Hi Tony,

I am a beginning self taught trumpeter, also liking the flute. I am looking for a flexible instrument due to liking many music styles.
Both instruments seem good for this.

Having to choose one of the two for purchase, I opted for trumpet. I think good sound, notes wise comes after a lot of practice, because the lip muscles have to be strong enough to form notes. Unlike flute, where notes are there just by pressing the keys.

Maybe you have not been practicing long enough and need to give yourself more time.

I have a similar post with questions, titled "Self taught beginner concerns". Maybe replies there can help.

Eventually, we choose an instrument based on liking the sound it makes which inspires us I think.
Also important is that the instrument is suitable for the style/genre of music we wish to play, ie classical, jazz, pop.

You seem determined, so some details on your current playing status, ie how long you played and what/how you practiced can help any person replying.

I hope experienced trumpeters can post a helpful reply on this.

Hi,

I am a beginning self taught trumpeter, also liking the flute. I am looking for a flexible instrument due to liking many music styles.
Both instruments seem good for this.

Having to choose one of the two for purchase, I opted for trumpet. I think good sound, notes wise comes after a lot of practice, because the lip muscles have to be strong enough to form notes. Unlike flute, where notes are there just by pressing the keys.

Maybe you have not been practicing long enough and need to give yourself more time.

I have a similar post with questions, titled "Self taught beginner concerns". Maybe replies there can help.

Eventually, we choose an instrument based on liking the sound it makes which inspires us I think.
Also important is that the instrument is suitable for the style/genre of music we wish to play, ie classical, jazz, pop.

You seem determined, so some details on your current playing status, ie how long you played and what/how you practiced can help any person replying.

I hope experienced trumpeters can post a helpful reply on this.

Hi Toni-----

I hope my advice helps. I am an 8th grader and i have been playing trumpet for three years and I still have a lot to polish up on. It takes time and patience to deal with a brass instrument. I play over 20 instrumwnts now, including flute, and trust me. Its not hard at all. Flute is one of those things that once you have a good embochoure (lip formation and muscle), your all set. With trumpet however, you have to pratice for AT LEAST 30 minutes every 1-2 days to just maintain a good embouchoure. It takes more responsibility to play a brass instrument, and therefore, more determination. Try these tips for getting better:
1. Buzz into the mouthpiece to get warmed up
2. Play a low open C to get the lips moving
3. Chromatically move down to low G, First and third finger
4. play open G and chromatically go up to open C
5. Play some scales over and over
6. Do long tones prior to each pratice. A good long tone is when you feel the muscles kind of burn/tingle when you take the moutpiece off of your lips
E-mail me for any more questions.
Morrisonc10@yahoo.com
I hope i helped you, and remember,
DONT GIVE UP!

Hi. I've been playing for about 7 years (10th grade)and I have also been through an embouchure change which is extremely tough because you basically have to start over from scratch. To prevent this, you should probably make sure you have a good embouchure to start with - one that does not hurt flexibilty and range. Since everyone is different, I can only describe a basic lip formation. Just try to keep the mouthpeice either in the middle of your lips or a little higher. Keeping it low may help with range but at the same time, might hurt range in time. Also another big point... Make sure you don't put too much pressure on your lips. Lip muscles are weak - although you have to strengthen them, they are not as reliable as your diaphragm. Use your air. Try standing when you practice at home.

Hope this helps. Trumpet is a great instrument - don't give it up...

Toni, did you find a flute according to your Flute v Trumpet post in the flute section?

Nice! Let us know how it compaes to the tumpet once you get to play a bit.