How to Increase Finger Dexterity For Trumpet Playing

A classic and instantly recognizable brass sound, the trumpet is also one of the most challenging to learn because all of the fingering is done with just three fingers. Playing the trumpet requires excellent breath control and great finger dexterity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Invest in a playing guide. You can find several series of books written by authors like Herbert Al Clark and Allen Vizzutti that can help you with basic techniques like finger dexterity. Invest in one of these playing guides and work your way through the series, developing each skill to a basic level.
2. Use the proper fingers for each button. Play the first button that is closest to your mouth with your index finger whether you're left- or right-handed. Play the middle button with your middle finger and the third button with your ring finger. Changing fingers on buttons might be fun to try but it's important that you play each button with the proper fingers in order to improve dexterity levels with these fingers.
3. Start slowly. Don't be discouraged if your fingers don't instantly fly on the trumpet and create amazing sounds. Begin by using each finger slowly and in sequence. Press the first button up and down slowly for a series of repetitions, then the second for a series of the same length and then the third button. When you have completed a slow series for each finger, play each button a little faster.
4. Work on fingers individually. It's important to feel comfortable with each finger on its designated button before you begin playing all buttons of the trumpet at once. Once you've done exercises with each individual finger and feel relatively confident, begin playing sequences that involve two buttons or all three. Repeat sequences until you're comfortable with them and your fingers are moving faster.
5. Keep each finger on top of its assigned button of the trumpet when playing. Place your fingers flat against the smooth top surface of the button. Don't press the buttons down on the side of the button or let your hand relax so that your fingers are slack and off to the side of the button. This can decrease your dexterity and finger control and could result in wrong fingerings of notes when playing.
6. Maintain a smooth sound when working on your finger dexterity. Doing so allows the process of changing notes with your mouth as you finger them to become familiar to you and will make playing easier.