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Eight Ways to Improve Your Accuracy

PUBLISHED: September 23, 2007, John Ericson

I recently heard it said that readers love articles that are based on lists. There are many ways to work on accuracy, but these eight are all important elements to focus upon. 1. Buzz more often on the mouthpiece alone. When you miss something, buzz it on mouthpiece right away, you will quickly see why [...]

Two Truths Horn Players Must Face

PUBLISHED: August 25, 2007, John Ericson

A couple thoughts from placement auditions for ensembles at ASU last week. 1. You really need to not miss the notes. Musicality, tone, and nuance are all great things, I love them, but in the end some listeners will think you are not that good if you can’t play for example the complete exposition of [...]

Three Big Elements of ‘the Mellophone Problem’

PUBLISHED: August 5, 2007, John Ericson
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While I have watched the DCI finals on TV a number of times, last night I attended my first DCI (Drum Corps International) event in many years, the DCI Desert Classic at ASU Sun Devil stadium. I enjoyed the event overall, had a great seat and heard 12 Division I corps, but overall I focused on [...]

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Mellophone Mouthpiece FAQ

PUBLISHED: June 22, 2007, John Ericson

Ummm…mellophone mouthpieces? Funny how jet lag can just hit you. I thought I was doing well from the travel back from Taiwan, then, wham! Last night, instead of sleeping, I spent quite a while thinking about mellophone mouthpieces. Besides also doing an update on my list of suggested horns and mouthpieces in my studio site [...]

Mouthpiece Trial FAQ

PUBLISHED: February 4, 2007, John Ericson

You have been trying mouthpieces lately? Yes, the post last week is correct, I am trying mouthpieces, and over the years I have tried lots and lots of mouthpieces. I have noticed there are two categories of players, those that won’t even try a new mouthpiece unless they have a couple months off to try [...]

Four Tips for More Accurate Performances

PUBLISHED: November 30, 2006, John Ericson

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 [...]

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