Beginner Question: Proper Way to Hold A Trumpet?

[javelinbeetle]

I know this might be a dumb question, but what is the correct way to hold a trumpet? Do some people put their middle finger in the ring? Also are you not suppose to put your pinky in the hook?

[zaferis]

Welcome to TH..

There is some variety here.. but I like to teach--left hand holds the trumpet-thumb and 1st two fingers around the valve cluster, your ring finger in the 3rd valve slide ring. Unless your hands are very large or very small, this is a good place to start.

The right hand stays relaxed in the shape of a backwards "C" (like you're holding a hamburger-not flat fingers and not unnaturally curved), thumb placed against the valve casing between the 1st and 2nd valves, under the leadpipe (don't bend the thumb-maintain that relaxed C shape). Pinky sitting on top of the finger ring (allowing it to fly around in conjunction with the 3rd finger movements. (That ring is there for part-time use: page turns, mute work or added stability at certain times (when a lyre is attached or when you're marching/moving around)).

I like this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UFKaEBrZV0

Here's another (notice how similar they are)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZW0MxUc7z8
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Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman