Winter/Spring 2021 Natural Horn
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) ONLINE Course
During the current global pandemic many musicians have found themselves suddenly with time on their hands as their orchestras and ensembles have, sadly, needed to cancel concerts and tours.
Whilst this has been a shock (emotionally and financially) to many, as the dust has settled, some musicians are looking to use this enforced “down time” to improve their skills such as improving their competency on the natural horn. This ten week course is designed for professional and advanced players and aims to cover all the elements of classical hand horn playing. The main goal is to ensure that participants are more confident and informed about incorporating aspects of the natural horn into their regular playing.
Learn more about Continuing Professional Development (CPD) here.
Who is this course aimed at?
Professional/advanced horn players wishing to improve their natural horn skills.
Some previous experience/familiarity with the instrument is desirable.
What do participants need?
Access to a natural horn and (ideally) full set of crooks. NB course participants can choose whether they want to work at A430/A440/an other pitch.
Good stable access to the internet (ideally via an ethernet cable).
A USB mic and webcam.
Access to a printer or tablet so as to be able to print/read course material.
Either a www.playwithapro.com account (free) or a Zoom account (free/subscription).
What will be covered in this course?
A revision of basics including mastering the harmonic series, working at different pitches (A430/A440/A415 etc), the essentials of hand technique, perfecting intonation and warming up/down.
Focussed attention on the alto/basso/solo crooks and putting this in to practice with orchestral extracts.
Factitious notes below the stave and opening up the high range.
Arpeggios/broken chords and general flexibility.
Minor tonalities and playing in sections using multiple crooks.
HIP articulation and ornamentation.
HIP improvisation (cadenzas and preluding).
Each week will include a selection of solo, chamber and orchestral repertoire appropriate to the focus of each session.
What is the structure of the course?
The course is a 10 week course starting on Thursday 21st of January, 2021 and running until Thursday 25th of March, 2021.
Participants will receive a one-to-one 1 hour lesson each Thursday via www.playwithapro.com (other platforms are available).
Participants will receive a Monday e-briefing, detailing the focus for the week and with material to prepare for the lesson.
Participants have the option to upload “recording assignments” at the end of each week for feedback.
Will this course cover baroque horn/early valve horn?
The current course will not, but if there is sufficient demand we will look into running such courses in future. Please email us below to indicate if you’d be interested!
How much does it cost?
$775 (USD) for 10 x one hour lessons.
All other materials will be provided.
A copy of Historic Horn Handbook 1 is encouraged!
How do I apply?
There will be two places available on this course.
To apply please fill in the form here.
Please note you will need to submit two contrasting recordings and a CV.
Applications will open on the 1st of January 2021.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS is 2350 (GMT) Saturday 16th of January, 2021.
Successful applicants will be notified by the Monday 18th of January, 2021.
”I have a question…?”
Want to know more? Email your enquiry here.