Trumpet Hand Position and Carriage

1) Left hand (Support hand)

a) Hold the valve casing like a glass of water.
b) Thumb and pinkie in the saddle if available.

2) Right hand (Playing hand)

a) Thumb goes between the first and second valve casing.
b) Pinkie goes on top of the ring.
c) The rest of fingers come from above, resting on valves.
d) Hold an imaginary tennis ball in the palm of your hand.

Horn Hand Position and Carriage

1) Left hand
a) The pinkie is in the saddle.
b) The thumb is on the trigger.
c) Three middle fingers rest in a curved position on valves.

2) Right hand
a) Fingers are extended and touching.
b) Thumb lies next to the index finger.
c) Fingers are vertical as the hand goes into the bell.
d) Back of hand touches bell on side away from player.

3) Instrument carriage
a) Body is positioned forward and to the right edge of chair.
b) Right thigh is angled downward.
c) Bell is positioned halfway between, directly into the player’s
body and directly to the side.
d) Lead pipe is 15-20 degrees below horizontal.
e) Mouthpiece is positioned to the head.

Euphonium Hand Position and Carriage

1) Carriage depends upon instrument brand.

2) Fingers should approach the valves from above.