The horn, among the traditional wind orchestral instruments, is one of the most difficult to play. Skill is achieved only through diligent practice and perseverance. Either way, the satisfaction in playing this extremely versatile instrument beautifully is indescribable! Learn how to do this by reading this article.
Steps
Step 1. Use a theory textbook or instructor of any kind to familiarize yourself with the concepts of music theory, correct posture and position to hold and the use of the bit
Bad habits, in fact, can arise quickly but are difficult to abandon: better to avoid them immediately, if possible. A recommended text for beginners is the Pottag-Hovey Volume 1.
Step 2. If you really want to become competent, invest in private lessons
These are often given by professional musicians (usually of symphonies) or band teachers from schools. A good instructor can greatly improve your playing skills and also your knowledge of music.
- Understanding the harmonic scales of the horn is, in general, of great help in playing and, in particular, in creating an alternative fingering. The intervals are generally one octave higher than those of the trumpet (in relative terms). As a result, the notes that are played with any fingering are very close to each other, and successful players must be able to "hear" the tones to know when they have skipped a note, especially the higher ones..
- It is important to know your signature signature (how many flats and sharps are in the piece being played). Then learn to recognize the keys and relative positions of the intervals of the other instruments in your ensemble.
Step 3. Practice as often as possible
Learn scales and exercises, play compositions appropriate to your level of musicality, and occasionally even use a piece to play at first sight. Practice intervals, train endurance, and - yes, even this if necessary - learn lip trills. Arpeggios are great for learning notes and improving tone.
- For beginners for whom this is the first instrument, playing for 30 minutes is far too much. 10-15 minutes minimum is the right length to aim for, but don't strain your lips by playing too loud, too hard, or too long. More experienced musicians should play for at least 30-45 minutes.
- Remember that every day of lost training takes at least two days to "catch up".
Step 4. Improve your technique
A good horn player should be able to vibrate the music quite well on the mouthpiece alone. Maintain the flow of your breath using the diaphragm: lower your jaw and inhale so that your lower chest expands.
Step 5. Buy your own horn (if you can afford it)
New horns can cost between 300 and 6000 euros (even more for professional ones); used ones can be much cheaper, but make sure you have a full opinion of the tool before paying for it. Having your own horn allows for much greater flexibility in training, playing and perfecting yourself. If you are a student, check first if they have horns in your school that you can borrow for a while. That way you will get familiar with the tool and see if you like it before making a big investment. Alternatively, most major music stores have horns for hire.
Step 6. Play with emotion
Repetition without awareness will get you nowhere. Playing with excitement creating your own unique, personal sound will allow you to progress quickly in both technique and sound.
Step 7. Don't give up
Any aspiring horn player will experience his fair share of disappointment, difficulty, or feeling of helplessness. The best remedies to avoid this are perseverance, constant practice and the knowledge that you are playing one of the most difficult wind instruments known!
Advice
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A unique feature of the horn is the placement of the hand in the bell while playing. There are several ways to play with your hand in the bell. Here is a list of examples and tips:
- 1. On the underside: the sound has more space at the top to expand, the instrument is easier to play, but the arm partially blocks the sound.
- 2. On the upper side: Basically, this allows the sound to expand more freely.
- 3. All in: Well, not all of it, but play until you fold your hand consistently.
- 4. Just Inside: The sound is freer to expand, but your pitch may tend to be higher, and your tone more shrill. This is a good position for, for example, the beginning of Tchaikovsky 4.
- Do not use the flexible brush to clean the rotary valves; the tolerance inside the valves is extremely small and if a fiber of the brush breaks inside it, the valve will no longer be able to rotate.
- Previous experience can help. Some horn players start their musical careers as trumpet players, woodwind players or even pianists and singers! Even simply through technique and theory, use what you have already learned to your full advantage.
- Horns vary, people's intonations vary and the interesting thing is that one hand is free to move. So adjust your sound to the quality you prefer, using your hand. There is, in fact, no predefined way to do this. It is taught differently by professors at Juilliard as well as high school teachers and even professional musicians.
- Consider that the real "technique" of playing the horn is different from that of any other instrument; for example the position of the mouth of the horn on the lips is different from that of the trumpet. If you are starting to play it after gaining experience with another wind instrument, be sure to get advice from a teacher or other person who knows the correct specific technique!
- Empty your horn of saliva often (often referred to as "water"). Excessive build-up can cause loud crunches while playing, which can be quite embarrassing during a concert!
- Keep the valves oiled and the drawstrings well greased; make sure you use the right substances, as some can seriously damage the horn.
- Clean the inside of your instrument at least once a year if possible to minimize the risk of corrosion inside the tube. Flexible brushes can be purchased at many music stores. Another possibility is to bathe your instrument in cold or lukewarm (NOT hot) water.
- Although single horns are also available, double horns (in F / Bb) are often preferable. These allow for a wider and more acoustically pleasing range of tones. Single ones are better for learning at first, but a Bb is more traditional. All others are more suitable for professionals.
- Some tools don't have a water valve, and their pumps don't pull out in any way. If this is the case with your horn, blow air through it. Then, take out the mouthpiece and turn the whole horn like a steering wheel. The "water" (saliva) should come out of the bell. You may have to repeat this procedure several times.
- If you take your horn on vacation with you to train, take other people into consideration as well. Ring in your room when you're sure the neighbors are out, or, just to be safe, ring in the hotel laundry. Most hotels accept it, however it is always best to ask at the reception.
- Do not empty saliva from the main pump back towards the mouth, as the microbes present will collect in the narrow tube connected to it. Instead, remove the main pump to empty it. Alternatively, you can remove the bit and empty the tool from its end.
- A good scale to start with is the C scale. We have Do (no valve down), Re (first valve down), Mi (no valve), Fa (first valve), Sol (no valve), A (first and second valve), Si (second valve), C high (no valve). Knowing this is essential for any budding French horn player!
