Posture (for Trumpet)
- You support your trumpet entirely with your left hand. Wrap this hand around the valve casing. Your left hand pinky can either be wrapped around the valve casing or placed inside the third valve slide ring. Your trumpet may also have a hook behind the valve casing that your thumb can rest inside.
- The index, middle, and ring fingers of your right hand will rest lazily on the three valves. Your hand should be completely relaxed with no tension in the fingers, resting in a natural C-shape. This is similar to if you were to hold your hand out in front of you and let your fingers hang limp.
- Your right hand pinky will rest on top of the hook that sits at the end of the lead pipe. Although it seems natural to do so, don’t wrap your pinky around this hook. Your thumb may rest on top of or on the side of the lead pipe.
- Hold your trumpet straight in front of your face, with the mouthpiece centered on your lips. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Your arms should hang down from your shoulders and not be pointed out to the side.
- Whether standing or sitting, keep your back upright so your spine straightens naturally up through your neck. If sitting down, sit at the end of your chair with your feet flat on the floor.