About Trumpet lessons

A bit of history of the trumpet

The first trumpets were made of shells, animal horns, wood or metal. They were used to send signals over great distances, to inform each other of news or during hunting. Trumpets, zinken and trumpets were also used to announce the arrival and presence of princes and dignitaries with a certain signal.

Is trumpet hard to learn?

As with any other wind instrument, it is important to practice regularly to build up good fitness and make progress.

What is buzzing?

Buzzing is an exercise you do with your lips, to train your embouchure and sound production.

Can you still start trumpet lessons when you're a bit older?

Learning to play the trumpet isn't really age-related. Your dental health and condition can play a role. Discuss this with your teacher during the trial lesson.

How quickly do you learn to play the trumpet?

How long it takes before you can play the trumpet well? This depends on how frequently you practise. Playing the trumpet can be compared to sports: if you practise regularly, you build up your endurance and your technique improves. Practising 10-15 minutes a day ensures that you make rapid progress.

What types of music can you play on the trumpet?

You can play many genres on the trumpet. Think of big band, brass band and harmony music. But the trumpet also plays an important role in sound tracks, musicals, opera, baroque or classical music. In jazz, salsa, funk and world music, the trumpet often takes a prominent place with great virtuosity.

What is a Zink or Cornetto?

A cornetto, also called zink, is a wind instrument from the Renaissance and is played like a trumpet (by means of lip tension). It has six finger holes and a thumb hole. The hand position is similar to the hand position of a recorder, but the sound production is via a small mouthpiece, like a trumpet. A difficult instrument to play well but with a beautiful, clear and unique sound! Listen to music by Monteverdi!)

What is a natural trumpet?

A natural trumpet is a valveless brass instrument on which one can play the notes of the harmonic series. The natural trumpet was often used in the Renaissance and Baroque. This trumpet is a long double-curved copper tube with a mouthpiece and ending in a small bell. The first natural trumpets had no holes or valves and are played exclusively with the embouchure.

What is embouchure?

Embouchure refers to the activity of the lips that produce the notes. By placing the lips against the mouthpiece in a certain way and letting the lips vibrate, sound is created, which resonates and is amplified in the instrument. The tension and position of the lips determine the pitch, in close cooperation with the mouthpiece and the length of the tube.

How is the pitch created on a natural trumpet?

The pitch on all brass instruments such as trumpet, slide trumpet, trombone, horn or tuba is initially determined by the natural notes, as determined by the length and bore of the tube. (The ratio of length and bore is called scale) Natural notes are comparable to the vibration nodes of a string. On string instruments, you can use these to play harmonics.

What is a slide trumpet?

A slide trumpet is a single tube with a mouthpiece. You can extend the tube by moving a (curved) tube that slides over it. At the end of that movable tube is the bell (horn). So, you are actually moving your entire instrument, except for your mouthpiece.

Is a trombone the same as a slide trumpet?

No, It is slightly different with a trombone. With a trombone, your bell and mouthpiece remain still, and you extend the curved double tube. Extending means lowering the natural tone series.

What do the holes, valves or pistons do?

With holes, valves and pistons you can shorten and extend the tubes of your instrument, so that the natural tone series starts on a higher or lower fundamental note. This allows you to play higher or lower notes and combine the various natural tone series.

Holes and valves

In the Baroque era, trumpets of all sizes were created, with holes and later with valves. This made it possible to play semitones and created a repertoire with a new virtuosity. Other keys could be played without having to change instruments and the range of the trumpets increased.

What are current variants of the trumpet?

Current variants of the trumpet are the cornet, the bugle or the fluegelhorn. There are trumpets in various keys: C, D, E, F, G, and trumpets high A and high B

Who are famous trumpet players?

There are too many great trumpet players to make a choice! Famous names include Louis Armstrong, Lee Morgan, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Arturo Sandoval, Freddie Hubbard, Tom Browne, Rik Mol, Maurice Andre, Eric Vloeimans, Maite Hontele, Saskia Laroo, Michael Varekamp, Ack van Rooijen, Ibrahim Maalouf and Clark Terry.

Can you learn to play the trumpet well without a teacher?

We don't think so. It is best to take lessons from an experienced musician who inspires and motivates you and can explain and demonstrate everything you want to learn.

 

More information

Playing the trumpet is cool.

Many agree! Your next step is to find a fantatstic trumper player near you .Visite the page of the teacher you'd like to learn more about and book your trial lesson first!

Taster Lesson

The trial lesson is the perfect opportunity to discuss availability, lesson location, your goals and wishes, and to experience your future teacher's teaching style. Book your first lesson package and receive a free trial lesson. (Regular price: €25)

Classical, jazz, brass band, and more!

We focus on the repertoire you play or want to learn. Specific instruction, personalized exercises, tips, and inspiration from a dedicated professional trumpet player are the best choice!

What do the lessons offer?

  • Trumpet for children, teens, adults - all levels
  • Flexibility with lesson packages of 5 or 10 lessons of 30, 45, or 60 minutes
  • Free trial lesson with purchase of a lesson package (normally €25)

Private lessons at the teacher's home or at your place

Friendly and positive atmosphere during your lessons

Lesson Packages

Lesson times, payment, and location are arranged individually between you and your teacher. Packages of 5 or 10 lessons of 30, 45, and 60 minutes are available.

Online Lessons

If you would like to take online lessons, you can contact the teacher of your choice directly to discuss the options.