The trumpet is a brass musical instrument with a rich history. Records show that trumpet-like instruments were used as early as 1500 BC to signal battle and for use in hunting. However, it wasn’t until the late 14th or early 15th century that trumpets were used for musical purposes.

Trumpets are featured in many different types of music, though arguably jazz is where they are most prominent. Most often, trumpeters play the B♭ or C trumpet, though there are many other types available to create variation in the sound. Another way to change the sound of a trumpet is by using a mute which is placed in or over the bell of the instrument. While this does decrease the volume of the trumpet, it does alter the sound in a very distinct way that is used in many types of music.