Beginner trumpet note reading guide
How to Read Music on the Trumpet
What Is This Book?
How to Read Music on the Trumpet is a reading-focused trumpet book that helps young players learn to recognize notes on the staff with confidence. Using a limited set of six notes and clear, repetitive songs, it builds fluency in reading music notation without overwhelming beginners. The book presents each song in two versions so students can gradually transition from assisted notation to standard music reading.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for elementary and middle school trumpet students who can already play a few basic notes but struggle to read written music.
It works well in school band programs, private trumpet lessons, homeschool music study, and for self-motivated young learners at home.
It is designed for true beginners at music reading (not beginners at trumpet playing) who need extra practice recognizing notes on the staff.
What Makes This Book Easy for Kids to Learn?
The book uses the kid-friendly approach of placing the note letter names inside the note heads, so students instantly connect what they see on the staff with what they play.
Each piece is limited to no more than six different notes, reducing frustration and keeping the focus on recognition and repetition.
Songs are laid out clearly and simply, allowing children to concentrate on reading rather than decoding complicated pages.
The pacing lets students experience success on many short songs instead of getting stuck on one difficult piece.
What Music Does the Book Include?
This book contains dozens of short, easy songs written with no more than six notes at a time.
Each song appears twice: once with letter names inside the note heads and again on the facing page with standard notation only.
The variety of pieces gives students repeated practice reading the same core notes in different musical contexts.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
This book focuses on the music itself and does not include additional extras.
What’s Inside the Book?
Dozens of beginner trumpet songs using a maximum of six notes
Each song printed with letters inside the note heads for support
The same songs repeated on facing pages in standard notation only
A step-by-step path from assisted reading to independent note reading
A focus on reading, not on trumpet mechanics or technique
Content aimed at making music learning enjoyable and frustration-free
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Recognizing trumpet notes on the staff
Connecting note names to fingerings they already know
Reading simple rhythms in an easy range
Transitioning from assisted notation to standard notation
Building confidence in music reading through repetition
Developing consistent practice habits with short, achievable songs
Improving overall fluency in beginning music literacy
How to Use This Book
Have students start by playing each song using the version with letters inside the note heads until they feel comfortable and can play smoothly.
Once they are confident, guide them to play the same song on the opposite page without letters, focusing on reading the actual musical notation.
If a student struggles or becomes frustrated, simply return to the lettered version for more repetitions before trying the standard notation again.
Teachers can assign a small group of songs each week for band or private lessons, while parents can use the book at home to support school band practice.
Because it assumes basic trumpet skills, pair this book with a method book that teaches posture, embouchure, tone, and technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this book teach how to play the trumpet?
No. It does not cover how to hold the instrument, form an embouchure, or produce a sound. Students should already be able to play the six basic notes used in the book.
What skills should a student have before using this book?
Students should know how to assemble and hold the trumpet, produce a clear sound, and play at least six basic notes comfortably.
Can this book be used in a school band class?
Yes. Band directors can use it as a supplemental reading resource for beginners who need extra help with note recognition.
Is this book only for children?
It is designed primarily for young beginners, but any new trumpet reader of any age who struggles with note reading can benefit from the step-by-step approach.
Can I use this without a private teacher?
Yes, as long as the student already understands basic trumpet technique. Parents and students can follow the simple “letters first, then no letters” approach at home.
Are there versions of this book for other instruments?
Yes. There are versions for violin, flute, clarinet and trumpet.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.