out. To empty it, put your lips around the mouthpiece and blow gently while pressing down on the water key.

Watch this video to learn how to empty your water and oil your valves

Valve oil:

You will need to oil your valves occasionally to keep them from sticking. When you press down and release your valve buttons, they should spring back up instantly. To keep your valves working properly, you will need to unscrew the valve casing, and put a few drops of oil on the silver part of the valve. Don't do this until Mr. Schaefer shows you how!

These are bottles of valve oil. Always keep one in your trumpet case.

Don't oil your valves until Mr. Schaefer shows you how to do it in-person!

Work on these things every day this week. Try to spend around 15 minutes a day making good "buzzing" sounds on your mouthpiece, and holding the trumpet with correct hand positioning. We'll start to play the full instrument next week!

Page updated

Report abuse