- Lips should be relaxed and set in a natural smile (not pursed).
- Corners of the mouth should be pulled back slightly to create a tight seal around the mouthpiece.
- The lower lip should be slightly rolled under to create a cushion for the mouthpiece.
Posture
- Sit with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor.
- Hold the trumpet with your right hand, with your thumb resting on the top valve and your fingers on the bottom two valves.
- Hold the mouthpiece with your left hand, with your thumb on the back of the mouthpiece and your fingers on the sides.
Breath Control
- Take a slow, deep breath through your mouth.
- Fill your lungs with air, but do not overfill them.
- Exhale slowly and evenly through the trumpet.
Attack
- To start a note, press down on the valves with your fingers and blow into the mouthpiece.
- The note should start immediately and cleanly.
Sustain
- To sustain a note, keep the valves down and continue to blow into the mouthpiece.
- The note should be steady and clear.
Release
- To release a note, lift up the valves with your fingers.
- The note should stop immediately.
Fingerings
- Each note on the trumpet is produced by pressing down a combination of valves.
- The most common fingerings are shown in the chart below.
```
Note | Fingering
-------|----------
C | 0
C# | 1
D | 2
D# | 1, 2
E | 3
F | 1, 3
F# | 2, 3
G | 0, 2, 3
A | 1, 2, 3
A# | 0, 1, 2, 3
B | 0, 1, 3
C | 0
```
Tips for Playing Trumpet
- Practice regularly to improve your embouchure, posture, breath control, and fingering technique.
- Start with simple songs and gradually work your way up to more difficult pieces.
- Listen to recordings of professional trumpet players to learn new techniques and styles.
- Take lessons from a qualified trumpet teacher to get personalized instruction.
- Have fun! Playing the trumpet is a great way to express yourself musically.