1. The trumpet is a member of the brass family.
2. Physical features of the trumpet.
3. Thesis statement: The trumpet has had a significant influence on music in general; however, the jazz genre has been impacted more by the use of the instrument than most other genres.
1. Reliance on trumpets in jazz ensembles
2. Versatility of the trumpets as an advantage in jazz music
C. Conclusion
The Influence of the Trumpet on Jazz Music
The trumpet has the highest sound amongst other instruments in the brass family. The instrument is made of a tubing vent, 2 meters long, which has an oblong shape; it is played by pressing three valves in different sequences (Barnhart 42). The trumpet has had a significant influence on music in general; however, the jazz genre has been impacted more by the use of the instrument than most other genres.
Most jazz groups and artistes rely heavily on the trumpet in their music recording, performance and composition. In fact the trumpet is considered by many ordinary people as been synonymous with jazz music. Instrumentalists such as Wynton Marsalis who are renowned as worldwide trumpeters have helped emphasis the trumpet as a significant instrument in jazz music (Gioia 87); their playing the instrument in major events has helped put the spotlight on it increasing its popularity. The versatility of the instrument has led to it been used by most emerging and already established jazz groups in their music. The trumpet is considered easy to learn and can be used to play different pieces and hence its popularity in most jazz groups.
Musically, the influence of the trumpet on the jazz genre can be seen in the major role it plays in the genre’s ensembles. The trumpet is played as part of the brass instruments in large ensembles; here it is used to help emphasize the ‘swingier’ rhythms of a piece of music. In smaller ensembles the trumpet is the only brass instrument used; also, it is the lead instrument in such small ensembles like the quartet (Barnhart 129). The trumpet was used by instrumentalists such as Miles Davis in the advent of cool jazz; the instrumental added a mellow feeling to the music (Gioia 144).
The trumpet has had a significant influence on jazz music. This can be seen in the fact that the instrument is featured prominently in most jazz ensembles. Also, the trend by most emerging and small jazz groups to use the trumpet as their lead instrument shows that it is regarded highly in this genre.
Works Cited
Gioia, Tedd. The history of Jazz. New York: OUP, 2011. Print.
Barnhart, Scotty. The World of Jazz trumpet. Minnesota: Hal Leornard, 2005. Print.
