| The trumpet is known for its strong brassy | | | | trumpet. |
| sound. Although there are three different valves | | | | Some songs can be played without even changing |
| on a trumpet, much of its sound is attributed to | | | | any valve combinations, or using any valves at all. |
| lip tension. Playing the trumpet correctly does | | | | For example, "TAPS," which is often played at |
| require strong, well-disciplined lips. Lip vibrations can | | | | military funerals or on Memorial Day and Veterans |
| seem very complicated at first, but once | | | | Day, can be played without ever pressing down a |
| mastered, they do become second nature. | | | | single valve. The entire song is played in the |
| To play the trumpet, you must pucker your lips in | | | | "open" position. |
| a way that is very similar to a puckered kiss. | | | | Likewise, almost every other song or note that is |
| Press your lips to the trumpet mouth piece and | | | | played is done so with at least a few valves |
| "smile" slightly. If you blow, creating a vibrating, | | | | pressed down. Changing from one note to the |
| buzzing, sound with your lips, then the air pressure | | | | other is done by simply moving ones lips and |
| in your mouth will force your lips slightly open. The | | | | pressing various combinations of valves. Every |
| air flowing through the trumpet produces a sound. | | | | individual note has its own preset combination of |
| The higher the lip tension, the higher the | | | | valves and lip position. In addition to producing |
| frequency and pitch you will produce. Moving your | | | | different notes, a player's lips and breath can also |
| lips up and down while blowing into the trumpet | | | | be used to play notes louder or softer. These |
| will create various harmonious notes as well. | | | | crescendos and decrescendos are a vital part of |
| When practicing the trumpet, or any brass | | | | orchestral and marching band pieces. Similarly, if a |
| instrument for that matter, a player should begin | | | | player rolls his or her tongue while playing, a |
| by working through some scales. This will help | | | | unique sound is produced. |
| strengthen the players lips and also help with | | | | There are many things needed to be a good |
| fingering memorization. Next, the player should | | | | trumpet player. Practice is just one of those. |
| move his or her lips up and down to work on | | | | Talent is another. Learning the intricacies of playing |
| strength. Trying to play with the sides of the lips | | | | a musical instrument, any musical instrument, but |
| can also help strengthen the lips. Once a player | | | | in this case the trumpet, is something that takes |
| has strong lips, he or she can mix various lip | | | | time, patience, work and heart. But maybe even |
| positions along with various valve combinations to | | | | more, in order to produce a complete sound from |
| create beautiful music. These combinations put | | | | a trumpet, strong lips are a must. |
| together are key to the traditional sound of the | | | | |