Talk to me about Trumpets...

[JemimaMuddledUp]

DS2(7) has just started playing the trumpet through school. His first lesson was yesterday.

So far he can make very loud noises, then giggles quite a lot.

DS1(9) has private piano lessons which involve 30 mins practice a night. I'm guessing that learning through school will be less intense?

So, talk to me about trumpets, what should I know?

well done for supporting music in your family. Sounds like you are fab ( wish my 9 y/o did 30 mins!

Trumpets are tricky to start with as the muscles around the mouth need to develop and therefore shorter regular practice sessions are best. if your son could manage 10 mins twice a day that would be awesome but even once a day would be great. Also expect lots of raspberry blowing and funny noises...not just cos he's a boy but because it strengthens the mouth muscles!!!!

It's not so much the school based learning that is less intense but the nature of the instrument when they start brass. Over the next year he should be looking to get up to 20 mins daily.

I usually give my children one day off practice per week...stops RSIs!

So, talk to me about trumpets, what should I know?

You can get mutes, to make them softer.

DS2 has beenplaying for a year and is just about to take Grade 1.

Things to know:

• you need to look after them - empty spit out after every use and run a trumpet cloth through them

• the valves need oiling A LOT and there is a particular knack to this. Have a look on YouTube - there are some good videos. Do them one at a time, and make sure you get them back the right way round - otherwise the trumpet won't work!

• trumpets need baths - honestly! Need to take them apart and wash them out.

The cornet is a slightly smaller version of the trumpet and is a bit better for beginners as less puff is needed. The fingering and technique are the same.
In an orchestra trumpets are played but in a traditional brass band they play cornets.

Thank you all, especially the advice about mutes

I did think he might be given a cornet as he is small for his age and asthmatic so I thought it would be easier to play, but apparently the school only has one cornet and someone is already playing it (they have 3 or 4 trumpets). He seems to be able to get sound out of it OK though.

I am going to pop to the music shop when I get chance and buy a cleaning kit with brushes and oil etc so that I can clean it properly.

Dh is professional trumpet player. NO to mutes as you need to learn how to make a nice sound. Using a mute when you are just starting out will make it difficult for your ds to hear the proper sound he is making.

Wind instruments good for asthmatics apparently. Cornet is slightly easier to hold, but take same amount of puff.

Does he have his front adult teeth through? 7 is very young to be starting a brass instrument.

Dh said to plug his brass books, but I won't do that!