Trumpet Lesson 1.1 Assembly and hand placement

Summary

In this instructional video, the presenter guides beginners on assembling a trumpet and adopting correct hand positions. They emphasize the importance of placing the trumpet case right-side up and securely, either on a table or floor, to prevent accidents. The video demonstrates how to hold the trumpet, adjust the ring for the left hand, and correctly position the fingers and thumb for playing. Additionally, it advises on using a trumpet stand and cautions against using pliers to remove a stuck mouthpiece, recommending seeking professional help instead.

Takeaways

• 🎺 **Proper Storage**: Always keep the trumpet case right side up, either on a table or the floor to prevent accidents.
• 👋 **Safe Handling**: When picking up the trumpet, avoid using just two fingers and ensure a secure grip to prevent dropping.
• 🚫 **Avoid Unnecessary Risks**: Never let the trumpet stand unsupported; always use a stand if you're not holding it.
• 📡 **Useful Trumpet Stand**: A trumpet stand is helpful, especially for more experienced players dealing with multiple instruments.
• 💡 **Mouthpiece Assembly**: Place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe and give it a gentle twist to secure it.
• ⚠️ **Mouthpiece Caution**: Avoid forcefully pressing the mouthpiece into the trumpet to prevent it from getting stuck.
• 👨‍🏫 **Seek Professional Help**: If the mouthpiece gets stuck, seek help from a band director instead of attempting to fix it with tools.
• 🤚 **Left Hand Position**: The left hand holds the trumpet, with the ring finger going through the ring on the instrument for support.
• 👐 **Right Hand Position**: The right hand's thumb rests between the first and second valves, and fingers are placed straight up and down on the keys.
• 🎶 **Basic Fingering**: Start with learning the primary six notes on the trumpet using the first three valves.
• 💌 **Reach Out**: For further questions, contact the instructor via email or consult with the band director or private lessons instructor.

Q & A

What is the first thing to do when assembling a trumpet?

Ensure that the case is right side up and place it on a table or floor, never on your lap to avoid accidents.

What is the recommended way to hold the trumpet when assembling it?

Hold it securely with both hands, avoiding dropping it, and do not pick it up with just two fingers.

Why is it important to have the trumpet case right side up?

To prevent things from toppling over and to avoid uncomfortable moments or accidents if someone knocks into you.

What is the purpose of a trumpet stand?

A trumpet stand helps to hold the instrument securely, especially when you have more experience or play multiple instruments.

How should you insert the mouthpiece into the trumpet?

Drop the mouthpiece into the lead pipe and give it a gentle twist either to the right or left to help it stick into the instrument.

What should you do if the mouthpiece gets stuck in the trumpet?

Find your band director and do not let anyone use pliers to remove it, as it can damage the instrument.

What is the role of the ring on the trumpet for the left hand?

The left ring finger goes through the ring to hold the instrument, and it may need adjustment for comfort and better play.

How should the trumpet be positioned when playing?

It should be at a comfortable level, slightly below parallel to the ground, not too low or too high.

What is the correct hand position for the right hand on the trumpet valves?

The right thumb should be between the first and second valves, and the fingers should rest on the keys, straight up and down.

What are the different combinations of valves used on a trumpet?

Different combinations of the first, second, and third valves are used, sometimes individually or together, to produce various notes.

Where can one find more information on how to read music and fingering charts for the trumpet?

Additional information can be found on the instructor's website, specifically in the 'how to read music and fingering charts' video.

Outlines

00:00

🎺 Trumpet Assembly and Hand Position Basics

This paragraph introduces the process of assembling a trumpet and the correct hand position for holding it. The instructor advises placing the case right side up on a table or floor to prevent accidents. The trumpet is simple to assemble with no delicate parts that can be harmed by improper handling. The mouthpiece should be gently twisted into the lead pipe. The instructor emphasizes not to press too hard on the instrument and to seek professional help if the mouthpiece gets stuck. They also demonstrate the correct hand position, with the left hand supporting the instrument and the right hand's thumb placed between the first and second valves. The importance of a trumpet stand for more advanced players is mentioned, but it's not necessary for beginners. The paragraph concludes with a caution against using pliers on a stuck mouthpiece and the correct way to hold the trumpet for playing.

05:02

🎶 Comfortable Trumpet Positioning and Right Hand Placement

The second paragraph focuses on the ideal positioning of the trumpet for comfort and playing. The instructor suggests holding the trumpet at a level that is slightly below parallel to the ground for comfort. They detail the correct placement of the right thumb between the first and second valves and the pinky resting on the ring. The fingers of the right hand should rest on the keys, with the hand in a straight position, resembling the letter 'C'. The paragraph explains the use of the first three valves on the trumpet and the various combinations of valve usage that will be covered in greater depth in future lessons. The instructor encourages students to reach out with questions and to continue practicing.

Keywords

💡Trumpet Assembly

Trumpet Assembly refers to the process of putting together the various parts of a trumpet. In the video, this includes opening the case, handling the trumpet carefully, and ensuring that all parts are correctly assembled. The script emphasizes the importance of not dropping the trumpet and using both hands to hold it securely, which is crucial for beginners to learn proper handling and care of the instrument.

💡Hand Position

Hand Position is the way a musician holds their instrument. In the context of the video, it specifically refers to how to hold a trumpet using both hands. The script provides detailed instructions on where to place the fingers and thumb of each hand, which is essential for playing the trumpet correctly and comfortably.

💡Case

The 'Case' is the protective container used to store and transport a musical instrument. In the script, the presenter advises placing the case right side up on a table or floor to prevent the trumpet from falling over or being damaged. The case is an essential accessory for any musician to protect their instrument.

💡Stand

A 'Stand' is a device that holds a musical instrument in an upright position when not being played. The video mentions the use of a trumpet stand, which is helpful for more experienced players and can also be used for different pitched trumpets. The stand is not necessary for beginners but can be a good investment for future use.

💡Mouthpiece

The 'Mouthpiece' is the part of the trumpet that the player blows into. The script describes how to insert the mouthpiece into the lead pipe and gives a cautionary note about not putting too much pressure on it to avoid getting stuck. The mouthpiece is a critical component of the trumpet and requires careful handling.

💡Valves

Valves are the mechanism on a trumpet that allows the player to change the pitch. The video script explains how to position the thumb and fingers over the valves and emphasizes the importance of using the correct fingerings for different notes. Understanding valve operation is fundamental to playing the trumpet.

💡Fingering Charts

Fingering Charts are visual guides that show which valves or keys to press for different notes. The script mentions that these charts will be discussed in greater depth in another video, indicating that they are an essential tool for learning the trumpet.

💡Instrument Care

Instrument Care refers to the maintenance and handling of a musical instrument to ensure its longevity and performance. The video script provides advice on proper care, such as not using pliers on a stuck mouthpiece and seeking help from a professional if needed. This highlights the importance of taking care of the trumpet to prevent damage.

💡Trumpet Bell

The 'Trumpet Bell' is the flared end of the trumpet through which the sound is projected. In the script, it is mentioned in the context of placing the trumpet on a stand, with the bell resting on it. The bell is a significant part of the trumpet's anatomy as it influences the sound produced.

💡Lead Pipe

The 'Lead Pipe' is the narrow tube into which the mouthpiece is inserted on a trumpet. The video script instructs beginners to drop the mouthpiece into the lead pipe and give it a gentle twist to ensure it stays in place. The lead pipe is an integral part of the trumpet's construction.

💡Practice

Practice is the act of repeatedly performing an activity or skill to improve at it. The video script encourages viewers to keep practicing, which is a universal concept in learning any musical instrument, including the trumpet. Regular practice is essential for mastering techniques and improving musical abilities.

Highlights

Ensure the trumpet case is right side up and placed on a table or floor, not on your lap.

Trumpets have two pieces and are simple to assemble without risk of damage.

When holding the trumpet, avoid using only two fingers to prevent dropping it.

Trumpet stands are helpful for more experienced players and can support different pitched trumpets.

Place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe with a gentle twist to secure it.

Avoid putting pressure on the mouthpiece to prevent it from getting stuck.

If the mouthpiece gets stuck, seek help from a band director instead of using pliers.

The left hand holds the trumpet, with the ring finger going through the little ring on the instrument.

Adjust the ring on the trumpet to fit your hand comfortably.

The presence of a ring on the trumpet can improve playability and tuning.

Hold the trumpet at a comfortable level, slightly below parallel to the ground.

The right thumb should be placed between the first and second valves.

The pinky should rest on top of the ring, not inside it.

Fingers on the right hand should rest on the valve keys, straight up and down.

Different combinations of valve keys are used to produce various notes.

Further details on fingering and music reading will be provided in future videos.

Encouragement to practice and reach out with questions to the band director or instructor.

Transcripts

hi there cadetes today we're going to

talk about trumpet assembly and hand

position um first thing you need to do

is make sure that your case is right

side up and I highly recommend that you

put it on a table or on the floor next

to you never on your lap it's very easy

for things to topple over and for you to

have an uncomfortable moment or somebody

to knock into you if it's on a table or

on the floor usually you're okay so

making sure that our our case is right

side up I undo my lashes and open the

case you should have two pieces to your

trumpet um it's pretty simple there's no

place on a trumpet that you really can't

you can harm by grabbing a hold of

sometimes on Woodwinds we have some very

specific locations where I say to pick

up the instrument but really just make

sure that you're not going to drop it

and don't pick it up with two fingers

just grab a hold of the instrument and

you're going to be okay um for now don't

worry about where your hands go I don't

care if you just hold it right here um

first thing you need to do and I'm

setting this on the table I'm not I'm

not letting it stand on its own it's

never okay to let go of it unless you

have a stand like this one and I can

show you that really

quickly um trumpet stands can be very

helpful especially when you get a little

more

experience um this guy that these legs

just fold up on the inside of it you set

it on the the table and then the trumpet

Bell goes onto the stand it can be very

helpful especially later on when you

start playing multiple instruments um

there are different pitched trumpets um

sometimes you can play a flugal horn or

a piccolo trumpet or lots of other

different things um so a stand can be a

good investment for you but it's not

necessary as a beginner by any means so

I have my

trumpet it's on a stand right now and

take your mouthpiece you drop it into

the lead pipe and then I usually give it

a gentle twist either to the right or

left it doesn't matter which way that

just kind of helps it stick into the

instrument so when you flip it upside

down cuz you're just being a goofball in

class or what for whatever reason the

mouse piece won't fall out now I want to

caution you when you holding a trumpet

this is a cool sound that every

beginning trumpet player likes to

do don't do that trust me they can get

stuck very easily and I actually kind of

cringed there for a second cuz I thought

it was going to be stuck um don't do

that never ever put too much pressure on

here if your mouthpiece does get stuck

find your band director do not let your

dad take pliers to your trumpet

ever dad might think he's tough stuff or

big brother or mom or grandma or whoever

don't let him touch it take your trumpet

just like this into school have mom or

dad or grandma or Grandpa whoever takes

care of you drive you to school and

there are tools that we can safely take

that mouth piece off if you go after

this thing with pliers and start

twisting and pulling you can tear this

instrument apart do not take pliers to a

trumpet mouthpiece take it to somebody

who knows what they're

doing um enough with that for now um so

hold the trumpet my left hand is what

actually holds the instrument I'm going

to hold it right now with my right just

so I demonstrate you'll see that there's

a little ring right here my left ring

finger is going to go through that you

may need to adjust the little screw

screw here and make it closer or further

away um M and I know where it's supposed

to be so we're good um if you don't have

one of these Rings don't freak out right

now your trumpet is still going to

function but eventually you're going to

want one of these installed because it

does have some little tricks that make

it a lot easier to play and it makes the

trumpet a lot more in tune but we're not

going to worry about that on day one of

trumpet play cuz you're not going to

need it so I'm going to take my hand

like this and I'm going to put my

fingers kind of close together and I'm

going to put it through the trumpet

whoops I need to adjust that I made it a

little too close I'm going to put it

through the trumpet right here you see

what I did and my thumb can you see it

wiggling in the background right here

I'm not doing anything with that yet

these fingers grip the trumpet like this

okay and then when I turn it around my

thumb goes between the first

and the second valve on the other side

whoops I'm sorry that's that's the wrong

hand um the thumb actually just curls

around here that's your left hand your

right hand that does that so again left

hand through the instrument thumb curls

around okay that's the left hand and

then that'll hold that up to your body

okay you should be able to hold and you

can actually play quite a few notes

without even using the right hand

okay notice the angle of my trumpet I

don't have it down here it's not in my

lap it's not at the floor but it's not

way up here either okay it's just a

comfortable um level it's just a little

bit below like parallel to the ground

this would be even with the

ground and I usually put it down just a

little bit cuz it's more comfortable for

me your teacher may think otherwise they

may say other things but that's what I

teach I teach just a a little bit below

parallel cuz it's comfortable okay now

you're going to take your right thumb

and where I was talking about the first

and second valves that's where you're

going to put that right thumb you see

that between the first and second valves

buing up against this tube right through

here so that's the thumb pinky is going

to rest on top of that ring I don't

Advocate putting your pinky inside the

ring and then each one of your fingers

is going to rest on these keys I want

you to think about like a a c we use

this a lot in band so you got your C and

then your fingers should be straight up

and down like

this you're not doing this or this it's

just you put put your hand up to the

instrument and then one two 3 this is

always the first valve second valve

third valve so we teach the primary six

on woodwind instruments we only use

three fingers on valved instruments

actually sometimes in the lower voices

we have a fourth valve too but not on a

trumpet so one two and three and we use

those different combinations sometimes

you'll put just the second one sometimes

just the first Sometimes both of them

there's a lot of different combinations

that you can use and we'll talk about

those in Greater depth on the how to

read music and fingering charts um video

um on our

website

so as always if you have any questions

please feel free to email me at the

address listed below or just talk to

your your band director or your private

lessons instructor um I wish you the

best of luck and I hope you keep

practicing