trumpet

Louis Armstrong and the Trumpet: A Beginner's Guide to Playing His Classics

If you're a beginner, don't let that stop you from learning to play classic Louis Armstrong music!

Musicnotes

• 4 min read
Louis Armstrong - trumpet

The trumpet is a fantastic instrument to play. This horn can display a stunning range of feelings and fits into music genres from classical to contemporary.

Don't let being a beginner stop you from taking on notable standards, including classic Louis Armstrong trumpet songs. Take a look at why you should dig into Armstrong's catalog and how to progress toward mastering his tunes.

Why Should You Learn to Play Louis Armstrong Trumpet Songs?

The Smithsonian Institute notes that Armstrong was the first great jazz soloist. He learned from earlier trumpeters, such as Joe "King" Oliver, and refined the art of improvising with an incredibly expressive style.

Scholars also note that Armstrong has had an influence far beyond jazz. The swing and syncopation you hear in pop, rock, and other styles owe a debt to "Satchmo."

As you learn the top Louis Armstrong trumpet songs, you'll gain a musicality and technique that can serve you no matter what you want to play. Also, you will not only enhance your skills, but you'll also be a hit among anyone who loves to hear great trumpet music.

What Techniques Do You Need to Hone to Play Armstrong?

As you practice playing trumpet, always focus on good technique. Poor playing habits tire you out quickly and lead to tense, unpleasant sounds. Remember the following pointers:

  • Maintain your instrument: Keep your horn clean and oil the valves often.
  • Pay attention to your embouchure, breathing, and posture: Take time weekly for exercises that refine these basics.
  • Practice regularly: You'll get more out of 20 minutes a day than trying to cram in hours of practice once or twice a week.
  • Learn your scales and arpeggios: These patterns are the building blocks of any song and will speed up how quickly you learn new tunes.

You'll also want to sharpen specific techniques that jazz trumpeters employ. Beyond hitting the right notes, get a jazzy inflection and feeling across by practicing articulating notes with your tongue. Refine your valve technique to get flowing glissandos.

You should also discover various methods to produce lovely vibratos. Practice alternate fingerings for smooth tremolos. As you learn more Louis Armstrong trumpet songs, gradually improve these vital skills.

Which Louis Armstrong Songs Should You Learn?

You'll be hard-pressed to find a song in Armstrong's catalog not worth knowing. Here are some of the best for beginners.

'What a Wonderful World'

This song took off overseas long before it became popular in the United States. Twenty years after its initial release, this number hit the Top 40 in the U.S. with its inclusion on a movie soundtrack.

Armstrong never plays his trumpet here. (The horn you hear in the background on some versions is a trombone.) Still, mention that you play trumpet, and someone is bound to request "What a Wonderful World."

Fortunately for beginners, the melody is slow and undemanding. You can find easy transcriptions on a site such as Musicnotes to make this a staple of your set list of Louis Armstrong trumpet songs.

'La Vie en Rose'

"La Vie en Rose" forces you to take your technique up a notch. This is a romantic tune where Louis' singing shines, but he opens by playing the melody on his horn. After singing the lyric, he closes with a rousing crescendo as he creatively alters the theme.

Edith Piaf and Louiguy penned this standard in 1945. The title literally means "Life in Pink" and refers to seeing the world through rose-colored glasses after finding true love.

Start by learning the basic melody and getting proper intonation on the notes. The trumpet playing has sweet flourishes in 16th-note triplets and grace notes. You'll get good breathing practice as you must preserve enough air for the bright and beautiful finale.

'Hello, Dolly'

For a more uptempo song, learn this bright number from the musical of the same name. Armstrong had the biggest hit single of his career as he took this Broadway favorite and jazzed it up, making “Hello, Dolly” one of the most beloved Louis Armstrong trumpet songs.

The tempo here is a brisk 145 beats per minute, which is peppy but not too fast for a newcomer. You'll put a smile on everyone's face with this one.

A fun fact here is that Armstrong knocked the Beatles out of the top spot on the Billboard charts with this song and went on to win a Grammy for Song of the Year. He also became the oldest male to top the Hot 100 with the hit.

Other Classics

There isn't enough space here to mention all the great Louis Armstrong trumpet songs. Remember that part of learning to play the trumpet is listening to great songs to train your ear and uncover what amazing sounds you can make with your horn.

In addition to the songs above, be sure to check out Armstrong's versions of:

As you conquer each one, move on to another to build a repertoire of great trumpet hits.

How Long Does It Take to Master Louis Armstrong Trumpet Songs?

The trumpet is an instrument that requires a unique skill set. Unlike piano or guitar, you might not be able to squeeze out a song within a few days.

However, with focus and dedication, you can make beloved sounds that no other instrument can match. Many novice trumpeters are able to play basic melodies within weeks or a few months. In less than a year, you will have intermediate capabilities.

The important thing is that you stick with it and don't give up! With consistent regular practice, you'll be delighting yourself and your friends with great Louis Armstrong trumpet songs.

Where Do You Find Sheet Music for Beginner Louis Armstrong Trumpet Songs?

With a lot of effort and practice, you'll eventually be able to play songs by ear. But as a beginner, you’re going to want to spend your time practicing using sheet music.

If you need to find a range of sheet music for your horn, visit Musicnotes.com. Our site has all the top Louis Armstrong trumpet songs and others you can learn for hours of enjoyment.