Hey everybody! I am a young player (4 years of musical practice), I played Euphonium for 3 years at my middle school, Trombone for 1 in the Jazz Band, and Tuba this year for Marching Band. I have discovered that my strongest instrument is the Tuba, but for Christmas, I received a very nice-looking Trumpet. I have been since then trying to teach myself. I have been using the internet for fingering charts and such. I am able to get a sound out, and have played scales chromatically from the low C to the high G above the staff. At one point, I recall hitting the high C, of course, not with very good tone, nor with a relaxed embouchure! However, the sound...just, sounds off. A large factor I believe this can be attributed to, is that my embouchure strongly resembles that of a Tuba players (well...I am). My cheeks are always completely out, and to hit higher notes, I just play as though I were trying to be louder/higher on a Tuba, just completely blowing more and more air. It doesn't seem right compared what I have seen Trumpet players in my band do. Is there a certain way I should change my embouchure? Or any other vital tips for teaching myself? Thanks in advance!

well it just takes time to get a good sound, but if you can it would be a good idea to get a teacher

Oh, I know it takes time to get a good sound, and I do have a teacher I will be meeting soon (will be a big help). I'm just curious if there are any basic things I should be doing so my practice is not going to waste.

NOOOO!!!! Oh no. When are you getting a teacher? Honestly, I beg you no to start on your own. Don't pick up the horn until your with a good private teacher, and he will guide you from there. Don't even look at it, don't glance at it, don't think of it. Just LEAVE THE TRUMPET ALONE UNTIL YOU MEET WITH THE TEACHER! Please trust me with this one, I have been down that road. I played Trombone and then Tuba. I switched over to Trumpet on my own a few weeks prior to getting a teacher, and it was not beneficial, and actually caused some problems that I had to fix later on. And going for the high C at this point? You really need to build the low register first, and then work your way up. But seriously, I made the MISTAKE of trying to teach myself, and I speak from experience when I say DON'T DO IT! As for your sound, you have to let the embouchure find itself and build. I would, however recommend listening to plenty of professionals to first get a good Trumpet sound implanted in your head.

yah, you should get a teacher but since you already have experience on brass it is not that big a deal that you didn't get one right away. i do think you should get a teacher asap. it is plenty ok to play your trumpet before you get a teacher. i think you said you played tuba or trombone. my friend that is a tuba prodigy tryed my trumpet and he hit a G above high C loud and clear. tuba and trombone players really know how to use lots of air, that is why some of them can play so high on trumpet. if you can already play up to high C you probably are not doing anything wrong. but before your first lesson focus on the notes in the staff, and play long tones and focus on your sound(the most important part of trumpet playing).

PLEASE, I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE, DO NOT PLAY ANYMORE UNTIL YOU GET A PRIVATE TEACHER. I HAVE BEEN DOWN THAT ROAD. BESIDES, WHAT IS THE BIG RUSH, JUST WAIT. TEACHING YOURSELF IS NOT GOOD.

i say go for it kid
listen to some music first
youll be fine

I tought myself how to play trumpet,and I play it very well.Now internet crap or nething.I sound ok.I am able to play the Jazz bands music,but they have enough trumpets...

Well, I am getting a teacher to work with me soon (EX - 2-3 days), so that "problem" will be rectified. As far working on low range first, that's no problem, I can play the low F# easily (on Tuba, the pedal Bb is no problem). I am aware how beneficial a teacher is...so I know how much one can improve my playing, but I did want to have a basic grasp of the horn before starting with a teacher. Thanks for all the advice, everyone!

if you have AIM gimme an instant message. my screen name is tspcebtwn...and i could most certainly help you out :D