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u/Grimstache is offering you a free zoom lesson. Those don't come along too often.
DO IT.
As u/Strange-Following955 mentioned, the Standard Of Excellence book is a great place to start. If you had taken band in 6th grade as a trumpet player, this is likely the book that everyone in class would be using.
Just start on page 1 and practice a bit every day.
So here's the link on Amazon. A good friend of mine made a post on Facebook that it was over $8k and linked the item. Every time someone new looked at it they reported a new price. For some reason, every time the item is viewed or is added to a cart it goes up in price. It did reset at one point to $106, but we've all been watching this continue climbing in price.
Yamaha 2xxx series horns are great places to start. At first you really won't notice a difference between that and a more expensive instrument.
Yamaha YTR-2335 Bb Trumpet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007KPKXK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uOI0Bb0GE3ZC2
Trumpet is hard. It will take a lot of practice to make a good sound on a few notes. So don't get discouraged when you don't sound like Miles as fast as you would like.
Try to stay relaxed, tension breeds bad habits and will serious impede your sound.
If you can find a teacher you should definitely take a few lessons to get started. A little bit of guidance goes a long way.
I hope you love the trumpet and stick with it. Good luck on your journey!
Yup! You can also get a mouthpiece truer for pretty cheap online if you don't have easy access to a local repair shop
Get a mute bag and some protective covers for your mutes! A bag is nice to have so you can go to rehearsals and just take your bag and horn instead of hogging up space with a case. Any type of canvas bag is good. And having covers on your mutes protects them from dings and scratches and minor drops. Those things get expensive and it's just some piece of mind to have that extra protection from damage. Crown Royal bags are popular to use because they're cheap and offer good protection. If you're lucky around Christmas time, Bath and Body Works sells these felt Christmas gift bags for 3 wick candles and I happen to be able to buy a bunch for $1 each and they ended up being the perfect size for even my chonky harmon mute.
But yeah, take care of your stuff! Good luck at Uni, it's a great experience!
If you are willing to consider a non-electronic practice mute, Bremner’s “Sshh Mute” is practically silent with almost no resistance.
https://www.amazon.com/Bremner-SshhMute-Trumpet-Cornet-Practice/dp/B00C2DC8N0
Protec gig bag - $40 from Amazon.
It has a side pouch that can hold mouthpieces, music, and a couple of mutes.
I also have my Bach case, but I don't carry it around.
Don't twist. You run the risk of breaking a weld making a free fix into an expensive one.
Fisrt thing to try is to dip the mouthpiece into a cup of ice water for a few minutes until the cold has a chance to chill the shank. Now put your hot hand on the receiver and try to remove it. The idea is to chill, and therefore slightly shrink the mouthpiece and then warm and slightly expand the receiver, there are other ways to achieve this, but I think this is the easiest.
If this doesn't work, take it to a shop and they'll pull it with a specialized tool, usually for free. If you don't have a local shop, call the local schools, I guarantee one, or all, of the local band teachers have a puller and would be happy to help you out. Or, you can buy your own on Amazon for $25 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQYMHYL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TQqVCb076Y3AF
I've never used this one, but most of the reviews are positive.
A qualified repair tech can tighten it for you for not much money. The quick fix is thicker grease. This stuff is great.
If it's on the valve casing and you don't want to exacerbate it you can get a valve guard
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E583I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_M4SVWM30K2FCH1P0JGWV?psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3A69ZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_6BQQCTG238B1FPK6RXZM
If you're looking for etudes, the Brandt book is a great one to build endurance and style! If you're looking for solos you might look at a compilation book that Micah Wilkinson out together (it's got a lot of the classics). Given my background I don't have much to offer in the way of jazz. Have fun!
Brandt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007HXY4A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_TXVYGXMMFP7WYPHKKXMV
Book of Solos https://www.bookofsolos.com/trumpet-store/p/bookofsolostrumpet
This one? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OX8MOHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_8k74Fb5MX5PRA
My son is 6. I have no beliefs he will want to practice a lot. I know he might not stick with it. But I thought it could be fun to teach him as much as he is willing to at this age.:)
I second the Korg models. A cel phone will do in a pinch, if you're alone, but the mic isn't great. A clip on tuner will only register what your is doing, so you can actually tune in a noisy room.
I have this one but there's a newer model and it doubles as a metronome. (Amazon is showing weird prices, was about $15 when I bought it.)
I'll do you one better, friend! Here's a download of Arban's. It helped me out quite a bit.
However! What helped me MORE was finding solos on records that I liked and simply trying to emulate them to the best of my ability. Just put some love into it. Hint: this works for any instrument :)
I think this link will work:
http://www.4shared.com/audio/IQP8xd7M/carnival_of_venice.html
Sorry for the bad quality (both the recording quality and the quality of my playing). I forgot that I had lent my audio interface to a friend, so I had to use my computer's built-in mic. I also just did one practice run and only enough takes to make it not awful. There are some little mistakes, but it should be pretty clear.
Those mute tubes are very expensive. I bought a pack of soundproof foam panels and glued them to the inside of a cardboard box. Basically the same effect for about 1/50th the cost. It's not as effective as a practice mute but it lets you play open and may take enough edge off to avoid annoying your neighbors.
What don't you like about your current practice mute and what is it?
Personally I hated the Sshhmute because I felt like I was fighting it rather than practicing. I've o my tried a few practice mutes, but my favorite to date (other than the silent brass) is the full size Protec Liberty that looks like their straight mute, not the compact one. It's not as quiet as the Sshhmute or the silent brass, but for me it's the perfect balance of quiet and free blowing.
This one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052VE8O6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_81JERVT5GC2SS45B5ZTG
Also, all practice mutes suck compared to playing unrestricted, they're a necessary evil, not something to be enjoyed.
When it comes to mouthpiece, I agree buy a better brand used. Make sure it still has plating because brass poisoning is real.
I used to live in an apartment, and found that straight mutes still bother the heck outta neighbors. I got one of these pampet mutes, and it’s awesome. Practically silent and better on backpressure than I expected.
I have this book and its great if you like John Williams and film music. Its the original parts that you would hear on soundtrack so some of it can be a bit challenging. But its not dumbed down arrangements of great parts.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-YTR-2330-Standard-Bb-Trumpet/dp/B007G3T3TS
I found this one to be effective when learning, although you should go to your local music store and try some out if you can, in order to see what’s best for you.
Side note: probably wouldn’t be best to buy it from amazon though.
Benge made great trumpets (Pronounced like "Binged", as in "I just binged Space Force on Netflix.")
Polish the silver on it using one of those liquid silver polishes that leaves an anti-tarnish protective coating after you have polished it, apply it to the instrument and then polished it in using some very soft cotton cloths/rags. The polish and the rags will turn black as you rub the tarnish off of the silver. (Wash the rags after you're done.) To polish those hard-to-reach crevices such as between the valves, innner slide nooks, etc., use some Q-tip type cotton swabs dipped in the silver polish to get into those places really good.
Some good liquid silver polish brands include Wright's, Haggerty, and Tarnishield by 3M. I have use all of these and they all work great, and seem to be basically the same product. You can usually find them in the dish-cleaning/household cleaners aisle at the supermarket/grocery store, and also at department stores like Walmart and Target. And, of course, you can also buy them online from places like Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Wrights-Silver-Cleaner-Polish-Ammonia/dp/B07JVJP35G/ref=sr_1_9?crid=21GNL2VUVN3DD&dchild=1&keywords=wright%27s+silver+polish&qid=1591644834&sprefix=wright%27s+silver+polish%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-9
I don't have the p trumpet mouthpiece, but this describes my reaction to the Denis Wick American Classics 5C, better range, endurance, and generally more comfortable for me. I then hauled out my old Bach 5C and it felt clunky and wrong somehow.
Best of all it's only $33 on Amazon right now if you wanted to give it a try. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XJNLZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ABaeEbP1BYDKT
The Inner Game of Tennis is an amazing book. Gallwey worked with Barry Green to write The Inner Game of Music, but I didn't care for it nearly as much as Tennis. You might be really interested in reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. I'd further recommend everyone should read Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon-Kabat Zinn, which is about mindfulness meditation, or being in the present moment.
I guess you have to decide whether you want to improve or if you just want to do fun things. The reality is, most of the best practice isn't the most thrilling stuff on the planet. Surely you can endure 10 minutes of focus once a day. It's really not that bad.
Do it with a tuner. Make a game out of it. I personally like Tunable because you can see a short "history" of your pitch tendency and there's also feedback on how long you've held it in the center.
You could also do Chicowicz air flow studies and just hold out the first and last notes a little longer. Or do lip slurs and hold out some of your pitches a little longer.
I imagine you've done all of this, but if not:
Take the valve out and clean out the valve casing, by pulling a lint-free cloth through the valve casing from one end to the other. You'll need a rod to pull the cloth through, like https://www.amazon.com/Che-9221-Rod-Trumpet-Cleaning/dp/B008N9EW22/
Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the valve completely dry of any old oil. Then apply fresh oil to the valve.
Assuming this doesn’t help, then as others mention, you’ll need a repair tech to work on it.
You can use mobile apps designed for these purposes:
ios - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trumpet-fingering-chart/id6443943028
android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trumpetfingeringchart
Air speed is the key to all things. I would suggest reading/practicing Patrick Hession's book(s). took lessons with Pat and kenny robinson when i was in highschool and they both pushed air speed and direction over lip strength. Pat was a hard worker not a natural talent. even if you only read his book for his take on it and nothin else it will change the way you think about high notes. I just picked up a horn for the first time in about 12 years. first thing i did was re read his book and start using it for my warmups(aka my whole paly time because i only made it half way through the book in one run so far since my chops are out of shape). it'll take time but i can tell you i took one lesson with pat in his little apartment back in the day and he blew out my ear drums basically demonstrating...it was sweet. I also gained like 3 notes that day from air speed alone.
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I got braces in high school and when I found these things it was a game changer. Still not as good as playing without braces, but it’s a huge help and will stop the braces from cutting in to his lips.
https://www.amazon.com/COMFORT-LIP-SHIELD-MOUTH-GUARD/dp/B00H2S7TC0
local music store is your best bet. however if you don't have access to an instructor or sort of "tutorial" there are books you can buy that can take your playing further once you know the basics. rubank elementary method
This was happening to me on an old student trumpet I purchased to try and get back into playing. I replaced all the springs and guides and it fixed the problem.
Just get the right springs/guides for your model.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B06XJJ3RHX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07BH48R2T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If I had two months open to "excessive practice" I would try to take a lesson every week or every other week from the best trumpet teacher in your area. Not sure if you can afford something like that right now but I think that if you could get some in person help and direction of things you could practice to help your playing it would improve you faster than stumbling through it alone.
You could also look into some of the virtual lessons people are doing through zoom/skype/whatver is hip this week for video chats.
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As the other person who replied to you said, if you do not have Arbans yet you need to rectify that ASAP.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Conservatory-Trumpet-Baritone-Euphonium/dp/0825803853
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I'm sure you can find a PDF of it as well but unless you can print for free or have a good way to view it while playing I highly recommend shelling our the ~$40 for the real thing.
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Good Luck!
Mouthpiece puller.
If you think driving to the local music store to have it pulled is worth it, vs $17 that it costs to purchase a mouthpiece puller on amaon, then go for it. Otherwise, here ya go...
https://www.amazon.com/Cheerock-Trumpet-Mouthpiece-Adjustable-Trombone/dp/B09M8Z3NB5
SIMPLE SOLUTION...
Pickup you up some Ultra Lube Premium HEAVY slide grease for $2.99. I've use this on horns with very lose tuning slides to seal them up and prevent them from even falling out. I'm certain it will help you out.
You linked the correct tool, but for clarity's sake, it is called a Mouthpiece truing tool. A Reamer is a very different tool that's used for a very different purpose.
A truing tool is basically a mandrel that you hammer the material on to match the shape - a reamer is a cutter that removes material to get the desired shape.
Just being a stickler for vocabulary :D
I don't know how long you've been playing, and I don't know if you just came back to playing or are in 5th grade beginning band.
But if your serious and ALWAYS want something to play no matter what your skill level is, I'd suggest you get the "Trumpet Players Bible." Araban's Complete Method For Trumpet is going for about 40 bucks, BUT it's 400 pages from the most beginning of trumpet music to the most advanced music and EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
Here is the copy from Amazon, but I'd strongly suggest you get a newer SPIRAL BOUND version so it lays flat on your stand, and you don't need close pins because it's a big book.
much easier.
If you have further questions, just ask...
Peace
Make sure you're breathing correctly. I used to never be able to have consistent range above A for no reason, but it was how I was breathing. Make sure you're breathing with your belly (there should be tension right under your rib cage). Do millions of lip slurs and octave skips. Go back to your technique books I use this one currently I think it exercise 24 that's really good for range https://www.amazon.com/27-Groups-Exercises-Earl-Irons/dp/1581060572 For instance you'd go from a G in the staff to an octave above and then two octaves below. You'd go up a whole step until you're at F at the top of the staff, then you'd play the High F and then two octaves below. If you have any more questions or it isn't working, hmu I'll be glad to mentor you.
I bought a trumpet from Amazon for around $158 the company is called Eastar, the cheap trumpets work but they are a little harder to play because of their quality which I do not like, I played it for 2 years in middle school , it is a good idea to save up for a better quality brand because of not only it being easier but it having a better sound quality aswell as material because of how the slides on the insturment were hard to move making it hard to get in tune.
https://www.amazon.com/Eastar-Standard-Beginner-Mouthpiece-Cleaning/dp/B07J32MRG7/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=eastar&qid=1649973501&sr=8-6 This is the trumpet that I bought if you are wondering.
I got mine back in the 80's, and yes the intonation is a little wonky. And the sound is "different" because it is so close to your face. But I think they are worth the investment.
Mine came with a little hard case which was nice, but what I figured out is if you get a camera case for a large lens the trumpet fits perfectly along with a practice mute in the bell. The Film pockets on the side are perfect size for a mouthpiece and a bottle of valve oil.
Something like this for reference, BUT you need real zipper pockets pockets instead of mesh for your mouthpiece and valve oil.
I've used this set up while traveling almost everywhere! You can easily take it on a plane with your carry on. It's great for camping, vacations where you don't want to bring your "good" horn. They are great for "wacky" occasions, pep bands, rock bands, playing for little kids etc....
Again they are great for A) travel and #2 novelty.
I say if you got the cash to blow, they are fun!!!
Peace
If that's it- a three valve- then any trumpet music. It's just a trumpet in G.
But if you want something more "bugley" (no valves required, military style) then I can recommend the Anthology of Bugle Music
by practicing consistently has really improved both my flexibility range and endurance. Link below to check it out for your self.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0974854417/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
NOTE: You Must Take The Time To Read Through The Whole Book, BEFORE you pick up your horn.
And there is quite a YouTube following of this book for further demonstration and explanation.
Dunno, been playing for many decades and done a million method books that promised Range and Endurance. Other than joining a drum corps for a summer, I've found this book has given me a next level experience.
I have always been a solid player to C above the staff, but anything above that was always "iffiy" and drained my chops fast. But after working out of this book for as little as a few weeks I stared hearing/feeling results. When constantly practicing I "opened" up to consistent Ebs and on good days decent sounding G above high C.
Sorry to ramble on, but I just wish you younger players the best, and the only way I can show it is with my experience.
Ok, enough of the Blah Blah,
Peace
I have the Humes and Berg one, and I think it works really well. When I got it, iirc, I had determined that all the hate was for an older version made with that same weird hardened cardboard feeling material as their classic straight mutes. The metal one, like this, was supposed supposed to be better. This might be what gets all the hate.
I tried a quick google search to make sure I wasn’t giving you wrong information, but I couldn’t find the forums I remember reading. You can try to research my claims more if you want, but what really matters is that I don’t think you can go wrong with that Humes and Berg mute off of amazon
Since I assume money is an issue, 17 bucks for a decent enough practice mute.
https://www.amazon.com/Lightweight-Practice-Trumpet-Silencer%EF%BC%8CTrumpet-Straight/dp/B08F2ZXD6N
Just search either of those names in this sub and you will see posts specifically about practice routines. (You can also search google with those names and "how to practice" and come up with the same info.) I also recommend reading this advice from Wynton Marsalis!
I received the iPad Air 3 for Christmas a few years back. It was great, but far too small. I believe it was 10.9", but had the home button. I upgraded myself to the iPad Pro 4, which is a 12.9" model with no bezels. 11" is fine if it is all screen, but I personally wouldn't go below the 12.9".
As far as pedals, I use this pedal. It is super quiet, fits in the front pocket of my Gard case or in the mute bag of my Torpedo bags, and has never let me down. I've even been guilty of using it to read a book during a university ceremony for Homecoming, just so it is less obvious than if I were holding the tablet.
I'm a self-taught amateur composer, and while I've written for trumpet before (and even got performed), this is my first full concert band piece.
Here are the full score plus parts in case you wanna nitpick something, your feedback's invaluable :)
Thanks!
P.S. I'm aware the piece's a bit over the top, I'm still thinking whether that's a good or a bad thing.
Have you got a Fake Book (Real Book) Yet? Just a book of a ton of Jazz Standards. Hook that up with the "iReal Pro" app and hours of Jazz Playing Fun!!!
Hope this helps
Peace
Get a teacher. YouTubers are not going to be able to help YOU.
Listen, listen, listen! Know what you want to sound like.
Get a good horn. I don’t mean drop 4K on a pro horn, but buy a good brand, even used. The Yamaha YTR-2335 is the absolute best horn for a beginner, and I bet you can find a used one.
Good books to start with:
The Hickman is the absolute best book for beginners. I assume you read music as well - even better. You’ll learn best from this book.
Robert Getchell’s First Book of Practical Studies for the Trumpet https://www.amazon.com/First-Practical-Studies-Cornet-Trumpet/dp/0769219578/ref=nodl_
Don’t buy a band method book (Essential Elements, Standard of Excellence, whatever). These are for full band instruction and they are awful at trumpet-specific development.
One more time: buy the Hickman book.
Found a used horn and he's informed me he will sell for £360
Worth it?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/trumpet/yamaha-ytr-4320es-b-trumpet-intermediate-/1404516341
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u/Lean_ribs u/AtheistTrumpeter u/matthewL2305 u/killerflame1
This is how I got mine. Its the cheapest you can find it too. Usually they are way more expensive. :)
Update: I got one! Here's the ebay listing while it's still up... It's sort of a mystery purchase--but at least I know it's old and European (Netherlandish to be exact). Google yields nothing on the brand...
I'll report back with details upon its receipt!!
For a memorization task like this, I have always wondered if using spaced repetition with a app like Anki would be a efficient way to practice. Haven't tried it myself and haven't been able to find much information about other people trying it.
I have been there. I have tried everything. The best choice to heal REALLY chaped lips is to use Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment. Available on Amazon. - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GYVRW7S/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BM00Q6E3EVQ7W9JSYSBJ
Seriously, THE best stuff for chapped lips!!
Chop Saver is good, Vitamin E oil is good too but PawPaw ointment will HEAL and calm the burn.
Assuming you know how to download and install programs: https://www.fosshub.com/Audacity.html
It is really easy to figure out, but I'm sure you can find basic tutorials on YouTube. Let me know if you run into any problems and I'd be glad to help!
Relaxation/meditation should help. Try something like headspace for guided meditation before your practice and see how it works. Ten first sessions are free and unlimited so it should be more than enough to see if it works for you.
Not that one specifically, but I've transcribed a few of Miles's solos. The more you do it, the faster and better you get at figuring out parts by ear, and that's really useful. It also helps to figure out how it works within the structure of the song - it reinforces all that music theory you may or may not be learning.
Also, you may want to look into some software or music players that can slow things down without changing the pitch. On the Mac and iOS I use Capo a lot - it's more geared towards guitarists, but is super-helpful at analyzing music in general.
Hopefully this works
Sheet music for ""The Star Spangled Man" from the Falcon and the Winter Soldier" on flat.io: https://flat.io/score/6079ea11827340784db14515-the-star-spangled-man-from-the-falcon-and-the-winter-soldier?sharingKey=28050cc35b3b0678109d6196ba1087e1c0ded7bd3127dc7accd3c4aad84d863f01e14f9916045be0f6e0d8948f3e9b926ff5b8a70101d17283a2d39d46350d90
I don’t know how skilled you are but I have my district band high school audition piece. It’s pretty difficult even for the best kids at my school.
Here’s a link to it on flat.io District Audition Piece
I wouldn't normally suggest it, but if you're a trumpet player, it should be very easy to transcribe, or to learn by ear. - you can see the fingerings.
Songsterr gives the chords here.
Download the FREE music notation software program, Musescore (available free for ALL computer operating systems), and then enter all of the notes exactly as they appear in the music. Then have your computer play the music for you (using its MIDI synthesized trumpet sound.) This will help you with the rhythms and pitches of the music, at least, even though it won't give you a great concept of trumpet tone quality, of course (but you can get that by listening to some recordings of some great pro trumpet players.) Download Musescore here: https://musescore.org/en Hope that helps!
this is an adaptation and transposition of a bach cello suite gigue
i'm auditioning with it for my uni's wind ensemble
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vyt56i9j4379om7/Bach%20Gigue%20Trumpet%20Transposition%20-%20Parts.pdf
on cello
I have this one
https://www.amazon.ca/Protec-Trumpet-Flugel-Combination-Case/dp/B0007Y88GC
I have no real complaints at all. It’s very durable and has great protection. It’s a bit heavy side but that’s to be expected for carrying two instruments. I find for the cheaper price range it’s probably the best you can get
When I played in church all the time this is what I used. It was in the right key to match the hymnals everybody else used.
https://www.amazon.com/500-Hymns-Instruments-Trumpet-Clarinet/dp/0834191857
Arban's Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet & Cornet is one of the most well-known and widely used brass teaching materials. Someone could use this book and probably nothing else, for years and years and still find challenging pieces. Spend the $20, it's well worth it. I hear there's a free PDF of it available somewhere...
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Conservatory-Trumpet-Baritone-Euphonium/dp/0825803853
This book helped me a lot when I picked the trumpet back up about a year ago, but I played for a couple years in elementary school and knew the basics and could still read very basic sheet music. If you're starting completely from scratch, I'd recommend lessons for at least a few months.
Breeze-Easy Method for Trumpet (Cornet), Bk 1 (Breeze-Easy Series, Bk 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0897243749/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_EF5E3BRAD1WEGKMF1MH8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Because you played for 10 years, you still have your embouchure memory. You'll pick it back up pretty quick.
There's no reason why you should start from page 1 of Standard Of Excellence by Pearson. It's probably very similar or the exact same book you learned on.
As others pointed out, it's unlikely that COVID will survive long on brass. However, maybe this is just a good excuse to clean your trumpet anyway. Just use warm water and a bit of mild soap (like Dawn). The key is making sure it dries totally - you can swab the interior (these swabs are nice and can be used daily) and let it dry disassembled on a towel.
If you're feeling paranoid you could also use a sanitizing spray on the mouthpiece and leadpipe after each use.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula is the only thing that I ever use on my lips (it's Palmer's product that come's in a 3.5 oz. (100g) plastic jar, NOT the chapstick-like tube formula that Palmer's makes, which is not as good.) Its #1 listed ingredient is cocoa butter, which is rich in vitamin E. I use it frequently after playing the trumpet, and sometimes I even put some on before I play the trumpet, if my lips are chapped or otherwise in particularly bad shape. (My wife calls it my "lip spackle.") I also like the fact that, unlike other lip salve-type products, it does not contain menthol, camphor, or any other ingredients that deaden your lips. Just stuff that soothes and nourishes the skin of your lips. You can find it in the skin care section of your favorite drug store or department store, or online. https://www.amazon.com/Palmers-Cocoa-Butter-Formula-Ounce/dp/B001JGIXNA I put some of it in a smaller container that I can carry around with me in my pocket or in my trumpet case. This large jar will last you a long time.
I got my 3C in 2014 from Amazon here. Same link from my purchase history.
EDIT: I'm seeing some reviews that they received a knockoff, just be careful who the item is sold by. The one I received, albeit 7 years ago, was genuine.
I had a similar issue and my best remedy was a daily regimen of low register flexibility. I recommend Modern Flexibilities for Brass by Scott Belck. He has an exercise called “bottom feeder” that alternates rapidly between low G-D and F#-C#. My teacher told me to grind that, and I did it for ~40 minutes a day while watching Netflix. After a few months it worked wonders. It made my embouchure locked in and focused and improved my sound in all registers. Plus it gave me a monster low register. I recommend it for everyone now. Might not be your silver bullet but will definitely help. Good luck!
Use to play lead for my HS band. It can suck. I spent way too much time in practice rooms doing lip slurs from this book and long tones above the staff. When it got boring or hard I just tried to think of it as an opportunity: most players don’t get asked to cut their teeth with lead work. Only one in a band. At least you get to practice now and if you get asked to do it later you can say you have done it before.
But I feel your pain. It takes a lot of time to do right and I private instructor can help a ton. Keep it up
Looks like these will work for your trumpet:
https://www.amazon.com/Jupiter-600-Trumpet-Valve-Guides/dp/B00KIPBK06
Here is one of the reviews at the bottom: "Fit the Mendini trumpet that we bought on Amazon. Saved us from a very expensive repair and my 10yo was able to install it himself."
Here's another review: "Thank you to the other reviewer who said this would fit the Mendini by Cecilio MTT trumpet. The valve guide was identical and I can only guess that the manufacture's are sourcing the same part. I figured a music repair shop bill would exceed the original purchase price of the trumpet, and was glad to make the repairs. Everything is working well."
I use Maas silver polish for stuff like this. https://www.amazon.com/Polishing-Creme-Metals-French-Lavender/dp/B001AH8K4U/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=silver+polish+maas&qid=1614358021&sr=8-6
(Normally it's under $10.. not sure why it's $36 on amazon rn)
Something like this would be a good starter horn - just stay away from those cheap $100-150 brand new trumpets from Amazon because 50% of them have manufacturing errors or fall apart after the first month. If you're buying new, $450 is about the least you want to spend.
As far as books go, if you don't have a teacher then something like the Essential Elements Book is good because it has a CD that comes with it to hear each song, and it progresses at a good pace for beginners.
For websites, there is a lot you can learn from searching YouTube now. A little research on "how to make the correct embouchure for trumpet" and "how to breathe for playing trumpet" would be a good place to start, just make sure the videos you find are tailored towards beginners.
Practice mutes are not my favorite, but they do serve a purpose when you need to practice without bothering family or neighbors. I’ll probably be one of the few to feel this way, but I really don’t like the Shhhmute, I find it to be way too stuffy and I feel like I’m exhausting myself trying to fight the mute. My favorite practice mute so far is the older/larger ProTec Liberty mute that looks like a straight mute. It’s not as quiet as others, but I like the way it feels and sounds. My favorite practice mute is the Yamaha Silent Brass because the headphones just about let me forget that I’m playing with a practice mute at all, which lets me just concentrate on practice and less on how to compensate for the mute. But at $200, I understand that could be well outside of someone’s budget.
Protec Liberty Practice Trumpet Mute, Aluminum (ML201) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052VE8O6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_NpF6FbETP7T21
Mendini is a very cheap brand. You might be able to make a sound with it, but there also might be some serious issues that will make playing with a good sound impossible. You also don't want to learn on a pocket trumpet because the notes aren't as in tune, even for a professional player.
All of that being said, you may as well get started on the Mendini, but be looking for good deals on used Conn, Selmer, Olds, King, Jupiter, Yamaha, or Bach brand trumpets. Any of those used for around $100-150 in good condition would be a good investment.
I was able to find some wax strips that you can boil and then put on your braces. They helped me drastically, although at first they were awkward. Here is a link to them if you want to look at them. https://www.amazon.com/COMFORT-LIP-SHIELD-MOUTH-GUARD/dp/B00H2S7TC0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_mod_primary_new?dchild=1&keywords=braces+wax+trumpet&qid=1608775986&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sr=8-3
And "sit up straight and bring the instrument to your mouth." Its been 50 years for me since playing saxophone so I know my facial muscles will need a lot of work. I just ordered The Complete Schuebruk Lip Trainers for Trumpet. At least I can still read notation.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Conservatory-Method-Trumpet-Baptiste/dp/0825848849. Although you can get the original edition for $20 from other sites.
It is technically possible to absolutely master the trumpet using nothing but this book.
Chris Botti's transcriptions book has some nice solo / lead selections.
I currently also have braces and have since August 2017. I use a Greg Black BP mouthpiece which was designated for braces, however I did have the throat opened up to a 26 from the 27 it had originally. I tried wax for a bit but didn’t like it and I bought this lip guard from amazon:
COMFORT LIP SHIELD / MOUTH GUARD - FOR BRACES - ORTHODONTIC - DENTAL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H2S7TC0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oivoCbSG4EFWE
It doesn’t totally mitigate the effects of the braces, however it helps with comfort.
As to playing after you get a new wire, what I would recommend is taking it easy for a few days after until you are comfortable again. Still play your horn, just condense your practice and if anything is immensely uncomfortable or painful, or if your mouth begins bleeding, then just call it quits for the day and go back the next day.
If you’re looking for a cup mute, you won’t go wrong with a classic Humes & Berg, and they’re pretty much the same price as what you’re looking at.
Humes & Berg 102 Stonelined Trumpet Cup Mute https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002FOVO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_R7BHCbCE2CQKQ
$27 on Amazon
I'm sure this isn't the right size, but I found this on Amazon just searching "metric thumbscrew." As long as you know the size and thread pitch you should be able to find something.
A lot of music stores will have one if you walk in. Online music stores are sometimes cheaper, but I often use amazon for the convenience of throwing one extra thing in an order instead of ordering from a totally separate merchant.
Could be the body chemistry of your sweat is pitting the silver plate. Trumpets are expensive to re-plate and it's not that big a deal but if it really bothers you you can get a leather hand guard to protect it.
I believe this is the play store link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.mixcord.acapella
It has shit reviews though and isn't even compatible with my Pixel 3a. If you find a similar app for Android please let me know
TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome for iPhone
it has so many options. It’s amazing. You can change the tuning from Just to Equal for specific scales/chords, you can have it play unison, 3rd, or 5th above to help tune by ear to the chord. Super worth the 4 bucks.
Also, if you want to buzz on it while holding your trumpet, purchase a berp. They're like 15-20 bucks, the price fluctuates a bit. BERP Trumpet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E1NF0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QFyEFbD71HZ48
on a more serious note, they make things like these that are basically shower caps
https://www.amazon.com/FILTERWEARS-Pre-Filter-Repellent-Velocity-Covers/dp/B01IU77QQA/
no tape required just clever elastic
I think you understand this, but you would never “work in good tone on Bb only”. You work on “good tone”. I would say that for a beginner, the goal would be “can I produce a sound 9/10 times when I try for it”. If they can’t do that, then there is no use moving on.
All I’m saying is that the more you are able to work on only one skill at a time, the better your results.
Dr. Feirabend isn’t my jam, but Edwin Gordon is. This book (https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Sequences-Music-Content-Patterns/dp/1579990045) is the best book available for understanding how kids learn music. This is where I get most of my ideas for teaching music.
I use this Zoom Handy H2 and it's great. Records to SD card, battery operated, or you can plug it into a laptop USB and use it as an audio interface.
I have a Denis Wick practice mute that usually does the trick, although I think it does affect the control over the instrument as a whole.
If you want to pay more money, I've heard about the Yamaha Silent Brass System. Don't know too much about it, but it plugs into earbuds that allow you to hear yourself play. Not sure if it's worth the price, but it's another thing that's out there. Good luck!
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-SB7Xc-Silent-System-Trumpet/dp/B00I13N9NI
this is a mute made by Yamaha that has a good built in mic and it all uses 3.5mm jack.
I respect the hustle! You've raised over $7k on kickstarter by selling ordinary sphygmomanometers (blood pressure gauges) for $50, even though you can buy them on amazon for $12.
For anyone curious: I have tried this, and plugged my mouthpiece into a cheap blood pressure gauge I bought online. Since it's a sealed system, no air will move and you can't actually buzz. This is known as "blocked buzzing" and if $12 is still too much, you can accomplish the same thing by covering the end of your mouthpiece with your finger. Note on his kickstarter page the author claims to have invented this practice himself and calls it "the hermetic seal exercise."
Maybe the 400% price markup is justified by the ebook? But if the above excerpt is any indication, the author is sadly misinformed about both brass playing and basic anatomy.
I guess it's true, trumpet players really will buy anything if you wrap it in enough pseudoscientific wonderspeak!