Professional Trumpet Players to Check Out
Philip Smith
Philip Smith is former principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic and is one of the greatest orchestral and solo trumpet players in the world. Pay attention to his easy and full sound production, musicality, and his technical finesse.
Alison Balsom
Alison Balsom is a world-renowned trumpet soloist with many orchestras and small chamber ensembles. She regularly performs for the BBC Proms and has won countless awards.
Listen for her smooth and precise technique, expressive playing, and her warm trumpet sound.
Håkan Hardenberger
Håkan Hardenberger is a Swedish trumpeter who is widely known for his impeccable technique, vituosity, and consistent sound not matter what he plays. He performs as soloist with countless orchestra and chamber ensembles around the world and has many pieces written for him.
Instrument Step Up Links
Mouthpieces
An easy an fairly inexpensive way to sound instantly better on trumpet is to upgrade your mouthpiece. Most students start on a 7C, but after the first year, the students have quickly grown out of that mouthpiece and need an upgrade.
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Bach and Yamaha are the most common brass mouthpiece makers.
Students should look into upgrading to either:
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Bach 5C /Yamaha 11C4 (Intermediate) or
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Bach 3C/Yamaha 14C4 (more Advanced)
Step-up Trumpets
When upgrading trumpets to the next level, it is best to look for a nice used professional instrument or put in the investment and buy a new professional instrument.
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When looking at brands, Yamaha and Bach trumpets are the standard around the world. Other brands of professional trumpets are good as well, but they do not have quite the reputation that Yamaha and Bach have. Be sure to play test!
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Before purchasing an instrument/mouthpiece, always consult with your music teacher or private instrument instructor!!!
