Step 1: Put your left thumb and fingers around the valve casings and pick up the instrument. Your left hand supports the weight of the instrument.
Step 2: Place your left ring finger inside the ring of the third valve slide.
Step 3: Hold the mouthpiece at the wide end with your right hand. Gently twist the mouthpiece into the mouthpiece receiver.
Step 4: Arch your right hand to form a backwards "C." Place your thumb between the first and second valve casings. Place your little finger on top of the hook.
Step 5: Always sit or stand tall when playing. Hold the trumpet as shown above.