As you know, getting the right note to come out the bell of your trumpet can be quite the challenge! And even once you’re pretty good at hitting the right note, there’s still the issue of playing that note musically. So, since the initial attack is kind of a ‘do or die’ moment for trumpet players, we are wise to practice this skill for a few minutes each day.
Now, while getting a clean attack can be frustrating, the good news is that you are not alone. The initial attack is the ultimate test for all trumpeters. There’s nothing more finicky than putting the mouthpiece to your lips and getting the right note, the right way, at the right time. As such, the initial attack is the foundation of all good trumpet playing.
Because of this, focusing on developing a clean and reliable attack – while challenging yourself to be ready under the worst of circumstances – makes you a more confident and consistent trumpet player. A clear, solid attack is the result of a well-trained embouchure that knows what to do and when to do it.
Therefore, to become more reliable and musical trumpeters, exercises like the following are invaluable tools for taking your playing to the next level. And just so you know, this video does assume a basic familiarity with trumpet playing. But, if you are a total beginner, do not let this dissuade you. Check it out and see what you can wrap your mind around. Then, apply the principles in any way that suits you.
One last thing, this lesson comes from my ‘Weekly Trumpet Class.’ Weekly Trumpet Class is one of the available courses as a part of Blackwell’s Trumpet Trade School. The Trade School is a collection of self-paced curriculums aimed at helping trumpet players learn. Trade School Students have unlimited access to all available courses for a single monthly tuition of $10/month.
Weekly Trumpet Class 006: The Initial Attack
–
There's Plenty More Inside Blackwell's Trumpet Trade School!
Weekly Trumpet ClassÂ
A new lesson is posted to the Trade School each Monday. These classes are meant to provide you with fresh practice suggestions, answers to commonly asked questions and continued practice motivation.
Ear-Training for Trumpeters
If you have trouble sight-reading, knowing what note you’re playing or learning songs by ear, ‘Ear-Training for Trumpeters’ is a 138-lesson, self-paced course for learning the fundamentals of relative pitch. It’s a game-changer.
Community Forums & Group Challenges
The Trade School also features a ‘Student Union’ area where we participate in group challenges, keep one another motivated and share interesting tidbits about trumpet playing and music making.
Sign Up To Be Notified of The Next Enrollment Window
To ensure all incoming students receive the attention they need, the Trade School only opens for enrollment a few times per year. Opt-in below to be notified of your next enrollment opportunity. By opting-in you will also receive a small number of introductory emails for helping you navigate the free content at Blackwell’s Trumpet Basics.
Happy trumpeting and I hope to see you inside the Trade School. – James