Practice pieces for beginner trumpet players
Speaking of the trumpet, it’s an instrument that shines across a wide range of genres—jazz, classical, pop—and it’s also a star among wind instruments in concert band.
Of course, daily practice is essential to be able to play, but if you only do fundamentals, it can get boring… For those feeling that way, I’ve picked some recommended practice pieces that are great even for beginners! Naturally, the difficulty will vary depending on the sheet music you choose, but the selection this time spans a variety of well-known tunes—from children’s songs to pop—that almost everyone has heard at least once, making it easier to get the hang of things.
I’ve included videos of actual trumpet performances wherever possible, so please use them as a reference!
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Practice Pieces for Beginner Trumpet Players (11–20)
This Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
Many people want to be able to play Louis Armstrong’s classic on the trumpet, don’t they? This piece was composed under the name George Douglas by American music producer Bob Thiele, who is said to have written it while lamenting the Vietnam War and dreaming of a peaceful world.
In Japan, the song has been used repeatedly in various commercials, including for Honda, so many people know it and many want to try playing it.
It’s a relaxed tune that doesn’t go too high, making it ideal for a trumpet repertoire.
Once you can produce a sound and play through it, start adding expression.
Since there are many long phrases where the notes change, practice long tones thoroughly—if you can support the tone all the way to the end of each long note, you’ll be all set!
Trumpet of the Night SkyNini Rosso
This is a piece by Nini Rosso, an Italian musician and trumpet player.
Rosso’s “Il Silenzio” (known in Japan as “Trumpet in the Night Sky”) topped the charts in Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, selling over a million copies, and many people may have taken up the trumpet because they loved his playing.
As the title suggests, it feels like a piece made for trumpet players, and it’s one you’ll want to work hard to add to your repertoire.
Since it begins with an anacrusis coming in on the fourth beat, make sure you enter confidently from the start.
In 6/8, keep the syncopations accurately valued, and if you practice the sixteenth notes calmly until you can play them cleanly, it will sound great!
You Raise Me UpSECRET GARDEN
This is the piece that became famous when Shizuka Arakawa, the first Japanese athlete to win a gold medal at the 2006 Turin Olympics, used it in her exhibition program.
The melody somewhat sounds like a variation on the Irish folk song “Londonderry Air,” but it’s a completely different piece.
Composed by the Irish–Norwegian duo Secret Garden, this gentle, lyrical song is perfect even for those who are just starting out on the trumpet.
Enter on the upbeat eighth note in time—neither too slow nor too fast—and be careful not to let the rhythm fall apart on the dotted eighth and sixteenth notes.
For the finer notes and the opening attacks, avoid tensing up; keep the airstream steady so the sound doesn’t become thin.
If you can create a dreamy, enchanting atmosphere, you’re golden!
Rocky ThemeBill Conti
This is the iconic movie theme with a cool trumpet part: “Rocky’s Theme.” If you can play this piece, people will take notice.
It’s easy to get carried away with such a cool tune, but if you listen closely to the performance in the film, it actually sounds calm and controlled.
Practice the same way—stay relaxed and focus on capturing each note one at a time.
From the intro, it feels like the piece was made for the trumpet.
The intro absolutely calls for tonguing practice.
Aim for crisp, articulate playing! This is a highly recommended piece to keep in your trumpet repertoire.
Light of FirefliesSukottorando min’yō
The beloved classic “Hotaru no Hikari,” often played in Japan at graduation ceremonies and at closing time in public facilities, is a farewell tune cherished by many.
When you hear it, you might find yourself thinking, “It’s about time to head home!” Though deeply woven into Japanese daily life, the song actually originates from the Scottish folk song “Auld Lang Syne.” While some phrases reach higher pitches, the tempo is slow, allowing you to articulate each note carefully.
There are many long tones as well, making it perfect practice for using plenty of breath while playing!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Starfuransu min’yō
Next is a song everyone knows: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Although it originated as a French folk tune, the version with lyrics by the English poet Jane Taylor spread worldwide as a children’s song and is still beloved today.
Almost everyone has performed it at least once in a school music class! Like “When the Saints Go Marching In” mentioned earlier, it uses a narrow range—you can play it from C up to A.
With few sustained notes and a structure made up of quarter notes, it’s also ideal for practicing tonguing.
Practice Pieces for Beginner Trumpet Players (21–30)
The Star-Spangled BannerJohn Stafford Smith
The national anthem of the United States, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It begins with a bold trumpet introduction, but when you listen to the full piece, the accompaniment by strings and harp gives it an elegant atmosphere.
It feels like a piece that expresses the national image America strives for—strong, valiant, and radiant.
Start powerfully, and in the middle section aim for a beautifully sung quality.
While Japan’s national anthem has a quiet, timeless feel, the American anthem is, if anything, proud and majestic.
The vocal range is wide and serves as good practice for the higher register, so work on producing high notes little by little.
With its broad range, it’s a melody worth challenging yourself with.