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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!

Practice Pieces for Beginner Trumpet Players (21–30)

L-O-V-ENat King Cole

L-O-V-E Naking Cole (Trumpet ver.)
L-O-V-ENat King Cole

Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E” is a great song.

It’s a short piece under three minutes, and once you’ve mastered the main theme, it’s mostly repetition, so you can polish it carefully.

It works well with a lively rhythm or at a slower tempo.

It’s definitely one of the pieces I’d like you to try.

I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Walk, Looking Up | SUKIYAKI [Famous Trumpet] One Hundred Selected Japanese Songs
I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

“Ue o Muite Arukou” is, needless to say, a classic Japanese song sung by Kyu Sakamoto.

Known internationally as “SUKIYAKI,” it reached No.

1 on the Hot 100 in 1963 and is one of the most famous Japanese songs in the world.

Starting around the seventh measure of the chorus there are some slightly higher notes, but apart from that the melody is relatively simple and the tempo is slow, making it a good choice for beginners.

It’s loved by people of all ages and especially popular among older listeners, so it’s a sure-fire pick to play at gatherings where many seniors are present!

Pearl of the Aegean SeaPaul Mauriat

A famous piece by Paul Mauriat, a prominent musician in the easy listening world.

In 1965, Paul Mauriat formed the Paul Mauriat Grand Orchestra and has captivated audiences around the globe, mainly through concerts.

Easy listening was popular from the 1950s to the 1970s, and many people from that generation in particular may feel a strong admiration for it.

At the beginning of the featured video, a trumpet is playing with a mute.

If you want to reproduce the same timbre, you’ll need to purchase a trumpet mute.

There are various types, but a straight mute will give you the same tone color.

For the high passages, try lowering them by an octave at first, and once you can comfortably reach the original range, give it a try.

StardustHoagy Carmichael

Stardust is a medium-tempo jazz number, but it’s also a very lovely piece when played slowly.

There are many very simple arrangements available, so to start, try choosing a chart that doesn’t have too many intricate embellishments.

The Washington PostJohn Philip Sousa

Sousa’s famous march “The Washington Post” is one of the pieces frequently performed by brass bands and in marching drills.

The trumpet solo is also very compelling to listen to.

Performances tend to rush, but since it’s a march, try not to hurry or panic—practice with a steady 1-2, 1-2 in mind.

SicilianaOttorino Respighi

Trumpet Solo ~ Siciliana シチリアーナ
SicilianaOttorino Respighi

“Siciliana” is one of the pieces frequently included in trumpet etude collections.

Though the melody feels a bit melancholic, it’s an ideal piece for practicing ascending and descending lines and is definitely one you’ll want to master.

Many scores with simple arrangements are also available.

Electrical Parade Dreamlights FanfareBobu Jani

What’s essential for a trumpet player is, after all, practicing fanfares.

There are probably various practice scores that compile only short versions of fanfares, but I would especially recommend this “Electrical Parade Dreamlights Fanfare.” It’s a fanfare that conveys a sparkling sense of excitement.