Trumpet or cornet?

[twosoups1972]

I am asking for myself, thought this would be a good place to ask.

I have always loved brass instruments and brass bands. I have a musical background - Grade 7 piano and Grade 5 clarinet although I haven't played either for many years. I would love to start a brass instrument now.

What are the main differences between trumpet and cornet? Is one easier than the other? Can you transfer between them if you have learnt one? Many thanks for any advice.

If you want to join a brass band, go for the cornet, as trumpets don't feature in them. It's a wonderful instrument with a more mellow tone and it's easy to double on trumpet if you want to join an orchestra or other ensemble later. Find a local brass band with a beginner's group- they will almost certainly be able to lend you a cornet and give you tuition for free or cheaply. As you can already read music, you may be offered a position on the back row of the main band quite quickly (if is a lower section or non-contesting band). Most brass bands are crying out for cornet players, as each band needs around 10 cornets. I am a cornet/trumpet player and I'm happy to answer questions, but your fellow band members will probably help you a lot. As to which is easier, trumpet players will say the cornet is easier and vice versa! Let us know how you get on.

both are played the same way (I have both).
a cornet sounds softer and it's usually physically easier, doesn't need as much 'air'.

if you play cornet and are good at transposing you could also double up for french horn in an amateur orchestra.

Thank you so much, sounds like the cornet is the way to go!

Or go for å flugelhorn which is mellower still

For just learning by yourself it makes very little difference. What does seem to make a difference is the mouthpiece - when you go to try instruments (Phil Parker in London has a good selection) do try different mouthpieces.

DD started on cornet, has mostly switched to trumpet (for orchestras) but still plays cornet in brass band with DH...she also has a flugelhorn and an Eb trumpet for amusement value. You can get some really nice brass instruments without paying too much (try Carol Brass) - you can even have trumpets made to order for less than £2000 (which in the scale of string instruments is practically free - she's also a viola player and that costs £££)...