Trumpet Knowledge

This chapter is about some music and trumpet theory.

First, I will explain why the trumpet is tuned to Bb.

Then I will give you a brief insight into how sound production works in theory.

Transposing Instruments, or why the Trumpet is in Bb.

A trumpet is called a “B-flat trumpet” because when you play a written C on it, it actually sounds like a B-flat (Bb) to listeners. This means the trumpet sounds one whole step (or two half steps) lower than the written note.

Why is this?

1. Transposing instrument

The trumpet is a transposing instrument. This means the music written for trumpet is not in the same pitch that sounds out. It is written so that players can use consistent fingerings across different instruments.

2. Makes playing easier (if you have notes in Bb)

By using the B-flat trumpet, players can read music written for the trumpet easily, even when playing with other instruments like piano or flute that are in the key of C (called “concert pitch”).

3. How to think of it

If you see a “C” in your trumpet music, you play it like a C on the trumpet, but the sound heard is actually a B-flat. So if you want to play with a piano (which plays the real pitch), you have to think one whole step up from the piano notes - so the C on the piano is the D. on the Trumpet.

For beginners, the important part is to remember:

• The trumpet sounds a whole step lower, so when you play a C, a pianist has to play a Bb to play the same note as you
• When playing with others, the trumpet player has to “transpose” (think one step higher) to match the concert pitch.

This system helps different instruments play together smoothly despite their design differences.

Tone Production Explained

Overtones or Harmonic Series

As you have probably already noticed, different notes can be produced without pressing a valve, but these are not random, they are predetermined. These are, for example, the notes C4, G4, C5, and E5. These notes correspond to the harmonic series of the note C, which is also the fundamental note of our trumpet.

We can now change the fundamental tone of our trumpet by making the trumpet longer. Longer? How is that possible?

Pressing the valves makes the trumpet longer, as the air now flows through the respective valve slides. This shifts the harmonic series downwards. Pressing the second valve lowers the entire instrument by a semitone. The notes that can now be played are no longer C4, G4, C5, and E5, but B3, F#4, B4, and D#5, i.e., all a semitone lower.

By using various valve combinations, all possible notes can be played on the trumpet. For most notes, there are even different ways to finger them due to the multitude of combinations.

Role of our Body

The role of the body in trumpet playing involves using a coordinated system of muscles for air support, embouchure, and physical posture to produce and control sound.

The diaphragm and abdominal muscles provide controlled air pressure for tone, while facial muscles form the embouchure to vibrate the lips and articulate notes.

A relaxed but engaged core and lower body are crucial for breath support, allowing for dynamic control and access to a wider range without excessive upper body tension.

The tongue acts like the painter of the sound, helping us to change tone color and pitch and articulate in any manner.

Role of the Trumpet

The trumpet is more or less just a tube that picks up and amplifies the vibrations produced by the trumpet player - similar to the corpus of a guitar. Determined by the length of the air column, which is controlled by the valves, only certain notes can be amplified and resonate well. That's why the valves we press must match the air we put into the instrument.

However, thinking the opposite way around can also be very helpful: the body should be flexible enough to adapt the resonance determined by the trumpet.

Putting Theory Into Practice

Think Like a Singer

Singing and speech could be a very good literal model for playing the trumpet, because the tone production is very similar.

When singing, the vocal cords vibrate in the larynx. When playing the trumpet, the lips vibrate. It's the same basic principle, just 10 cm further up in the head.

When singing, it makes sense to concentrate on producing a great sound and vibration, and the same applies when playing the trumpet.

Muscle Memory

Muscle memory is when your brain learns to control your muscles without you thinking about it.

The key to reach this is a very concentrated, mindful practice with a big awareness on your body and your sound.

After lots of practice, you can play notes and scales without thinking about where to put your fingers or how to blow your air.

This helps musicians play smoothly and focus on making the music sound beautiful instead of worrying about which keys to press.

That needs a lot of high quality practice time - so stay focused while practicing.

Addtional Videos

Vibration is the Source of all Sound

Resonator and Generator Principle