Four Famous Solos for the Developing Trumpet Player: Trumpet & Keyboard Book

Ceremonial and bright. These solos carry the ceremonial weight of their Baroque origins without requiring gymnastic technique. Playing them feels ceremonial, even at an easy level; the harmonic language and melodic shape remind you you're connecting to centuries of trumpet tradition.

Trumpet students in their first or second year who have solidified basic embouchure and single-octave facility. This collection lets them experience Baroque style and famous melodies before they're ready for the full, published versions.

• Shape the phrase from the beginning rather than playing note-to-note. Even with a limited range, these melodies benefit from clear direction and purposeful breathing.
• Work closely with your keyboard player on balance. The accompaniment should support the solo line without covering it; early rehearsals should focus on establishing who leads the texture.
• Give the trumpet space to breathe naturally within the phrasing. These Baroque lines have built-in punctuation, and respecting that creates elegance rather than rushing through.

Perfect for a young soloist in a larger concert or for a special occasion recital. You might also use individual solos throughout the year as repertoire-building pieces that give students concrete performance goals without derailing their method book progress.

• Sustained legit phrasing over simple harmonic progressions
• Playing within a focused, limited range with control and consistency
• Baroque style and articulation conventions
• Listening to and balancing with keyboard accompaniment
• Building confidence with recognizable, substantial melodies