Gary Schutza

Trumpet Guy,
Before I go into various aspects of playing the piccolo trumpet maybe it would be a good idea to stress who should not be spending time on one. In general, if there are playing problems (constricted breathing, not particularly strong chops....) working on the piccolo will only make them worse, and quickly. If you strain to get out a high F on the Bb trumpet, you'll strain just as much if not more using the piccolo. The piccolo won't actually make it any easier. I find that I lose a 3rd or so on the extreme high range on the piccolo. Forgive me if I sound like I'm talking down to you, I don't intend to. I just feel strongly that the piccolo should only be added to your "bag of tricks" when you are really ready and won't do any damage. Have you already progressed through the C trumpet, the D or Eb trumpet?

Enough about that.

I've found that many commercial players use the piccolo trumpet for a distinct tone. In their line of work when a composer writes for a picc. they want that particular color of sound. In a classical player things are a bit different. I think you want all your horns to have the same basic sound concept (within reason, of course). In the orchestra if you are using a piccolo for a bit of added security you definitely don't want the sound to be thin (unless your sound is thin on all horns), if possible. You want it to be as big a sound as possible. If you are using the piccolo only as a solo instrument then this is less important.
I truly believe that the piccolo trumpet should be approached like any trumpet. You should not treat is like a tiny toy trumpet. Push just as much air through it as you would a regular trumpet. Don't back off on the air just because it's such a tiny little toy-like thing. Therein lies problems.

You are on the right track if you read the previous excellent posts. Start with easy scales. I find that playing slow quarter notes, in expanding intervals works particularly well for me. Helps me to center the pitch. Stay away from lip slur type things in the beginning, as they might not help you to really center the pitch.
Also, you might limit the time you spend on this instrument. It's new and all, but if you spend too much time on it to the exclusion of your normal practice, you will find it starts to change the way you play your other horns. All things in moderation.

again, sorry if I sound like I'm talking down to you, I don't mean to.

Best of luck with you new horn. By the way, I use a Kanstul piccolo I'm very fond of. I also use a fairly large mouthpiece on it. A Stork 1.5P. Mr. Stork says it's a bit larger than a stork 1. Works for me, but isn't for everyone. My teacher (Frank Kaderabek) has always used a Bach 7EW. He says it gives him a darker, more mellow sound. I have a bit of trouble with the 7 sized rim, though.

Gary Schutza
Kansas City Symphony