Two Little Stars for Trumpet/Cornet and Piano: Trumpet, Solo with Piano, Book

Harris wrote repertoire that respects young brass players without talking down to them. This piece sits in the sweet spot where students work on genuine musicianship and phrasing without wrestling with extreme ranges or technical passages that derail focus from music making.

The music unfolds with a gentle, straightforward character that feels supportive rather than demanding. It gives students room to focus on tone production and phrase shaping while the piano provides a stable harmonic foundation.

This piece is ideal for Grade 2 trumpet or cornet players who are building confidence with solo repertoire. It offers a manageable introduction to playing with piano accompaniment without overwhelming the developing player's technical abilities.

• Shape each phrase with attention to the natural rise and fall of the melody rather than playing straight through from note to note.
• Balance your tone across the range of the piece; younger players often brighten their sound in the upper register without realizing it.
• Work with your pianist to establish a steady tempo during the initial run-throughs so you can focus on intonation and breathing between phrases.
• Mark your breathing spots early in your preparation and stick to them consistently.

Pair this with other Grade 2 solo repertoire in a student recital or studio showcase where developing players can demonstrate their progress in a supportive context. It also works well as a concert closer in a rehearsal-based program where you want to highlight individual musicianship without high-stakes difficulty.

• Solo performance with accompaniment
• Phrase shaping and breath placement
• Tone control across the middle register
• Listening to piano accompaniment and playing as a duo