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The trumpet dates back to the early 15th century, but it was Louis Armstrong who truly revolutionized its use in music. Dubbed as the first great jazz soloist, Armstrong’s distinctive style and improvisations, including his head-turning high notes, influenced nearly every jazz musician that would follow him.
Even today, the sounds of the trumpet legacy live on, with the brass instrument featured in many popular songs, including Jason Derulo’s aptly-named “Trumpets,” and Shakira’s infamous “Hips Don’t Lie.”
Trumpets aren’t just played by the famous, however; they’re also a great instrument to pick up, whether you want to play in a jazz band, an orchestra or just as a soloist. While they can be an intimidating instrument to handle at first, with practice and determination, hitting different octaves and riffing away on your trumpet is an achievable feat.
If you’re looking to invest in a trumpet, there are a few important things to know. Most trumpets are made of brass, as the material gives the instrument a bright, resonant sound. You’ll also want to look for trumpets with a smaller bore because it will support a fuller sound without as much effort. The material that your trumpet’s valves are made of (I.e. the “buttons” you push to change notes) can vary, but they need to move smoothly and quickly, so look for trumpets that come with valve oil. And, because we’re recommending these trumpets for beginners, you’ll also want to consider purchasing a trumpet that includes music sheets or instructional material.
