Have you ever wondered how you can make a living as a trumpet player?

Whether you’re a high school student dreaming of being on the road with your favorite band or a college musician unsure of what comes after graduation, The Modern Trumpeter book is your guide to navigating the world of professional trumpet playing.

Inside, you’ll find practical answers to the questions many aspiring trumpeter asks:

How do you get started in the industry? What’s life like on a cruise ship? What songs should you know for weddings and cover bands? What is a union, and should you join one? What's the difference between a premier and field band in the military? Are there any books on how to play mariachi music? How do you find work as a solo artist, and which agencies book musicians like you? The list goes on and on.

With insights and stories from over 50 professional trumpet players working in the music industry today, this book gives you the tools, mindset, and insider knowledge to turn your talent into a sustainable career. Insights, stories and behind the scenes of the music industry are provided by the likes of Wayne Bergeron, Bobby Shew, Bria Skonberg, Bijon Watson, Michael Sachs, Bob Malone, Louis Dowdeswell, Marcus Printup, Glen Marhevka, Dave Richards, Jay Webb, Jerry Hey, Brian MacDonald, Kiku Collins, Liesel Whitaker, Vince DiMartino, Tony Kadleck, Willie Murillo, Amy McCabe, Randy Brecker and many more!

The Modern Trumpeter will be available for purchase later this year in 2026!

To get started, here is a free PDF of the top 100 songs you should know in order to play in an event/cover/wedding band. Ranking from highest priority to lowest priority, this guide will help you know where to focus your efforts in learning these "pop standards."