By request, I’ve published a further “transposition matrix” to include a number of orchestral instruments to supplement yesterday’s big band edition. Now, at a glance, you can see how notes on the B♭ trumpet are pitched differently from the flute, alto flute, clarinet in “A”, French horn, E♭ trumpet, violin, viola, and cello.

This is not a theory lesson, but a brief video demonstration that aims to demystify the world of transposing orchestral instruments for you. All of the notes played sound identical, but are written differently depending on the instrument.

Find the note that you want in the chromatic scale for your instrument, and see how that same note appears written for the other orchestra instruments.

Download and print: Transpose to and from Bb Trumpet: Orchestral Edition.