If you or your child is interested in learning how to play the trumpet, there are a lot of great resources out there. Books are often the best way to learn but there are so many trumpet books out there it’s hard to know which one is the right level for you.
To help you narrow down your choice, we’ve compiled and reviewed a list of the best trumpet books for beginners to help you learn and improve quicker. Let’s jump in.
If you’re a visual learner and prefer to learn by video, check out this amazing classical trumpet course by David Bilger.
1. Essential Elements 2000 for Bb Trumpet
- Each Book Includes My EE Library
- Start-up Video learn the basics
- Play-along mp3 features a professional player on your instrument
At number one is theEssential Elements 2000, which is hugely popular amongst many instructors and teachers. It sets up students with a strong foundation by providing comprehensive step-by-step guidance. It contains tips for proper care of the instrument and techniques for producing the best sound.
Essential Elements has an enhanced learning system designed to keep lessons simple yet effective. The lessons incorporate concepts from previous lessons to promote reinforced learning.
They also seamlessly weave music theory and history throughout the lessons. Therefore, students can learn multiple concepts at once.
This trumpet book further reinforces the students’ learning with its accompanying online resource. This resource contains play-along mp3 tracks, exercises, and printable sheet music. Both the book and the online resource work together to help students build good practice habits.
Learning a new instrument can be overwhelming. However, Essential Elements provides a great support system to guide beginner trumpet players on their journey and is an easy recommendation for us to make.
2. Standard of Excellence 1 Trumpet Book
- Standard Of Excellence Book 1 Trumpet
- The Standard of Excellence Comprehensive Band Method Books 1 & 2 combine a strong performance-centered approach with music theory, music history, ear...
- The result is the most complete band method available anywhere
Next, we have theStandard of Excellence beginner trumpet book which is a well-rounded method book that covers all the basics. It follows a performance-centered approach and combines many fundamental components for beginners.
We particularly liked that students can expect to learn music theory and history while participating in lessons that develop ear training, listening, and composition. Those who follow this book’s guidance end with the ability to learn the basics of improvisational playing.
The book is very intentional about promoting learning. Along with containing colorful and engaging photos and charts, it has a built-in motivation system. It helps to measure students’ accomplishments and encourages students to pursue musical growth.
The book also has three starting systems designed to support students by maximizing positive results. These systems help students to look forward to practicing and learning to play the trumpet. Practice becomes very doable and helps students stay committed to their instrument.
3. Tradition of Excellence Trumpet Book 1
- Three unique starting systems
- Differentiated instruction and learning allowing you to customize your teaching
- Pedagogically sound two-page lessons
The creators of theTradition of Excellence method book series used the best of classical and contemporary pedagogy to develop an innovative and comprehensive teaching style. The book begins with full-color photos and videos that help beginner trumpet players develop proper posture and hand positions.
Similar to Standard of Excellence, this book has three starting systems. These systems allow students to have customized lessons, which promote practicing.
All key concepts are intentionally color-coded to encourage students to learn and retain information. Practical exercises immediately follow these concepts to reinforce learning.
On top of individual practice, this method book helps students to learn about playing in a band. It sets up a comprehensive musicianship curriculum to develop skills for becoming a valuable band member. Therefore, both teachers and students benefit from working through the book together.
It combines many topics, such as ear training, composition, and theory. However, students won’t feel intimidated because the lessons are approachable and manageable.
Related: Check out the best courses and learn to play trumpet online here.
4. Play Trumpet Today: Beginner Trumpet Book
- Book & CD & DVD Package
- 48 pages
- Size: 12" x 9"
If you want to try teaching yourself,Play Trumpet Today can be a great resource. The lessons have a design that lets you progress at your own pace.
The book supports beginner trumpet players even before they play their first note. It starts with the basics of instrument care. It also provides guidance to proper posture and hand positioning.
Once you’re ready to play, you can learn how to create a good tone and sound with the trumpet. The book also contains a fingering chart, steps to reading music, and a glossary of music terms. It truly is a reliable resource for someone completely new to music.
You can also buy this book with the accompanying CD and DVD. These resources contain recordings of the songs in the book so that you can play along when you’re practicing. They also demonstrate proper form and other practical tips.
5. Arban’s Complete Conservatory Trumpet Method Book
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Arban, JB (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Arban developed his system of study over a century ago through his experiences as a performer and teacher. He poured his knowledge into the form of a book, and many trumpet players consider it the bible of brass instruments. Therefore, many amateur and professional trumpet players have a copy of this book.
Arban’s book is one of the most comprehensive and thorough trumpet books. Aside from going over foundational information, it has tips and techniques for articulation, tonguing, and slurs. It’s a valuable tutoring book if you have a basic understanding of playing the trumpet.
The book also has a New Authentic Edition. It contains edits and updates from leading current teachers and performers. Both traditional and contemporary trumpet players can appreciate the mix of Arban’s original thoughts and modern commentary that support and enhance his lessons.
6. Accent on Achievement: Student Trumpet Book
- Series: Accent on Achievement
- Category: Band Method
- Format: Book & CD
One of the unique features of theAccent on Achievement trumpet book is that it contains a notable collection of classical and world music. It makes learning the trumpet an exciting experience because of the various practice options. On top of that, it has colorful pages to keep students engaged and interested.
The book has a review cycle that helps students to make quick progress and retain information.
It has a solid collection of rhythm and rests exercises and scales. The curriculum also incorporates solo pieces so that students can get soloist experience early in their learning.
This book is one of the more individualized options for trumpet method books. Students have the opportunity to choose from a selection of practice songs so that the trumpet is fun to play. It’s ideal for younger students because they will be more motivated to practice with songs that they enjoy.
7. Sound Innovations for Concert Band: Bb Trumpet
- Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 1 B-Flat Trumpet Book CD/ DVD
- Sound Innovations for Concert Band is a revolutionary new method for beginning musicians that combines time-tested educational concepts, input from...
- Using solid pedagogy that follows state and national music education standards, the methods is written by Robert Sheldon, Peter Boonshaft, Dave Black,...
Band teachers will especially love theSound Innovations for Concert Band. It has many teaching resources that are all accessible online. Both teachers and students can access MasterClass videos and accompaniment tracks.
Sound Innovations also has worksheets that cover various topics, including theory, chorales, and scales. The content is well-organized with assessments, benchmarks, and goals that help teachers and students progress together.
Students can also download and print additional repertoire sheet music. With this book, trumpet players will successfully develop the ability to read music and produce clear tones.
What makes Sound Innovations stand out is its ability to make good use of technology. The book and online resources complement each other very well so that students have a supportive experience in band and at home.
For added convenience, teachers can now send direct links to these online resources to their students.
8. The Jazz Method Book for Trumpet
For those of you who are looking to go down the jazz route of trumpet, then we’d recommend checking out the Jazz Method for Trumpet which is great for learners of all ages. It provides step-by-step instruction from start to finish helping students learn to develop a good tone, and they work towards playing classic and iconic jazz pieces as they progress through the book.
Students can expect to get a good grasp of fundamental techniques. The book also helps students learn improvisation at early stages by focusing on scales, arpeggios, ear-training, and chord patterns.
The steady structure of the book makes it popular amongst teachers. However, it’s also a good fit for students who are learning on their own.
This book works well with students without teachers because it’s engaging from start to finish. For example, students can listen to authentic jazz sounds from the very beginning of lessons. This approach keeps students interested and helps them to progress through the book with greater consistency.
9. The Rubank Elementary Method Book for Cornet or Trumpet
- cf-type-band-instrument-method-book, cf-vendor-rubank, reverbsync-shipping-profile:Standard Ground Less than 39.99, Tag_Trumpet
- English (Publication Language)
- 48 Pages - 07/01/1993 (Publication Date) - Rubank Publications (Publisher)
Rubank method books are well-known in the band community because of their attention to detail. These books provide very logical and easy-to-follow explanations of music theory and practice. This logic helps students to understand and effectively work on their musical techniques.
The creators of this book paid special attention to the small details to make sure that students have the best possible learning experience. For example, they make sure that the pages have a clear format so that there aren’t any obstructions to sight-reading.
This book focuses on building up and strengthening a student’s proficiency. Therefore, it provides a blend of practice material and theoretical concepts that target competency. It also has positive language so that students feel challenged rather than discouraged by tougher lessons.
Trumpet players can also expect to receive a wealth of information. The book contains practice opportunities for scales, arpeggios, and articulation studies. It has both solo and duet performances so that trumpet players can quickly gain diverse experiences and expand their repertoire.
10. Listen to My Trumpet Book for Young Children
- Hardcover Book
- Willems, Mo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
And lastly, for something a bit different that especially young children will benefit from is theListen to My Trumpet book by award-winning author Mo Willems who wrote this children’s book, and it contains valuable lessons about music in a creative way. It’s not a method book, but it can teach younger children the importance of respecting musical instruments.
It’s a unique illustrated book that tells a story about Piggie, a character who does not play the trumpet very well. Her friend, Gerald, has to pretend that he likes Piggie’s music. Piggie eventually realizes that she has to learn how to correctly handle an instrument if she wants to play it well.
This book can supplement a method book well. After students have heard the story, they can remind themselves that practice and a proper understanding of their instrument will help them grow as musicians.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
That wraps up our post of some of the most popular trumpet books, we hope it helped you to know what to look for and which ones are good.
If you’re still on the fence about which one to go for, we’d recommend the Essential Elements 2000.
In our opinion, it’s the most well-rounded and helps many different trumpet players. It’s easy to follow so that younger students can learn from it. However, intermediate students can also benefit from this book because it provides useful fundamental information. It’s a good reference book that people can refer back to from time to time.
That being said, trumpet books are relatively inexpensive and so it might be worth getting a few and see which one you feel fits your learning style better.
Some books, such as Arban’s Complete Conservatory Trumpet Method book and the Rubank Elementary Method book, are helpful references to keep in your collection of books. Other books, like Sound Innovations, have great additional online resources that make learning more accessible.
It’s helpful to get a clear understanding of your musical goals so that you can find the book that’s most appropriate for you. Make sure to find a book that sets you up for success.
- Each Book Includes My EE Library
- Start-up Video learn the basics
- Play-along mp3 features a professional player on your instrument
