Natural Trumpets

In this three-day course, you'll examine technical aspects of playing the historic trumpet, both vented and unvented and using modern or historical mouthpieces. You'll play examples from Bendinelli, Fantini and Dauverne as well as more popular orchestral repertoire.

Richard Thomas will guide you through technique and repertoire for natural trumpet as a solo and ensemble instrument. You'll learn about the development of the modern natural trumpet, understand the various technical compromises it has in contemporary period orchestras, and gain a greater appreciation for the beauty of the historic instrument in its original form. 

The course runs in tandem with the Baroque Oratorio Project with opportunities for you to join the orchestra for works by Purcell and Blow, culminating in a final public performance. 

By the end of the course, you will:

• Have a deeper understanding of the historical context and development of the instrument
• Play a range of solo and ensemble baroque repertoire for natural trumpet
• Navigate  the modern 3 or 4 hole vented system to the 12th partial
• Navigate the historic trumpet to the 12th partial
• Explore a range of techniques in detail, including examining intonation purity to achieve a well-balanced and appropriate performing style

The course will be taught at A=415.

Group sessions will focus on exploring repertoire and technique. You'll play examples from the published tutors of Bendinelli (1614), Fantini (1637), Johann Altenburg (1795) and Dauverne (1857), to examine the differences and similarities of their approach. 

Learning through a mixture of workshops, masterclasses, and small ensemble playing, this course runs alongside and with the Baroque Oratorio Project, offering further opportunities to play in a baroque orchestra. At the end of the course, you will take part in the final performance of the Baroque Oratorio Project. 

This course is designed for trumpeters at the Confident and Skilful level. Please see our Ability Levels Explained for further details. 

Both unvented or vented natural trumpets are welcome.

You will need to have some ability in the upper register of a modern trumpet (8th partial and above). 

Music will be provided in advance. You will need to bring your own natural trumpet. 

Please bring black clothes and suitable shoes for the final performance.