How Does a Trumpet Work?

The Parts of a Trumpet

Trumpets are brass instruments that are pitched in the key of B-flat. A trumpet is a curved hollow metal tube that starts at the narrow end where the mouthpiece is and ends at the wide flared bell at the end. Three valves or pistons can be pushed in and out to vary the notes that can be played. Each valve connects to a slide that can be adjusted so that the trumpet's pitch matches the rest of the band or orchestra. This is called tuning the trumpet. Trumpets also have a water key so that the water (spit) that builds up inside the trumpet when it is being played can be drained out.

Blowing a Trumpet

The most difficult part of playing a trumpet is blowing it. The lips have to be pursed tightly together and vibrate while the player blows. It is a bit like "blowing raspberries" with a baby. While the lips are doing this, the player also has to move his tongue. Saying the sound,"tu," helps to distinguish one note from the next. It takes practice for a trumpet player to build up enough endurance to blow and hold very long notes.

Holding a Trumpet

The instrument is held in the player's left hand so that it extends straight out from the mouth. The player uses the index finger, middle finger and ring finger of the right hand to control the valves. Various fingering combinations change the length of the vibrating air inside the trumpet, which produces the pitch of the notes.

Protecting a Trumpet

Water builds up inside the trumpet when it is being played. This moisture can damage a trumpet if it is left inside so trumpet players let the water drain out after playing by pressing the water key. To keep the inside of the trumpet clean and smelling nice, trumpet players rinse the inside of their instrument with lukewarm water two to three times each week.