TRUMPET

If purchasing a trumpet, there are several things to consider. There are three classes of instrument, beginner, intermediate, and professional. You need to figure out what is best for you (or your student). If you are planning on going on and playing in college, buying an intermediate horn would not be the best choice, go ahead and get a professional horn. If you are NOT going on to play after high school, maybe an intermediate horn would be best. If you are using a school trumpet and just want something to play for your own, a beginner horn may be best for you.

Used horns can be GREAT, especially if they are professional line instruments. Consider the condition, age, make, and model of instruments, not just brand new horns. Getting a great used horn can often be the best deal!

Jupiter, Bach, Schilke, Yamaha, Getzen, Holton are all great trumpet manufacturs. Be wary if the brand you are looking at is not one of these.

Please have a band director help you make your decision!

Keep practicing! Keeping the embouchure muscles in shape is very important in trumpet playing. Remember to practice lip slurs, read music every day, practice scales, and keep working on making your sound better. Tension is bad, pressure is bad. Remember your techniques to take away tension when playing.

Good trumpet website: http://www.trumpetexercises.net/en:for-beginners

INSPIRATIONAL VIDEOS

Jungle Blues - Wynton Marsalis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM7BzW6vhl8

Carnival of Venice - Wynton Marsalis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-jDld11jhw

How it's Made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NAaRQUTp9g

MOUTHPIECES

Bach 7c - Beginner (Usually standard with most trumpets)

Schilke 14 or 15 - intermediate and advanced

Other equipment:

Valve Oil - $5.00

Slide grease - $3.00

Mouthpiece brush - $3.00

Snake brush - $11.00