Getting Started Playing Trumpet

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So you want to play trumpet/cornet!

Beginning Trumpet

Photo credit: jmorale9 on Flickr

In everyone’s life, we will eventually have to make decisions. If you are considering the possibility of starting to learn to play a trumpet/cornet, you might be interested in the following information.

“Why should I learn to play a trumpet/cornet”?

Learning any instrument has been proven to build confidence in ones self as well as add to social skills and personal pride of achievement. With that said, why would anyone decide on the trumpet?

“If I learn to play the guitar or piano, I can play both melody as well as chords which sound more complete than does the sound of a trumpet/cornet which can only play one note at a time”.

This is true. The trumpet can only play one note at a time (sub tones and harmonics may be discussed at a later time). The trumpet is manly limited to melodic playing.

“I can play much louder on an electric guitar than I can on a trumpet/cornet”.

This is also true for the dynamic range of a trumpet is limited by the amount of air passing through the mouthpiece not by the power of an amplifier.

“I see more people playing drums on television than I do trumpets/cornets”.

This is also a fact.

“So why should I learn to play a trumpet/cornet”?


6 reasons you should learn to play a trumpet/cornet

  1. The trumpet is used in every style of musical performance.
  2. Trumpets are usually the leading or dominant instrument in most ensembles.
  3. The sound of the trumpet can range from a soft, expressive tone to the most powerful.
  4. Trumpets perform well in both classical and popular styles of music.
  5. Technically speaking the trumpet is as agile as any other musical instrument.
  6. Even though learning to play a trumpet takes regular practice, it’s worth it.

I still want to play a trumpet, now what do I do?

If you have been approached by a music teacher in your school to begin study on an instrument, then that would be the person to contact. If you have always wanted to play trumpet but never got around to it, continue reading.

I have been approached by older individuals who have felt the need to learn or re-learn an instrument. The reasons for this could be many but the desire to get back into music or begin an instrument is increasing in older people. If you qualify as this type of individual, I have a few suggestions.

How do I get started learning/relearning to play the trumpet/cornet?

If you are in school, contact your music teacher and follow his/her instructions. If you want to begin learning to play trumpet/cornet on your own, I would suggest the following-

  1. Contact your local music store to set up a rental program for an instrument.
  2. Find a local trumpet/cornet teacher to schedule a private lessons.
  3. By the time your rental program has ended, you should know if you want to continue.
  4. If you still want to continue, the next step is to purchase a quality instrument.

If you have played trumpet/cornet before and still own an instrument, I suggest the following-

  1. Check to see if your instrument still works
  2. If the valves move up and down easily after oiling them, continue to suggestion 3.
  3. Check the water key (NOTE: water key, NOT SPIT VALVE) for leaks.
  4. Clean your instrument
  5. Begin regular practice

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

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2 thoughts on “Getting Started Playing Trumpet”

  1. Ken Martin

    Good advice Bruce. My oldest son is a french horn player but wanted to try the trumpet so he could play in Jazz band. We did a rent-to-won deal for two years after which my son wanted to continue to play so we purchased a new horn. This was definitely the way to go for us. Only drawback was the music store where we were doing the rent-to-own didn’t carry all the major brands. It wasn’t a big deal for my son since it’s not his primary instrument and we were able to get a horn that was just fine for his needs. Not sure this would be a big deal for any of your readers, but they might check what brands they carry before signing a rent-to-own contract.

    All-in-all he is happy, that’s all that really matters. Now for his french horn teacher – I’m not so sure how happy he is – the trumpet is getting a lot of attention lately:)

    • Bruce Chidester

      Thanks for you comments and I hope we win back your trumpet playing son.

      If he needs any advice, we trumpet players always stick together. At least the good ones.

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