How to Play a French Horn

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By goodselfme
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French Horn

Learning any musical instrument takes some things that one must consider before starting. Playing the French Horn is no exception.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Fair to moderate lung/wind capacity.
Ability to breathe using the diaphragm
Two hands; Left for valves, right for inserting into the bell.

Step 1

The French Horn is a lovely looking, fairly light weight, brass/wind instrument used as solo, yet primarily accompanying other concert band players. The maintenance of this instrument includes buffing with a clean, dry, lint free cloth over the brass to eliminate finger prints along with rinsing of the removable mouth piece after 3 hours of playing. Recommendations to thoroughly wash the horn once a year with mild soap, rinsing and then drying. It should be kept in a case to avoid dents and scratches.
Step 2

The strength to hold this beauty does not have to be a person who is physically strong in that area. The approximate weight of the French horn is under 10 pounds. The ultimate good French Horn player needs a fair to moderate wind or lung capacity. Like any musical instrument, practice is needed to create the individuals sound. At least 30 minutes a day is advised to successfully learn the notes combined with proper breathing.
Step 3

Good mouth control with good elasticity of the facial muscles is required to even get a musical note from the French Horn. One needs to position the moist lips as if to say "Prunes". Holding that stance, a male or female then puts the lips to the mouth piece and blows from the abdomen. This diaphragm breathing takes some practice, but is easily learned with great success when accomplished.
Step 4

One hand presses valves to create the harmonic sound, while the other is made into a fist and placed into the opening of the horn, known as the bell. This hand placement is called "cupping" The cupped hand holds the instrument in place, while it is being balanced on the lap or held in the air. This might sound unusual at first, but actually looks nice when positioned properly. The other function of the hand is to govern the sound that is produced by "hand- stopping". The introduction of this technique was developed by Anton Hampel.
Step 5

Good posture is necessary to properly inhale and exhale while playing the French Horn. Along with it being needed for the physical need, upright posture is pleasing to the eye and better for ones over all good health. The firm, mellow tones of the Horn are a melodious addition to many other instruments such as the Saxophone, trumpet and piano to name only a few.