Trumpet / Cornet

The trumpet is a flashy instrument. It provides fanfares and strength in the orchestra and is definitely for extroverts! The cornet is the brass band equivalent with a more mellow tone but equal versatility. Whether you wish to play Renaissance, orchestral, brass band, wind band, jazz or rock music, the trumpet will give you a chance to show off!

Starting age

• As early as 7 years on cornet, depending on size and dental development.

Cost

• New approx £175
• 2nd hand approx £130

Hire

• Readily available from most sources and Kent Music.

Running Costs

• Minimal - just valve oil and slide grease is essential.

Suitability

• Teeth are important. A fixed brace may sometimes impede learning; at worst this may necessitate a temporary change to an instrument with a larger mouthpiece (euphonium, trombone or tuba).

Where to play

• Very wide choice of styles, from the early baroque, through wind bands, brass bands and orchestras, to jazz and rock bands.
• Find out more about instrument care and maintenance

Famous Pieces

• Haydn - Concerto - The most famous trumpet concerto
• Hummel - Concerto - Very popular - expecially the last movement
• Arutyunyan - Concerto - Armenian composer - very memorable and exciting

Famous Solos

• Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Bach) - Plenty of high playing throughout Star Wars - with Maurice Murphy of the London Symphony Orchestra
• Brassed Off (film) Features superb brass playing by Grimethorpe Colliery Band throughout - listen for the amazing solo in the William Tell Overture (all played in one breath!)

Famous Performers

• Crispian Steele-Perkins - English specialist in the Baroque trumpet
• Maurice André - French virtuoso with a very French sound
• Håken Hardenberger - Swedish performer - very stylish playing
• Wynton Marsalis - American - one of the few performers truly at home in the jazz and classical fields
• Maynard Ferguson - Renowned jazz "scream" trumpeter - plays high notes that don't really exist
• Louise Armstrong - The most famous dixieland jazz trumpeter