How to Play Jazz Cornet

The cornet is a difficult instrument to learn because of its range and the breath mastery required to produce a beautiful sound. Cornet music often doesn't showcase the wonderful talents of those who learn to play this underrated instrument. Jazz captures the soul of the artist and maintains the heartbeat of this tradition-rich genre. Learn how to play jazz cornet and exercise your creativity in a vibrant and non-restrictive way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn the basics of cornet playing before attempting to learn jazz skills, as this foundation is necessary for advancement. Master some basic music theory including chords, scales, and progressions as well as good cornet technique.
2. Secure a mentor or teacher that can help you to learn to play jazz cornet properly. Listen to plenty of recordings of jazz trumpeters and cornet players to get a good feel for the genre.
3. Learn about jazz theory like pentatonic scales, blues chords, jazz articulation, jazz harmonics and proper riffing from either self-instruction or a learned teacher. These elements are all necessary for your musical education. Practice music theory for at least thirty minutes a day before you play.
4. Play along with a favorite recording or practice an easy repertoire piece chosen by yourself or by you and your teacher. Learn to ease into the music and to play around with improvisation, become more comfortable soloing using your new found theory information.
5. Spend at least thirty minutes of your practice time simply practicing articulation and improvisation using a recording or playing with other jazz musicians. Train your ear to hear the right moment to play a riff and to become comfortable with jazz timing.
6. Join a jazz band ensemble. Practice and play as often as possible to become better versed in jazz playing, and don't forget to have fun and be creative.