November 30, 2006 by John Ericson

Archived under: Accuracy, Embouchure, Lists & FAQs   |   Intonation, Nicholas Smith

Four Tips for More Accurate Performances


College level horn students all over the USA are very aware that juries (performance exams) are just around the corner. With the goal of making a few juries and other performances more accurate four thoughts:

1. Manage your chops well. There is a big temptation to cram in extra practice but you simply will not play your best if your chops are run into the ground.

2. Warm-up. There is an understandable urge to practice the music you have to perform, but be sure to warm-up well every day.

3. Focus the attacks. As a part of your daily warm-up work on first note accuracy; consider buzzing articulations and working on breath attacks. Have a great rhythm to your breathing and the articulation.

4. Watch your tuning as you practice. Many players get caught off guard a bit by playing with piano, the pitch level is different than they have been practicing at and it throws off accuracy. Be sure you are actually practicing at pitch, check pitch out with a tuner, and that your horn is in tune with itself.

For more extended tips on developing accuracy please check out this article in the website of Dr. Nicholas Smith, Professor of horn at Wichita State University and Principal Horn of the Wichita Symphony.

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Four Tips for More Accurate Performances
Published on November 30, 2006 by John Ericson

Archived under: Accuracy, Embouchure, Lists & FAQs   |   Intonation, Nicholas Smith
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.