May 15, 2008 by John Ericson

Archived under: Playing in orchestra, Random   |   Ion Balu, Mutes & muting, Orchestra

Keep a Mute in Your Car


Since the time I played in The Nashville Symphony I have kept a mute in the back of the car. The idea is that if you forget to bring your better mutes you will always have a mute of some sort to get by with in a pinch.

Yesterday I made use of the car mute, as I left my better mutes in my office by accident. My car mute is a Stone-Lined “Rittich-style” mute (the one that is a tall cone). My favorite mute (which I will use today) is an actual Rittich mute, one made by the late Eugene Rittich, who was for many years Principal Hornist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. These are no longer manufactured; among my students the most popular options are Ion Balu and TrumCor.

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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Keep a Mute in Your Car
Published on May 15, 2008 by John Ericson

Archived under: Playing in orchestra, Random   |   Ion Balu, Mutes & muting, Orchestra
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.