[Links in description] First time picking up the piccolo trumpet? We often get asked about how to start out with piccolo trumpet since many customers are coming to us for their first picc. Here are some quick tips on how to get acclimated to piccolo practice!

Our ACB Doubler's piccolo trumpet is an entry level pro option so I thought it would be a good option for this quick demo. You can pick one up over on our web store: https://www.austincustombrass.biz/acb...

2:00 Your high range won't be automatically better with a piccolo trumpet. What you DO get is easier slotting and navigation. You also can't just use the same airstream you're used to on your bigger horns. Here's a good way to start out with developing your approach to piccolo:

4:10 1. Play some nice, simple melodies that you know and love. Clarke studies are also a great place to start.

6:00 2. Every 15 minutes of piccolo practice will feel like 30-45 minutes on your Bb. It's a more taxing instrument to play, so make sure to pace yourself.

7:07 3. Don't over inhale! Picc takes a fairly "conversational" airstream, not a lot of force. If you're trying to push too much air, you'll wind up with a lot of excess tension. Try to relax and let the instrument do as much of the work for you as possible.

8:46 4. Do some basic slurs. This is a little more advanced. Start of fairly low, with a 1-3 or 1-2-3 combination. Make sure you're not forcing it or over-energizing the air.

9:30 5. Make sure to choose an appropriate mouthpiece! Also keep in mind that some piccolo trumpet leadpipes take trumpet shank and some take cornet shank mouthpieces.

11:00 6. Listen to great piccolo trumpet players and singers. Try to match the way they seem to float through the music.

11:40 7. Picc might not be the best choice for your first notes of the day! Or your last notes of the day.

Have any questions, comments, or yeah-buts? Post them in the comments below!

We have a bunch of great piccolo trumpet options for every budget available on our web store. Check them out here: https://www.austincustombrass.biz/pic...

Plenty more amazing instruments available at the web store too, including several treasures from my personal collection: https://www.austincustombrass.biz

Austin Custom Brass is one of the world's premier brass pro shops. We routinely have hundreds of instruments in stock. If you are looking for something in particular please let us know via email at [email protected] or call 781-944-6247 today!

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