Beginner training plan
Your first lessonUnit 1: Fundamentals & First Notes (Lessons 1–5)
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Trumpet
• Parts of the trumpet
• Proper assembly and care
• Buzzing on the mouthpiece
• Holding position & posture
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Breathing & Buzzing
• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Mouthpiece buzzing drills
• First sounds on the trumpet (open notes)
• Note: Low C
Lesson 3: First Notes & Embouchure
• Notes: G, C, E (open valve combinations)
• Embouchure shaping & airflow
• Simple echo exercises
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Rhythms & First Song
• Quarter notes, rests
• Notes: C, D, E, G
• Simple exercises using 3-4 notes (e.g., “Hot Cross Buns”)
Lesson 5: Valve Combinations
• Notes: F, A (1st valve), B (1+2)
• Play a 5-note scale (C-G)
• Practice short song using these
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Unit 2: Reading Music & Expanding Range
Lesson 6: Music Notation Basics
• Treble clef, note names
• Whole, half, and quarter notes
• Begin simple sight reading
Lesson 7: 3-Valve Combos & Chromatics
• Learn B-flat scale (1 octave)
• Practice chromatic segments
• Songs with slurs and simple dynamics
Lesson 8: Articulation & Tonguing
• Use of the tongue to start notes (“ta”)
• Short vs. long articulations
• Exercises with repeated notes
Lesson 9: Dynamics & Phrasing
• Forte, piano, crescendo, decrescendo
• Musical phrasing practice
• “Mary Had a Little Lamb” with dynamics
Lesson 10: Scale Proficiency
• C and Bb Major scales
• Play scale in rhythms
• Introduce 8th notes in simple patterns
Lesson 11+Unit 3: Tone Development & Technique (Lessons 11–15)
Lesson 11: Long Tones & Lip Slurs
• Holding steady notes
• Lip slurs: C-G, G-C, F-Bb
• Daily warm-up routine
Lesson 12: Arpeggios & Simple Songs
• Major arpeggios (C and Bb)
• Apply arpeggios to song snippets
• Play call-and-response patterns
Lesson 13: Intro to Accidentals
• F#, Bb, Eb notes
• Begin playing songs with accidentals
• Explain key signatures
Lesson 14: Rhythm Expansion
• Introduce dotted rhythms and simple syncopation
• Clapping + playing patterns
• Use etudes to apply rhythm skills
Lesson 15: Review & Practice Routine
• Combine long tones, slurs, scales, articulation
• Build a 10-min daily practice routine
• Choose a short performance piece to begin practicing
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Unit 4: Musical Expression & Performance (Lessons 16–20)
Lesson 16: Style & Interpretation
• Legato vs. staccato
• Song examples in different styles
• Expressive phrasing
Lesson 17: Ensemble Skills
• Play in duet (teacher-student)
• Focus on timing and intonation
• Listening for blend and balance
Lesson 18: Practice and Performance Prep
• Select final performance piece (1-2 minutes)
• Practice strategies: sections, slowing down, etc.
• Confidence building
Lesson 19: Mock Performance
• Student performs for teacher or peers
• Receive feedback
• Practice concert etiquette
Lesson 20: Final Recital
• Perform selected piece
• Reflect on growth
• Celebrate accomplishments
