TrumpetChat

Danny · Guest

After years of playing a b-flat trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn, I finally acquired a C trumpet and now I'm trying to adjust to playing it properly. I'd sure appreciate any suggestions concerning the best way to adjust to the different pitches, how to play it in tune, what mouthpieces work best with c's, and the best way to get up to speed on transposing.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

bandman · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2005 7:58 pm Post subject:

I would suggest that you play only on that horn for a while, or at least as much as possible.
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"To be a teacher you need to be as good a performer as you can be: you'll have more to impart to your students musically." - John Haynie

HarryMarks · Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2005 2:29 pm Post subject:

When I started playing a C trumpet I decided that I would work on it every practice session. I do most of my technical and flexibility work on my Bb. For lyrical practice I split my time between the Bb and C. This way I get much more playing time on the C.

Now that I play in an orchestra, I do even more playing on the C. I have even purchased music written for C.

As to adjusting to the different pitches, I just set my embrouchure as I would for the same note on the Bb and it seem to work for me. As with most of my playing, I try to hear the pitch in my head before I start playing. Then, I have a better chance of hitting the right partial on the C.

It takes a little getting used to but is worth the effort.

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Harry Marks