This website introduces approaches to playing quarter-tones (24-div) and eighth-tones (48-div) on a standard 3-valve trumpet and, using a specially constructed conversion kit (which is described), 19 equal divisions of the octave (19-div).

All three tuning systems are explained in ways which establish logical notation and terminology so that players and composers can communicate unambiguously.

Playing techniques and technical approaches are also discussed at every stage.

The project, as so-far documented, is based around 24 microtonal studies which are published in score and CD form. These publications are available from:

www.tutti.co.uk

Future developments will include harmonic studies in the three divisions. This website, and associated publications, will be updated accordingly in due course.

If you would like to be kept up-to-date with the progress of the project please email 'join' to:

info@microtonaltrumpet.com

The trumpet conversion kits are clearly described with many pictures. This is intended to enable the idea to be freely duplicated. These valve mechanisms, which add a 4th, rotary valve built into the tuning slide of the instrument, are unique to this project and this is the first time they have been described in published form. The great advantage of the conversion kits, compared to other 4-valve possibilities, is that they provide a relatively cheap and practical way to access microtonal tunings using the player's own instrument.

The 3-valve techniques described (in the 24- and 48-div sections) will be of value to players of intermediate ability and above. Imaginative teachers are encouraged to adapt the ideas and approaches to encourage younger students.

For advanced players, the 24 progressive studies

provide challenging material in each of the tuning systems.

For advanced players, the 24 progressive studies provide challenging material in each of the tuning systems.

The whole project is set in context with a brief history of microtonal trumpets and a list of works for microtonal trumpet. Fingering charts and interval look-up charts are provided for reference in each tuning system.

The contents of this site are copyright and all the articles it contains were written and are owned by Stephen Altoft and Donald Bousted. The articles can be printed for personal use but contact should be made with the authors for permissions if wider dissemination is desired.

NEW CD – In order to explore the 19-div tuning on the trumpet, Stephen commissioned 19 solo pieces from 17 international composers. These pieces, called "The Yasser Collection" can be ordered through Tutti.