What is the transposition for the Bb trumpet?

• A. Sounds a whole step higher than written
• B. Sounds a minor third higher than written
• C. Sounds a perfect fourth lower than written
• D. Sounds a whole step lower than written

Answer: (D)

Transposing instruments are written so their fingerings align with other instruments, while the actual sound (concert pitch) comes from a different pitch. A Bb trumpet is in B-flat, which means it sounds a whole step lower than what is written. So, when you see a written C, the trumpet actually produces a concert B-flat. In general, you move down by a major second from the written note to get the sounding pitch.

This is why music for Bb trumpet is written a whole step higher than the concert pitch you want heard. For example, a written D will come out as a concert C, and a written F will come out as a concert E-flat.