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French Horn Resources

This page contains all the “timeless” French horn information I have on my website.

While these articles are updated from time-to-time (and new ones are added periodically), this collection of articles covers topics that I think every serious horn player should be aware of. From the basics of horn ownership (buying and cleaning a horn), to horn exercises, technique, to recommended music and books, to advanced concepts like transposition and audition preparation.

In addition to these articles, I also have a music blog, where I post about more timely topics involving French horn and music in general. These blog posts happen about once a month, although not all are music related.

Practice Slump
A Guide to Practicing Auditions [Step-by-Step]
Posted on: 2020-01-18 05:39
Auditions are a stressful part of any musician’s life, but you can practice the act of auditioning just like any piece of music. Here’s how!
Apps for Musicians
Apps for Musicians
Posted on: 2015-12-12 09:46
Smartphones have made it possible for a musician to carry a complete practice setup in their pocket. Here are some of the best apps for musicians on iOS and Android.
Buying a French Horn
Buying a French Horn [Complete Guide]
Posted on: 2016-05-17 06:21
Buying a new or used French horn? Here are my recommended models for every price point, as well as important information to pick the right horn for you!
French horn mouthpiece cups and rims
Choosing a Mouthpiece [And Why It’s Important!]
Posted on: 2015-11-07 06:56
Choosing a mouthpiece for French horn doesn’t have to be difficult. Just knowing a couple of simple things can make the process easy (and fun!).
French horn accessories and equipment
French Horn Accessories
Posted on: 2016-04-11 08:16
Find the best and most useful French horn accessories and equipment – from mutes to mouthpieces and everything in between!
french horn mouthpiece comparison chart
French Horn Mouthpiece Chart [500+ Mouthpieces Measured]
Posted on: 2015-02-18 12:02
This French horn mouthpiece chart compares and explains the measurements of 500+ mouthpieces. A one-stop site to compare all horn mouthpieces!
French Horn Recordings
Posted on: 2015-10-01 03:44
Recordings play a critical role in the improvement of French horn students. Here are my favorite horn players, chamber ensembles, and orchestral recordings.
French horn right hand position
French Horn Right Hand Position [It’s More Important Than You Think!]
Posted on: 2015-03-20 01:40
French horn right hand position is one of the most important – and ignored – techniques by teachers. Here are two different & effective – techniques to try!
French Horn Transposition [With Reference Chart]
Posted on: 2015-05-22 03:21
Transposition is an essential skill for musicians, and it’s especially important for French horn players. Learn how and use this reference chart for the most common keys!
Mellophone Guide
Posted on: 2019-07-18 10:26
The mellophone (and marching horn) are played by high school/college French horn players without much instruction. If you’re new to these horns, here’s what you need to know!
Old vs New Notation Bass Clef
Posted on: 2015-11-06 10:37
There are two systems of notating music in bass clef for the French horn – old and new notation. Here is a short primer on the differences!
French horn tuning
Tuning the French Horn [In-depth guide w/ images]
Posted on: 2018-03-20 11:04
A complete system to tune ANY double French horn quickly & efficiently. Including reference images to find the function of all your slides!
Engelbert Schmid triple horn
Types of French Horns [With Example Images]
Posted on: 2017-03-12 10:55
Confused about French horns? Here are the differences between all different types of French horns – single, double, triple, descant, Vienna, and more!
French Horn Exercises [With Printable Music]
Posted on: 2015-01-30 11:35
My collection of original and adapted horn exercises – for students from beginning to advanced.
French Horn Music and Books
Posted on: 2015-01-31 01:16
A variety of French horn music and books: etudes, exercises, and solos – all sorted by difficulty and school grade, from beginner to pro!
French Horn Cleaning and Maintenance [Complete Guide With Pictures]
Posted on: 2015-02-05 10:35
Instructions on performing basic French horn cleaning and maintenance – oiling valves, greasing slides, and cleaning the interior of your horn!

I also write blog posts from time-to-time about various music-related subjects like practice, peak performance, French-horn or brass-specific ideas or thoughts. You can find browse through my blog articles on the homepage, or you can see my collection of music and horn blog topics here.

If you are interested in French horn lessons (online or in-person) I do have limited availablility. You can find more information on studying with me here.

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