Trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba and French horn are all examples of instruments here in Brass Instruments: An Introductory Guide. Other, less common brass instruments include the flugelhorn and cimbasso. Variations on the primary instrument types also exist, for example, the bass trombone.
Brass Instrument Overview
Brass instruments all share a common method for generating sound. Vibrations from the players lips are applied to the instrument. The vibrations then vibrate the air within a path of tubing. Soundwaves project through the flared end.
Most modern-day brass instruments use valves or slides to changes the tubing length. The shorter the tubing, the higher the fundamental pitch of the instrument.
While valves and slides set the fundamental pitch, the player’s embouchure determines which harmonic frequency of the fundamental pitch is played. By combining valves with varying the embouchure, the player can play all notes within the instrument’s range.
However, not all brass instruments have valves or slides. For example, the bugle does not have valves, enabling only a single possible fundamental pitch. The bugle is limited to only this single set of harmonic frequencies. This single set of harmonic frequencies enables the bugle, an instrument with no valves or slides, to play certain melodies, for example, Taps.
Interestingly, an instrument does not need to be made from brass or even metal to be categorized as a brass instrument. The digeridoo is a wooden instrument used in indigenous Australian music. The shofar is made from animal horn. Both the shofar and digeridoo fall within the brass family because of how the vibrations are generated when playing the instruments.
Trumpet
The trumpet is a higher-pitched brass instrument with a bright tone and directional sound. The trumpet is common across many musical settings including jazz band, symphony orchestra, and marching band. By utilizing three valves on the trumpet in combination with the player’s embouchure, the pitch range can extend from F# (half an octave below middle C) to D6, nearly three octaves.
Relative to other brass instruments like the French horn and trombone, the trumpet player frequently plays the melody within a musical composition. Well known trumpet players include Louis Armstrong, Alison Balsom, and Arturo Sandoval.
Cornet and Flugelhorn
To the untrained eye, the cornet and flugelhorn may both look like a trumpet. However, the tubing of the cornet is conical, rather than cylindrical like a trumpet. The cornet and flugelhorn generate a warmer, less directional sound. Whereas the trumpet’s cylindrically shaped tubing generates a brighter sound.
As with the trumpet, three valves on the flugelhorn and cornet control the pitch of the instrument.
The flugelhorn’s sound is halfway between a trumpet and a French horn. The bell is the largest of the three instruments.
The cornet is the smallest of the three with a center of gravity closest to the player. The small size combined with the softer tone makes the cornet an occasional choice for younger players. The sound is warmer than a trumpet but brighter than a flugelhorn.
Trombone
The trombone is another common brass instrument. The name comes from the Italian word “tromba” which means “big trumpet”. It is longer than the trumpet and generates a lower pitch. Notably, the mechanism to change pitch is different for a trombone. On a trombone a large single slide changes the instrument pitch.
The sliding mechanism used to achieve various pitches enables the trombone to create a unique effect used in musical compositions, the glissando. The trumpet can be continuously played while moving to new notes, creating a smooth and continuous sound. This effect is difficult or impossible to achieve in many other instruments. See video above for a unique perspective that illustrates how the sliding mechanism is used to change pitch and create melodies.
Well know music featuring the trombone includes Twenty five or 6 to 4 by Chicago, Imperial March (Vader’s theme) from Star Wars by John Williams, and I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross.
French Horn
The French horn offers a soft, warm tone that can blend in well with other instruments in an orchestra. Shape of the French horn is distinct. However, the pitch is controlled in a manner similar to the trumpet. Three or four valves open and close in certain combinations to move the pitch up or down. The French horn is considered more difficult to learn and master than other brass instruments.
Until the 1600s, the horn was used for communication by hunters riding horseback. The instrument design and use positioned the bell facing rearward to be out-of-the-way for the hunter.
Today, the instrument is generally not played on a horse. However, the bell still faces the rear, towards the back of the theatre, and frequently provides. The majestic sounds of the French horn fill an important part of an orchestra and many musical works.
Well known compositions featuring the French horn include the Theme from Jurassic Park by John Williams, the Back to the Future Theme, by Fanfare from The Little Mermaid by Alex Menken.
Tuba
The tuba is the largest of the brass family of instruments. Three valves are again used to control pitch. The tuba is considered easier to learn than the trumpet and French horn. There are quite a few variations of the tuba. See 12 Different Types of Tubas Explained to learn more.
While the tuba typically plays a supporting role in the musical composition, it is occasionally featured. See video below for an example where tuba is center stage.
Other Brass Instruments
Other common and less common brass Instruments include the euphonium, tenor horn, baritone horn, tenor trombone, mellophone, sousaphone, and bugle.
Materials and Construction
Brass instruments are manufactured from sheets of brass. The sheets are formed into the necessary shape for the instrument using hammering and other techniques. For more information about the manufacturing process and history, see Brass instrument manufacturing: How metal makes music (thefabricator.com).
Material is an important factor in the design of a brass instrument. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. The specific material used for an instrument could be classified as yellow brass, gold brass, and red brass. The ratio of the copper to zinc determines if the brass is considered yellow, gold, or red.
Alloy Composition
Brass is an alloy, or a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements. Brass is made by combining copper and zinc.
Yellow brass is the most commonly used of the three. It offers a bright resonant sound with excellent projection.
Red brass generates a warmer tone and is more corrosion resistant. Therefore, it is used in parts of the instrument closer to the mouthpiece, specifically the leadpipe.
Gold brass is somewhere between yellow and red brass. It offers a warmer sound like red brass while offering some level of projection like yellow brass.
Nickel may also be used in a copper, zinc, nickel alloy. Nickel provides improved durability and corrosion resistance. Note that the sound of a brass-nickel alloy will be deep and full compared with yellow brass.
Lacquer
Finally, consider the lacquer applied to the instrument. Lacquer protects the metal from corrosion and improves the instrument’s longevity. However, the lacquer also influences sound characteristics. Gold lacquer will provide a more powerful sound. Whereas a silver lacquer will be softer and more nuanced.
Selecting a Mouthpiece
Mouthpiece selection is also an important part of Brass Instrument Selection and Maintenance. The mouthpiece has a surprisingly significant impact on the sound and playability of the instrument. More than any other component, the mouthpiece should be selected based on player preference and experience.
Mouthpiece selection can be optimized for a brighter sound enabling the player to cut through the band. A warmer sound is also possible to enable the player to blend end more easily. Features that impact the performance of a mouthpiece include the rim, the cup, the throat, and the shape. Design aspects of rim, for example, the rim diameter, rim width, rim contour, and rim bite are specifications of a mouthpiece.
Mouthpiece Material Selection
Similar material considerations also exist for the mouthpiece. Generally, the mouthpiece is made from brass. A silver plating is typical. However, gold plating also is available. Some players perceive gold plating to offer a warmer tone. Gold plating is less likely to discolor over time.
Mouthpiece Sizing
Unfortunately, there is no universal industry standard for mouthpiece sizing. Each manufacturer may have their own sizing. A smaller sized mouthpiece, something like a Bach 7C, would generally be considered optimal for a beginning student.
See Brass Instrument Mouthpiece Buying Guide for more information on selecting a mouthpiece.
When to Select a New Mouthpiece?
With time, student’s pitch range and daily practice time should increase. Mouthpiece sizing should progress as well. For the trumpet player, the player would first transition from 7C to 5C, then from 5C to 3C. Updating the mouthpiece as soon as the student is ready is optimal. Achieving further increased range with the current mouthpiece may force the player to make improper technique changes. Delaying the move to the next size could therefore result in development of poor technique, tone, and tuning.
Size 3C is a good size to use long-term including through the high school years. The student should consult with the student’s instructor before moving from 3C to another size.
Brass Instrument Accessories
Additional accessories, beyond the mouthpiece, help playing and maintaining a brass instrument. Many brass instruments include accessories. Alternatively, purchase them separately, as needed:
- Instrument stand
- Cleaning cloth
- Practice mute
- Performance mute
- Gloves
- Oil, lubricant, grease, etc.
- Cleaning kit
Maintaining a Brass Instrument
Like most instrument families, brass instruments require regular maintenance.
Cleaning
At least once a week, clean the outside of your brass instrument by wiping with a cloth by hand. Clean the leadpipe using a snake pipe designed for cleaning brass instruments.
Perform a thorough cleaning of your instrument every month. See the following video to learn more.
For brass instruments, schedule a professional cleaning every year. Professional cleaning involves ultrasonic washing and is more thorough than can be performed at home.
Cleaning is regular cleaning is critical for brass instruments. Cleaning helps prevent corrosion and also helps to keep the player healthy by preventing mold and bacteria buildup.
Lubricants
The application of correct lubricants is critical to maintaining a functional brass instrument. Different parts of the instrument may require their own specific lubricant. For example, the trumpet requires a lubricant for the tuning slide, the valve slide, and the pistons. Synthetic lubricants are a great choice, especially for the younger student who may occasionally miss the required maintenance schedule. Synthetic lubricants are more expensive than their petroleum-based counterparts. However, synthetic lubricants dry out slowly.
Good Luck on Your Musical Journey!
Selecting and maintaining a brass instrument is a small but critical part of the process of developing as a musician. Thank you for reading Brass Instruments: An Introductory Guide. Be sure to visit inquisitivemaestro to learn more.