How to Play the Trumpet

Summary: The trumpet is the highest pitched brass instrument. The most common trumpet is the transposing instrument made of brass tubing. The trumpet has three piston valves that lower the pitch of the instrument. For each valve that is pressed in combination or alone, the trumpet produces a different sound. The notes are produced by the trumpeter blowing and vibrating their lips on the mouthpiece of the instrument. The sound of the instrument is projected by the brass bell on the end of the instrument. The oldest trumpets date back to 1500 BC and were made from bronze and silver.

Get an introduction to the different parts of a trumpet and learn how to play the instrument from these expert video clips. Get expert tips on cleaning and caring for your instrument. Watch a breathing demonstration and learn how to double tongue your mouthpiece to get that special effect. There are trumpet exercises that will help you warm up and increase your finger dexterity. Get basic tips on holding the trumpet and making a sound on the mouthpiece. Learn how to keep the inside of your trumpet clean as well as instruction on valve care. You’ll be an expert trumpeter after watching this series of instructional videos.