Instrument Exploration: Trumpet

INTRODUCE the trumpet

Look at a picture of a trumpet and ask: “Does anyone have a guess what instrument this is? That’s right, it is a trumpet.  Have you seen or heard a trumpet before? Can you describe what it sounds like?”

LEARN how the trumpet makes sound

1. Ask students how they think trumpet players make sound on their instruments. It is likely they will say something like “blow on it.”  If you have a trumpet mouthpiece available, blow through it without buzzing your lips.

2. Explain that in addition to blowing into the mouthpiece, trumpet players (and all musicians who play an instrument in the brass family) must do something else: buzz their lips (demonstrate.) Trumpet players can change the pitch or note by buzzing their lips tightly or loosely (demonstrate.)

3. Encourage students to make a loose fist. First, ask them to blow air through the hole formed by the index finger and thumb. Then, ask them to try buzzing their lips in that same spot. They will hear and feel a difference. Finally, ask them to wash their hands.

4. Trumpet players connect their mouthpieces to the rest of the instrument, and the buzzing travels through the brass tubing and comes out of the bell. Refer back to the picture, pointing each part out as you explain. Notice the valves. Trumpet players press valves to play different pitches or notes. Pressing down a valve changes the length of the tube that vibrates, so it changes the pitch too.

WATCH and LISTEN to the trumpet

1. Minnesota Orchestra trumpet player Manny Laureano will tell you about his instrument in this video.

2. Watch and listen to this short excerpt of Wynton Marsalis playing some very high notes on the trumpet.

3. In this video, trumpeter Alison Balsom plays a Baroque trumpet, which is kind of like an ancestor to the modern trumpet. As you watch and listen, compare and contrast the Baroque trumpet to the modern instrument.

REVIEW what you’ve learned about the trumpet

1. Can you name some different parts of the trumpet?

2. How does a trumpet player make a sound on a trumpet?

3. What can a trumpet payer do to affect or change pitch? Hint: there are two main things they can do to change pitch.