September 8, 2007 by John Ericson

Archived under: Teaching

Take Charge of Your Horn Playing


One exercise we did in the ASU horn studio as this semester began involved self-examination. Students were given a pair of written tests, one that related to all sorts of technical skills and one that related to excerpts. They were required to rate themselves on a scale of 1-5 as to their personal level. We are using this information to develop plans of what to study this semester to best work toward the goals of each student.

For readers out there the underlying point to make is to take charge of your horn playing. While a good teacher can make good assignments, if you don’t recognize clearly what you need to work on progress is difficult. My dad, a chemistry professor, would always make a point about not “spoon feeding” his students. I can make a student play low register exercises for example for lessons but if you don’t recognize clearly that this is a weak area that is holding you back from reaching the next level you may not give them the effort you should.

One overall point that came up often in the tests was a need to upgrade the general level of playing. One key to improvement in this area is to address technique and improvement of technique on a daily basis in your warm-up. Very soon I will have a post on a great new published resource for developing your technique; be sure to check back in a few days for more on this topic.

JOHN ERICSON has wide-ranging experience as an orchestral player, soloist, and teacher.» About John Ericson » More articles » Horn Notes Edition » Contact

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Take Charge of Your Horn Playing
Published on September 8, 2007 by John Ericson

Archived under: Teaching
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.