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Music
TRUMPET
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AGE REQUIREMENTS
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AGE GROUP BOYS AND GIRLS 9- ADULT


The trumpet is a brass
instrument with terrific sound and it is a great starting point for a
child learning music. It has fewer mechanical parts and therefore
more durable than many
other instruments for children.
What age should my child
start lessons?
The
recommended age to start a child in trumpet lessons is 9 years. The lessons will teach your child the proper position for holding the
instrument. They will focus on embouchure (the way you shape your
mouth while playing), sound repertoire, finger placement, and music
reading. The trumpet is perhaps the most versatile instrument in
the brass family. Trumpet players can progress from jazz and pop
to classical and rock.
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REGISTRATION
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Registration
for music can be
done at anytime, as long as space is available, and your session will be
prorated. Registration can be done in person, by phone, by mail or
fax. In addition, some organizations will allow you to register on
line.
Normally these programs are very popular and space can be limited so
don't delay registration or you may miss out! Music programs are
usually 16 -20 week sessions.
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COMMITMENT
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How much
practice is necessary?
As with anything,
improving in music takes practice. One of the major problems with
children and music is the drudgery of practicing. There is no set
time, however your child must spend quality time each
day reviewing what they were taught. Trumpet practice must be concentrated and focused. Set the same
time every day to practice so that it becomes part of a routine or
habit. For young children 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity and
they spend more time watching the clock then practicing.
Instead of setting a time frame, use repetition as your gauge. For
example have your child play each piece 3 - 5 times per day.
The child does not pay attention to the amount of time they are
practicing but knows that they are on the third time and almost
finished. Ideally, your child should have a place to
practice without distractions and it should not disrupt the household.
If the home is small then you should consider the instrument chosen. A very
large instrument or a noisy instrument could be very disruptive and you
may not have the room for it.
How long
are sessions?
Depending on the
instrument and the skill level of the child lessons will run either 30,
45 or 60 minutes per week. Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis.
Your registration reserves you a time slot for the duration of your
instruction period. It is imperative that you arrive promptly for
your lesson. They will normally give you only one make-up lesson
per session and any other that the child misses will be a forfeiture of
that lesson.
Recitals...
Formal and informal
recitals are an important part of the music program. They will offer
your child the opportunity to perform, listen and learn proper recital
etiquette. These recitals are not mandatory but it is to your
child's advantage for them to participate.
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COST
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Cost
of lessons?
The cost of music lessons has four components:
- music
lessons
- cost of the
instrument
- cost of
materials
- competition or
recital fees.
Music Lessons...
The cost for lessons
would depend on whether your child is taking private or group lessons,
the length of the class and the qualifications of the instructor.
Music sessions will run
for 16 -20 weeks. As a general indication, most instruments
will be $25 - $40 for a 30 minute lesson, $35 -$50 for a 45
minute lesson and $50 - $60 for a 60 minute lesson. Some
organizations offer family discounts and group rates. Many
students enjoy taking lessons with their family or friends.
Instrument Cost...
The cost of the
instrument would depend on whether you rent or purchase the instrument.
If you rent the instrument it is usually done on a three month trial
basis that will automatically turn into a year contract if the
instrument is not returned. You can pay the cost all once at the
beginning or they will automatically bill your credit card on a monthly
basis. If you choose to
purchase the instrument you have the option of purchasing a new or used
instrument. A used instrument will be substantially cheaper and
many times are like new. Cost information for purchasing or
renting a trumpet is provided below in the equipment category.
Materials...
Initially, the materials
required will be a method book.
Some music stores will include the book with the rental of the
instrument. In addition, some musical accessories could be recommended
depending on the instructor. For instance, music stands, portable
CD players, microphones or instrument stands may be required.
Recital cost....
Competitions and
recitals are a wonderful way for your child to show their abilities to
the world and it is extremely exciting for them. However, many
recitals and competitions often have entry fees. You will need to
discuss with child's instructor their philosophy on this subject.
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EQUIPMENT
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Do trumpets come
in different styles?
Many companies
manufacture student, intermediate, and professional models. It is
suggested that children just starting with lessons use a student
trumpet. The instruments play well but do not have all the
features and craftsmanship found in an intermediate or professional
model.
Initially, your best option is to rent a
trumpet from
your local music store. If you rent the instrument it is
usually done on a three month trial basis that will automatically turn
into a year contract if the instrument is not returned. It will
cost you approximately $150.00 for the year.
Long-term
dedicated students should purchase a trumpet at some point in their development. A
student trumpet will normally work for the first three years but as the
player excels they will need to move to a more expensive instrument.
A student trumpet will cost about $400.00 or $500.00 dollars,
Intermediate trumpets will cost approximately $900.00 and the starting
price for a professional is $1500.00 with an average cost of $1800.00.
You will need to
purchase valve oil to keep the valves moving quickly and smoothly.
A mouthpiece brush and cleaning snake to help keep the trumpet in
good working condition. A music stand and method book will be required.
It will cost you between $30.00 and $50.00 to purchase these items.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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Did you
know.... Realize that the
instrument that your child begins with may not necessarily be the one
that they stay with forever. They are however, learning the
basics of music theory and harmony that can be easily converted to
another instrument.
You will know when your
child is ready to enter competition when he/she feels extremely
confident and is willing to play in front of people. This is the best
sign that your child is ready to go out and be judged for their
performance.
Rewards work very well
for children. Be sure to grant an occasional simple reward to help
encourage practice. Stickers are a great way to show approval.
Praise also tends to be a great reward; there is no substitution for a
pat on the back for a job well done.
Instruments are very
delicate and should always be protected from heat, cold and quick
changes in temperature.
It is important to
properly maintain your instrument at all times.
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TRUMPET
TERMINOLOGY |
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Harmony |
Two or more
different pitches sounding at the same time |
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EVERY GOOD BOY DOES
FINE |
A rule to
remember the lines of a staff by using the first letter of each
word (EGBDF). |
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Duet |
A composition
for two players. |
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FACE |
A rule to
remember, from bottom to top, the spaces on a musical staff. |
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Practices |
Time set aside
for your child to review what the teacher has taught them during
their normal lessons. |
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Solo |
A composition
written for one player, often with a piano accompaniment. |
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Staff |
The five lines
and four spaces used for writing music |
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Musical Alphabet |
The letters A
through G. These are used to name the notes on the staff
in a LINE - SPACE - LINE - SPACE order. |
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Trumpeter |
A person who
plays the trumpet |
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Embouchure
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The way you shape
your mouth while playing the trumpet |
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