I owe my success as a trumpet player to my parents, my teachers, and many many of hours of practice from the books listed below.

I've categorized each book based on 3 criteria:

• Difficulty Level (easy, medium, hard),

• Focus (technique, phrasing, transposition),

• Practical Use (auditions, practice, technique).

You won't find a professional trumpet player who hasn't used most, if not all, of these books.

As always, if you think there are books that should be listed here that aren't, let me know in the comments!

-Chris

PS I've added a few books to the list that I didn't personally use much but use all the time with my students - enjoy this revised list as of 2025! 

Daily Drills and Technical Studies by Max Schlossberg

 One of the best books for developing flexibility.  I learned how to lip trill using this book--this is a major moment in any trumpet or horn player's life as the instrument immediately becomes WAY easier. Do yourself a favor and get this book!

• Difficulty: progresses from easy to hard

• Focus: technique, focus on flexibility

• Use: personal practice

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Technical Studies for the Cornet by Herbert L. Clarke

 Herbert L. Clarke was one of the most virtuosic cornet players of all time, redefining what was possible on the instrument. This method book includes some of the most quintessential exercises for trumpeters... go back stage to any major concert hall or conservatory and you will surely hear the best trumpeters working on passages from this book.

• Difficulty: progresses from easy to hard

• Focus: technique (articulation, finger exercises)

• Use: personal practice

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