Trumpet

Contents:

Important info:

Played by: Wind & Lip vibrations
Key: Bb (transposing)
Clef: Treble
Range:

The trumpet is the instrument with the highest range in brass family and therefore can be asked to play quite high sections; this can be done easiest when playing loudly but is possible, but more difficult, when playing quietly. Playing high and quietly can be very tiring for the performer so bear this in mind, also writing sections that are slow in the mid to top range can be very tiring, this doesn’t mean you should write music like this, it’s just good to keep your performers limitations in mind.

The trumpet is a transposing instrument, meaning that when you write for the instrument the note written on the stave is different to the note that you’re hearing. The actual sounding note is a tone lower than what’s written. The key signature must also change to compensate, it needs to be raised up a tone from the concert key, for example, if the concert pitch instruments are playing in the key of C, then the trumpet must play in the key of D. Back to top

When ‘mute’ is written in the music, performers will usually use a straight mute if another mute isn’t specified.

Trumpets don’t have the problem that horns have with pitch when using a mute it merely changes the colour and tone of the instrument, as well making it slightly quieter, keep this in mind when writing in dynamics. Back to top

Trills are possible on the trumpet as well as some lip trills in the higher ranges. Most trills are possible from minor seconds to octaves; it’s all depending on the ability of the player. Remember, the wider the intervals the more difficult it is to play, especially if it’s expected to be played fast.

Tremolos are possible, but limited on the trumpet. It all depends on alternate fingerings of the valves. This means it could be possible to achieve the same note on a different valve position than the conventional position. As long as this is possible then a tremolo can be achieved, but be warned, some alternate fingerings can be slightly out of tune so experimenting is required. Back to top

#2: Valve positions & notes