Skip to main content

How to Transpose From a Trumpet to a Trombone

The trombone is one of the lowest sounding brass instruments.

The trumpet is a transposing instrument that sounds a major second higher than written. If a trumpet plays a Bb, it will sound like a C. Transposition is the process of moving notes up or down in pitch by a constant interval. Changing the trumpet notation allows the majority of the notes to stay within the musical staff. Although transpositions make it easier to read trumpet music, this does make it difficult to play trumpet music on nontransposing instruments such as the trombone.

Learn the notes of the chromatic scale. The chromatic scale consists of C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G, A, A#/Bb, B.

Learn how to write a major second. A major second is both two half-steps and one note name away from the starting pitch. Using the chromatic scale, D# is both two half-steps and one note name away from C#. While Db produces the same sound as C#, it is technically incorrect to transpose to a Db.

Transpose all of the trumpet notes up a major second and then down an octave. An octave is simply one note name lower or 12 half steps. The trombone has the same basic range as the trumpet, but it plays one octave lower.

Write the new part out on a sheet of staff paper using the bass clef instead of treble clef. The bass clef is the clef used for instruments that play the majority of their range below middle C. Treble clef is used for instruments that play primarily above middle C.

Tips


  • Download a notation program such as MuseScore to input the trumpet part and then automatically transpose the notes.
  • Take your time writing the parts. Even a single wrong note will ruin the performance.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

List of Musical Techniques and Their Meanings

Musical techniques are the building blocks of any basic music training. These techniques allow performers to improve their coordination and develop accuracy through repetitive daily exercises. Musical techniques progressively build upon previously learned techniques. Scales Scales form the basis for other musical techniques. Student may study major and minor scales as well as modern scales, such as the whole-tone and octatonic scales. A scale consists of patterns of half steps and whole steps. These whole steps and half-step arrangements will be different for each scale. Scales are musical techniques that can help a performer to play faster and more accurately, and make learning new pieces easier. Chords Chords require knowledge of major and minor scales. Chords come in several different forms that affect the sound. Triads consist of three notes spaced a third apart and classified as major, minor, augmented and diminished chords. Seventh chords build on triads and have an additional no
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Claude Debussy Never Cared About Music Theory

  Claude Debussy was born on August 22, 1862. So, I felt writing a blog post to celebrate would be appropriate. Debussy was a revolutionary composer who challenged the conventions of Western music. He was influenced by the impressionist painters, the exotic sounds of gamelan music, and the symbolist poets. He created a musical language that was expressive, colorful, and atmospheric. One of the most remarkable aspects of Debussy's music is his use of harmony. He did not follow the rules of tonality and functional harmony that dominated the music of his time. Instead, he used modes, scales, chords, and parallel movements that created a sense of ambiguity and fluidity. He also experimented with timbre, texture, rhythm, and form to create musical images that evoked moods and emotions. Debussy's music can inspire us to think outside the box and explore new possibilities in our own compositions. We can learn from his innovative techniques and his artistic vision. We can also apprecia
Post a Comment
Read more

Musical Instruments That Make Animal Sounds

Common orchestra instruments are capable of animal sounds. Instruments throughout history have replicated and imitated animals. From Beethoven to Bernstein, composers have sought new and interesting uses for traditional orchestra instruments. The temptation to recreate nature through musical sounds comes in both literal and abstract ways. Learn about instruments and animal sounds they make so that next time you hear one, you will be able to identify what instrument is making the sound. Lion's Roar As its name suggests the lion's roar makes a sound very similar to a lion roaring. Taking a bass drum and puncturing a hole in the head of the drum accomplishes this. A rope extends and pulls through the drum creating a sound that is very similar to a lion roaring. This instrument is so accurate it is often used in film scores and to indicate the roar of a lion in orchestral scores. Trombone The trombone is capable of imitating the sound of many animals. The glissando technique involv
Post a Comment
Read more