Trumpet First Lesson Pt.1: How to Assemble and Hold a Trumpet
The day your child gets their first instrument is an exciting one. However, unless you, the parent, have played the instrument they will have to wait until school begins to start learning with their teacher. Here at Overture, we think learning a few basic skills, like how to hold your instrument and make your first sound, is a great place to start. In this first article, we will teach your child how to assemble and hold their trumpet.
Trumpet Background
The trumpet is a popular brass instrument utilized across many different genres. The b𝄬 (b-flat) trumpet is particularly popular in school bands. The musician utilizes their lips to create sound through the mouthpiece and uses their fingers to change the pitch of the sound.
Trumpet Anatomy
Understanding the anatomy of your instrument is essential. Before playing, take time to learn the different parts of your new trumpet. For the sake of simplicity, this list is not the complete anatomy of a trumpet, but enough to help your child learn to assemble and hold it correctly.
Trumpet Bell
The most prominent part of the instrument, the bell is the flared end of the trumpet that emits sound as you play. When holding the instrument, the bell faces away from you.
Trumpet Valves
Trumpets have three valves that divert airflow through the instrument to change pitch as you play. The valves are in the middle of the instrument and play a key role in how the trumpet is held.
Trumpet Keys
The keys are on top of the valves. The musician pushes down on the keys as they play, allowing the valve to change the pitch.
Finger Hook
Located in front of the valves on the top of the trumpet, the finger hook is where the pinky of your right hand is placed while you play.
Valve Slide Ring
Located in front of the valves, the slide ring allows for the movement of the third valve slide. This is also where your ring finger is placed when holding the trumpet.
Mouthpiece Receiver
The mouthpiece receiver is located at the end of the instrument facing you. This is where the mouthpiece is inserted when the trumpet is assembled.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece is how a trumpet is played. Shaped like a small cup with a tube coming out of the bottom, the mouthpiece is inserted into the mouthpiece receiver.
How to Assemble and Hold a Trumpet for Beginners
Continue reading as we dive into the basics of how to assemble and hold a trumpet for the first time!
How to Assemble a Trumpet
Unlike other instruments, the assembly of a trumpet is very straightforward. Begin by placing the trumpet case on the floor and opening it. Avoid opening the case anywhere unstable, as this can lead to accidents and potential damage to your instrument.
The entirety of the “assembly” is putting the mouthpiece and the trumpet together. To correctly install the mouthpiece, align it straight with the receiver, and gently insert it. Give it a quarter turn to secure it in place, and you are done! It’s important not to push the mouthpiece in too far or use your hand to force it, as this can lead to it becoming stuck in the trumpet.
How to Hold a Trumpet
Now that you have assembled your trumpet, it’s time to learn how to hold it.
Left Hand Trumpet Placement
The weight of the trumpet is held with the left hand. Referencing back to the trumpet anatomy section above, the left hand is placed around the three valves at the center of the instrument. The thumb sits behind the first valve (closest to the mouthpiece) and your index and middle fingers wrap around the third valve (closest to the bell). Your ring finger is placed through the valve slide ring, allowing for control of the slide (don’t worry about this for now), and the pinky finger can be placed wherever is most comfortable for you.
Right Hand Trumpet Placement
The right hand is responsible for controlling the valves of the trumpet as you play. The tips of the index, middle, and ring finger are placed on the three keys on top of the valves. The pinky is placed on top of the finger hook. It’s important not to place the pinky beneath the hook when first learning. Lastly, the thumb of your right hand will sit between the first two valves, and press against the tube going to the mouthpiece receiver.
Practice Picking Up Your Trumpet
Now that your child knows how to assemble and hold their trumpet, have them practice putting it together, holding it, taking it apart, and putting it away. In our next article, we will learn how to make your first sound on your trumpet.
About Overture
Overture First is an instrument rental alternative offering brand-new, high-quality beginner band instruments at an affordable price with a buy-back guarantee. We frequently cover topics related to the instrument rental industry, and types of instruments, and provide tips for new musicians and parents. Head over to our blog to learn more.
Looking for a student instrument? Overture first offers trumpets, trombones, clarinets, saxophones, cornets, and flutes. Head to our online store today!