How to Play the Trumpet for Kids
The trumpet is one of the most versatile instruments. Used in rock bands, orchestras and jazz ensembles, the trumpet is an enjoyable, interesting instrument to play. Kids can learn how to play the trumpet by using a few simple steps. However, no one learned how to play the trumpet overnight; playing well requires discipline and practice.
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Instructions
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1
Understand the parts of the trumpet. The three basic parts of a trumpet are the mouthpiece, valves and horns. The mouthpiece is where you blow, the valves are where you press to change notes and the horn is where the sound emerges. Underneath the trumpet is the spit valve. Pull this lever to release spit built up inside the trumpet.
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2
Hold the trumpet. To hold the trumpet, grasp the main part of the valves with your left thumb and index finger. Place your left ring finger through the ring next to the valves. Place your right hand over the valves, with your pinky finger through the loop next to the valves. Your three fingers should rest on each of the three valves. When you press down the valves, imagine you are holding a golf ball in your right hand; this will keep your fingers appropriately curved. If your hands are not big enough to wrap around the trumpet, do your best to hold it so that it will work for you.
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3
Practice with the mouthpiece. The first step to producing a sound in the trumpet is learning to buzz in the mouthpiece. With your lips squeezed tightly together, blow air through your mouth. You should make a buzzing sound. Put your lips to the mouthpiece and repeat this action. You should hear a higher pitched sound. While blowing, experiment to see if you can make the sound go higher or lower. Next, try tonguing. Flick your tongue toward the front of your mouth. Imagine that your air is like a running kitchen faucet; your tongue should be like flicking a knife through the flow of water. Have fun with this; try playing songs with your mouthpiece--and practice often.
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4
Learn the fingerings. The first fingerings you should learn should be from C to C. When playing C, don't press down on any valves. For D, press down on valves 1 and 3. For E, press 1 and 2. F is 1; G is open. A is 1 and 2, B is 2 only and C is open again. Several of the fingerings are the same; the only difference is the tightening of your lips and the speed of air through the trumpet.
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Practice music. To practice, play the C scale, starting at low C and moving to high C. Find beginner trumpet music in a workbook or online. Practice playing music with the basic notes and work on playing higher and higher notes.
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