King’s Rising – Turn Your Trumpet Practice into an Epic Adventur

Trumpet practice should feel like an adventure, not a chore.

That’s the whole idea behind King’s Rising, part of my brand-new Louis Dowdeswell: Play Series — a collection of cinematic, play-along trumpet pieces designed to make you want to pick up your horn every day.

With bold melodies, sweeping orchestral backings, and game-style difficulty levels, King’s Rising transforms the daily grind of trumpet practice into something you look forward to — like stepping into a film score or levelling up in a video game.

And the best part? You’ll get better without even noticing, because you’re too busy having fun.

Watch & Play Along Now → Click here to play King’s Rising on YouTube

Why I Created King’s Rising

If you’ve ever sat down to practise trumpet and thought, I know I should do this… but it feels like work, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there too.

Early in my career, there were days when the last thing I wanted to do was run long tones or lip slurs. Necessary? Absolutely. Exciting? Not so much.

That’s why I wanted to create something different. A way to build range, endurance, articulation, and confidence — but in a context that feels inspiring.

• Epic cinematic backing track that makes you feel like you’re part of the score

• Four difficulty levels so there’s a challenge for everyone — from beginners to advanced players

• Multiple game modes so you can choose how you want to practise

The Story Behind the Music

Musically, King’s Rising is inspired by the grandeur of The Lord of the Rings and the bold, driving energy of Game of Thrones.

From the opening fanfare to the triumphant final phrase, it’s written to feel like a musical journey — one where you’re the hero.

You’ll find moments to soar in the upper register, sections that test your articulation, and phrases that challenge your breath control. But it’s all wrapped in a soundtrack that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

What Makes the Play Series Special

• Multiple difficulty levels – so you can start simple and level up

• Different play modes – including Co-Op Mode (we play together), Solo Mode (you take the lead), and Mentor Mode (phrase-by-phrase call-and-response)

• Fully orchestrated backing tracks – so your practice feels like a performance

For King’s Rising, here’s what you get:

• Co-Op Mode → We play the piece together, side-by-side. Perfect if you want to match phrasing, style, and energy

• Solo Mode → You take the lead with full backing track and scrolling sheet music. No trumpet in the mix — just you

• Mentor Mode → I play, you play. A call-and-response format to sharpen your listening and timing skills

Why Gamifying Your Practice Works

We all know the biggest challenge in learning an instrument isn’t finding exercises — it’s sticking with them.

Gamifying your practice taps into something different. It’s not just about discipline anymore — it’s about enjoyment and reward.

When you’re excited to hit “play” on a track, you naturally put in more reps. You push a little harder. You focus more. And because the music is designed with built-in challenges, you improve without having to overthink it.

Who Can Play King’s Rising?

• Beginner – A simplified version with fewer range demands and a focus on rhythm

• Easy – Slightly expanded range, with some articulation challenges

• Normal – The “intended” version of the piece, with full phrasing and dynamic contrasts

• Hard – A more demanding range, faster articulations, and extra musical flourishes

How to Get Started

1. Grab your trumpet

2. Head to the YouTube video – Click here to play King’s Rising – Co-Op Mode

3. Play along with me – match the phrasing, feel the energy, and enjoy the ride

4. Try other modes – once you’ve nailed Co-Op Mode, switch to Solo or Mentor Mode to test yourself further

   
   

Pro Tips for Playing Along

• Listen first – Run through the track once without playing to get a feel for the phrasing and dynamics

• Watch your breathing – The cinematic phrasing can be longer than you expect. Plan your breaths in advance

• Match articulation – In Co-Op Mode, lock in with me. Matching tonguing and note length makes the performance feel tight

• Record yourself – Solo Mode is perfect for this. Listening back will show you where you can improve

• Level up slowly – Don’t rush to Hard Mode on day one. Build consistency first

Why This Could Change Your Practice Routine

When practice feels like work, you tend to skip it. When practice feels like play, you keep coming back.

That’s the whole point of King’s Rising and the Play Series. It’s about making the trumpet something you want to do every day, not just something you “should” do.

And here’s the secret — the more you play along to tracks like this, the more your tone, timing, range, and confidence improve… without you having to grind through endless drills.

Play Now and Join the Adventure

If you’re ready to turn your practice into something you can’t wait to do, give King’s Rising – Co-Op Mode a go today.

Click here to watch and play along on YouTube → King’s Rising – Co-Op Mode

Then try the other modes and see how far you can push your playing.

Let’s make practice something epic.