Strange Sweet Sounds; Max Pottag

Planning out a logical plan for improvement. A common shortcoming when I overhear students practice is in preparing the tough licks. Most realize that a key element in conquering a tricky passage is repetition. Some however wanting instant gratification, will attempt difficult passages at full speed, repeating the same mistakes over and over again. The [...]

Many hornists recommend the London Horn Sound CD for their students, it is a classic and full of inspiration for younger hornists. I have it on my short list of “must own” horn CDs. The London hornists are back at it again with a new CD just released. Give it One is billed as “The [...]

Some things never change. John Ericson has made it a mission to promote and encourage more young horn students in Arizona. As a private (and sometimes classroom) teacher, I share his concerns. Along these lines here is a quote: There are not enough horn-players, and not enough people taking up the horn today. They are [...]

I recently noted a link to a 1998 interview with Philip Myers, Principal Horn of the New York Philharmonic. He is a very notable advocate of the triple horn and explains at length his reasons. This reason for me really sticks out above the rest: Accuracy. Man, I was so tired of floating through the [...]

Some of my favorite texts. Still in time for the holidays, here is a top-ten list of with some of my favorite horn-related texts. As with previous Horndog Blog top-ten lists, this is not a comprehensive list nor is it set in any particular order. Philip Farkas: Art of French Horn Playing, The Art of [...]

A word from the wise. Whenever I use my Conn 8D, I am always careful to check on the screw that keeps the thumb lever in place. There is a design flaw with this little screw – it regularly comes loose and if I don’t check on it, it gets dangerously close to falling off. [...]