Accent on Achievement, Book 1: B-flat Trumpet Book & Online Audio/Software

Accent on Achievement stands out because it treats beginning trumpet players as musicians from day one, not as students working through disconnected exercises. The full-color presentation and inclusion of recognizable classical pieces and world music repertoire keep students motivated while the comprehensive review cycle ensures concepts actually stick. You get 11 full band arrangements across the first two books, meaning your ensemble has material ready to play together almost immediately.

Opening this book feels like stepping into a music education environment that respects your students' intelligence and curiosity. The full-color pages and recognizable tunes make practice feel like playing music rather than completing homework. There is a sense of progression and accomplishment as each page builds logically on what came before.

This book is designed for beginning trumpet students in grades 5-8, typically those in their first year or first year and a half of playing. It works equally well in a school band program or a private studio setting where you need a structured, comprehensive method that keeps students engaged.

• Start each practice session with the chorales in the order they appear; they build embouchure strength and breath control without demanding the range work that intimidates beginners.
• Use the scale exercises to establish a consistent daily routine rather than as isolated technical drills. Students benefit from playing the same scales in the same order each day, which builds muscle memory fast.
• Record yourself playing along with the online accompaniments so you hear what balance and blend should sound like in the full ensemble context.
• When working through rhythm and rest exercises, tap the rhythm first without the trumpet to separate rhythm learning from the mechanical challenge of the instrument.

Use Book 1 as your core trumpet curriculum for the first year, moving through it at a pace that allows the comprehensive review cycle to work. Program some of the 11 full band arrangements in your fall and winter concerts to show students that their technical work connects directly to ensemble performance. The rhythm and rest exercises integrate smoothly into sectional rehearsal time or individual practice assignments.

• Reading whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes with corresponding rest values
• Playing in 2/4 and 4/4 time signatures with accuracy
• Proper breathing technique and breath control for sustained phrases
• Scales in multiple keys and proper fingering technique
• Range extension from B-flat below the staff through G above the staff
• Articulation control through chorales and melodic passages
• Counting and maintaining steady tempo with and without accompaniment
• Recognizing and playing dynamics from pianissimo to fortissimo