July 31, 2009 by John Ericson

Archived under: Horn study

How to Become a Horn Expert V


5. Be diligent.

My last point in this series is to be diligent. I mean this in a pretty broad sense. For example, don’t just practice hard, problem solve, practice effectively. Focus on the big picture and what will help you reach your goals. Want to be an orchestral player? Work on excerpts a lot, listen to excerpts a lot, take a lot of mock and real auditions. Record yourself and listen to yourself. Don’t rely on others to tell you how you play; actually listen to your recordings. Figure out what you don’t know and don’t waste time in endless repetition of what you can do. That is not practice. Work out your technique. Find teachers that can help you toward your goals.

I am not that convinced that I have that much more talent than anyone else. I think above all I was persistent and a bit stubborn. In terms of my writing, I am often asked how I do it. Really it is not hard; I just keep working on various projects day by day. Over time the hours really add up, and at the same time it also gets easier to do. And I always have a draft or two of possible blog posts going.

So to become a horn expert be curious, listen to a lot of music, read books, figure out what you want to learn, and be diligent. There is a lot more that could be said, but by now you have the general idea. Pretty much anyone can do it I think with the right focus.

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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How to Become a Horn Expert V
Published on July 31, 2009 by John Ericson

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