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Why the French horn?

The French horn has a unique timbre, a wide range, and a balance of firmness and softness. It can evoke atmosphere in grand and passionate music, while also producing moving melodies in gentle passages. Its timbre can range from mellow and vocal to aggressive. It can be used as a solo instrument, in small ensembles, in brass ensembles, and with woodwind instruments. Composers often incorporate the French horn into classical music, film music, and even pop and jazz music.

The French horn can play both harmony and melodic parts. Furthermore, its range is the widest of all brass instruments, allowing it to bridge the gap between woodwind and brass instruments, making it a truly unique instrument.

What's the best age for children to learn the French horn?

Generally speaking, the ideal age is around five years old. This is because they are physically strong enough to support the instrument, their fingers are generally strong enough to press down the valves, they can understand the teacher's instructions, and they can express themselves effectively. 
However, the number of children starting French horn at three or four years old is also increasing.

There are now kinder horns designed specifically for physically smaller students. Their tone and playing methods are similar to those of a normal French horn. Accessories can be added to distribute the instrument's weight, allowing children to play more naturally and without strain. For young children learning the French horn, it's important for instructors to tailor their teaching methods to their thinking and behavioral characteristics.

Is learning the French horn physically taxing for young children (under five years old)?

Playing the French horn is not harmful to the body of young children, as long as the fundamentals and posture are correct (these two things have a profound impact on beginners). Smaller students can use a stand to support the instrument. The keys can be extended to make them easier for smaller hands to press. When playing seated, use another chair to prop up the bell for additional support.
Playing the instrument naturally and without muscle tension using proper breathing techniques is harmless.

Does a failure to make a sound on the horn during a test blow mean the child is not suitable for the French horn?

Playing the French horn does require certain innate conditions. Some beginners may have difficulty adapting to the instrument due to issues with the thickness of their lips or teeth. Consult a French horn instructor for advice. If your innate conditions truly don't suit you, don't force it. If you're worried about running out of air, playing the French horn doesn't require a lot of air. The key is to master the correct technique: coordinating the air flow, mouth shape, and lip vibrations correctly will produce sound in the instrument.

How many types of French horns are there? What are their differences?

The kinder horn is suitable for smaller beginners. Based on the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) French horn exam standards, it can accommodate grades 1 to 5. Kinder horns are relatively affordable instruments, and their quality is worth the price, varying by brand. They require frequent oiling to maintain their condition. However, with proper care, they can be very durable. While durable, students should transition to a double horn once they reach a certain height.

The single horn is also a beginner instrument, suitable for students of average build. If a student is comfortable with a single horn, I wouldn't recommend purchasing a Kinder horn solely for its price and portability. An ill-fitting instrument can affect the player's posture and learning outcomes. Furthermore, most single horns offer more professional sound, pitch, and materials than Kinder horns, though they are more expensive.

The double horn looks similar to a single horn, but has an additional row of tuning pipes, hence the name. It's used by advanced students and professional horn players. However, beginners can also use it. I started playing the double horn myself when kinder horns weren't popular back then.

The triple horn is a professional-grade instrument with a third row of tuning pipes, making it easier to play high notes. Players who frequently play high notes in professional orchestras sometimes use this instrument.

How to encourage children to practice?

Often, when children express their desire to learn a musical instrument, it's because they're drawn to its sound or appearance, or because they see their peers practicing and want to do the same. Initially, they may have no idea what learning an instrument entails. Parents can simply explain to their children that continuous practice is essential for improvement, requiring consistent practice for a short period each day. Parents can also offer support through actions, such as accompanying their children to practice their instrument for at least five minutes each day. If the child can maintain their focus, increase this to 10 minutes.

The key point is that practicing for 10 minutes daily is more effective than practicing only once a week and can also foster a sense of ritual.

Also, regularly taking children to concerts, watching peers perform, and playing French horn music at home can foster a positive musical atmosphere.

The vast majority of students who persevere and make continuous progress in music have parents who are constantly there and supporting them. Their commitment to music directly impacts their attitude toward music. Children rarely take the initiative to practice and may not understand the value of practice. Parents who accompany their children through practice and provide support from an early age can be very helpful.

How long is enough daily practice?

The duration of practice varies depending on the level of the student, as well as their personality, age, and level of proficiency. Younger students, especially toddlers, generally cannot focus on one task for long. If their concentration decreases, they can take a break and return to the same exercise after a while. Children with better concentration can practice for longer periods, for example, 10 minutes or more. Middle school students can practice longer.

Advanced students should allocate their time to practice basic skills, etudes, exam pieces, and so on.

Remember, it is important to practice for at least a short period each day!
Also, practice in an environment free of distractions such as television, electronic devices, and mobile phones to ensure students' focus.

How long does it take to join an orchestra?

It depends on the individual situation, as each student's progress varies. However, generally speaking (with regular weekly private lessons and diligent practice at home), students can join a beginner orchestra after six months to a year. The beginner orchestra generally focuses on ensemble skills, teamwork, and the performance of simple ensemble pieces. Solo and ensemble playing will be their long-term plan for learning an instrument.

How long does it take to take the French horn exam?

This depends on the individual student's progress. Please discuss this with your instructor.

The Impact of Learning the French Horn on Students

Besides being enjoyable, learning an instrument also improves one's willpower, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and courage through continuous practice, overcoming difficulties encountered with challenging pieces, experiencing the pressure of performing for an audience, and experiencing the sense of success or failure afterward. These are all important elements of personal growth.

An instrument is a tool for learning music, and one of the goals of learning music is to discover students' potential and identify the most effective learning methods, transforming them into learning skills, identifying and solving problems, and developing independent thinking.

Furthermore, after years of study, individuals develop a certain level of artistic refinement and appreciation, which also enhances their personal character.

Can adults learn the French horn?

Of course they can. Age shouldn't be a barrier to learning new things. Adults have the advantage of understanding themselves better, understanding their needs, being able to express themselves more effectively, communicating more easily with instructors, and generally having a body shape suitable for playing the French horn.

Learning and challenging new things is also a way to continuously grow the brain!

Adults may not learn new things as easily as children, and learning a new musical instrument is probably more difficult.

The human brain is capable of continuous growth, as long as learning is done using adult-appropriate methods.

Adults are not suited to continuing to learn through rote memorization as they did in school. Memorization requires understanding and reflection... (400 words deleted)

In short, no matter what new thing adults learn, the key is the learning method. Learning new things is never just for children or young people.

Why, even though I've been learning the French horn for a while, taking private lessons, and practicing regularly, am I still not performing as well as I'd like in the orchestra?

The atmosphere in an orchestra is very different from that at home or in a private classroom. In an orchestra, you have to focus on your part while also managing the surroundings. Inexperienced students may feel a certain amount of pressure, such as fear of being blamed for mistakes, which can damage their self-esteem and make it difficult for them to perform to their usual level.

Students can pay more attention to their practice methods and seek guidance from their instructors on how to improve.

To improve your performance, participate in more solo performances and gain experience. This isn't something that can be solved overnight; experience is accumulated.

Don't treat nervousness with a negative attitude. Students in the orchestra are in a learning phase. Reassure yourself that mistakes are inevitable; it's part of the learning process and something every professional musician has experienced.

How can you deal with nervousness before and during a performance?

This is a challenge most performers face, though few never experience it. In addition to adequate preparation, you can also strengthen your mental state before a performance. For example, talk to yourself more positively to shift your focus away from fear and your own shortcomings.

"I love my voice and want everyone to hear it!"
"I love this piece and want to share it with everyone!"
"You're all my friends, come support me!"
"I'm ready!"
Don’t let words like "mistake," "nervous," or "embarrass" enter your mind.

Also, if possible, practice at the venue you'll be performing at. You can also perform a mock performance with family and friends as an audience, or even record it. This will help you get used to performing under pressure.

When performing, immerse yourself in the piece. Don't worry about making mistakes. Don't dwell on mistakes (because they can't be changed), and don't worry about impending mistakes (the more you think about them, the more likely they are to happen). Just look forward, complete the piece, and enjoy the process.

The French horn is often seen as an accompaniment instrument, often considered a niche instrument. It doesn't have as many solo repertoires as the piano and violin. Are there any engaging solo pieces for the French horn?

Classical Music:

Beethoven Horn Sonata, Op. 17
Mozart W.A. Horn Concerto 1, 2, 3, 4
Gliere R. Horn Concerto Op. 91
Richard Strauss Horn Concerto 1, 2
Franz Strauss Nocturne, Op. 7
Dukes P., Villanelle
Gliere R. Four Pieces for Horn and Piano, Op. 35

Film Music: (with horn melody)

Star Trek
End Title - from Star Trek
Captain America
Flying Theme - from E.T.
The Avengers
Iron Man 3
Love Theme - from Star Wars
Battle of the Heroes - from Star Wars
Hogwarts Forever - from Harry Porter

The difference between private and group lessons

It's the difference between group instruction and one-on-one instruction, but it can significantly impact a student's progress.

Group lessons generally require students to keep up with the course schedule and typically have a more specific teaching plan. While instructors may take time to help individual students with their problems, they often only devote limited time to individual students to maintain progress.

In addition, my previous teaching experience has revealed significant differences in the performance of some students between group and individual lessons. In individual lessons, they often feel more relaxed and open to communication. Without having to worry about their classmates' gazes, they are more likely to understand the teacher's guidance, are more willing to ask questions, and achieve significantly greater learning progress.

Of course, there's a difference in tuition fees between the two types of lessons. Personally, I think that if a student wants to reach a certain level of playing, individual lessons are the fastest and most effective, as the instructor can tailor the teaching method to the student's needs.

Some parents let their children take group lessons first to see if they enjoy the lessons before deciding on private instruction. This is common, but it's important to note that this decision should be made within three months. If a child has developed bad playing habits, the sooner they can identify and correct them, the easier it will be, and they won't waste time in confusion.

How to choose a French horn?

You can consult with your instructor first to see what models are available. Consider your maintenance habits, playing needs, and desired tone.
If you need to try out the instrument, it's strongly recommended to consult an instructor or experienced player to test the instrument's pitch, check if the strings are smooth and parallel, check for leaks, check for surface defects, and check if the keys operate smoothly.
Students should also try out the instrument to get a feel for it.

What's the difference between a gold and silver French horn?

Double horns are commonly found in gold and silver. The biggest difference is in appearance, followed by tone. Some say silver horns sound louder than gold horns, while others disagree. Tone also depends on the mouthpiece and playing technique, so it's difficult to generalize.

The French horn is essentially an alloy consisting of copper and zinc. The surface treatment can be either lacquered (gold) or a nickel-copper alloy (silver).

Can I play the French horn while losing baby teeth or wearing braces ?

Yes, you can. Playing the French horn involves vibrating your lips, and as long as you can maintain a focused air stream, you can play fine. However, you may need to adjust the pressure or angle of your mouthpiece to adapt.

Many students continue to play the French horn while getting braces. They also need to slightly adjust their playing technique to find the most effective way, and the tone may differ slightly from before getting braces.

I strongly recommend avoiding getting braces two to three months before a major performance, instrumental competition, or exam. It takes time to adjust to playing an instrument with braces.