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Resources
Free Trumpet & Cornet Fingering Chart
The trumpet and cornet share the same three-valve fingering system, making this chart useful for players of both instruments. Whether you're a brand new student or helping someone get started, having a clear fingering reference on the stand is one of the simplest ways to make practice sessions more productive. What's in the Chart This chart covers the full standard range of the trumpet and cornet, from low F-sharp up through high C and beyond. Each note is shown with a valve combination diagram — open (0), first valve (1), second valve (2), third valve (3), and combinations — making it easy to see at a glance exactly which valves to press. Who This Is For Beginning trumpet and cornet students Band directors looking for a clear classroom handout Students working on extending their upper range Parents helping a child practice at home Understanding Valve Combinations The three-valve system on trumpet and cornet gives you seven possible fingering combinations (including open). Many notes have more than one valid fingering — for example, first and third valve together produces the same pitch as second valve alone (in theory). As you advance, you'll learn which alternate fingerings help with intonation and technical passages.↓ Download the Trumpet & Cornet Fingering Chart (PDF)
Read moreHow to Care for Piston Brass Instruments
Piston brass instruments — including trumpet, cornet, baritone, euphonium, and tuba — share a common family of care requirements. Keep the valves moving freely, keep the slides lubricated, and clean the instrument regularly, and it will reward you with reliable, responsive playing for years. Valve Care Valves are the heart of a piston brass instrument. Oil them regularly — for most players, this means every time you play. Use a quality valve oil: remove each valve one at a time, apply a few drops to the valve casing, and replace it carefully in the correct position (valves are numbered and must go back in the right slot in the right orientation). If a valve feels sluggish even after oiling, it may need to be cleaned. Remove the valve and rinse it in warm water to remove old oil residue and buildup before re-oiling. Slide Care Slides should move freely and be greased regularly. Use slide grease (not valve oil — the consistency is different) on the main tuning slide and any slides you move regularly. Slides that are left dry and unused can seize, requiring a technician to remove them without damage. Emptying the Water Keys During playing, condensation collects in the tubing. Open the water key (spit valve) and gently blow the moisture out regularly. This keeps the instrument responsive and prevents water from pooling in awkward places. Regular Cleaning A full bath — removing all slides and valves, soaking the body in lukewarm soapy water, and running a flexible brush through the tubing — should be done every few months. After cleaning, dry everything thoroughly before re-lubricating and reassembling.↓ Download the Piston Brass Instrument Care Tips (PDF)
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