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The Fundamentals of Playing the French Horn. By: Mr. Ogle Instrumental Music Grade: 6. Learning Objectives. After completing the tutorial you will have the skills necessary to begin playing the French Horn. TN State Standards Content Standard 2.0 Playing Instruments. Directions.
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The Fundamentals of Playing the French Horn By: Mr. Ogle Instrumental Music Grade: 6
Learning Objectives After completing the tutorial you will have the skills necessary to begin playing the French Horn. TN State Standards Content Standard 2.0 Playing Instruments
Directions Use these buttons to help you navigate the tutorial. The button will take you to the next slide. The button will take you to the previous slide. The button will take you to the main menu. The button will take you directly to the quiz.
Main MenuChoose a subject below and read each before taking the Quiz. Assembly of the French Horn Posture and Hand Position Producing a Good Sound Summary Quiz Exit
Assembly • Before removing your French Horn from the case you must first place the case on the floor in front of you with the latches facing upward. Make sure that the latches flip up to open the case correctly. • After opening the case, take the French Horn out of the case using both hands. • Place the Instrument in your lap securely before taking the mouthpiece out of the case. • Take the mouthpiece out of the case and place it in the mouthpiece receiver. Do NOT jam the mouthpiece but gently place it in the receiver and turn it a one quarter turn.
Posture and Holding Position (1 of 2) • Posture is a very important aspect of playing any instrument. Posture can affect tone production, technique, and performance credibility. • Steps for Good Posture are the following: • 1. Sit up straight and tall with your back off of the seat. • 2. Sit towards the edge of the seat. • 3. Place your feet flat on the floor.
Posture and Holding Position (2 of 2) • Holding Position • Using good posture and hand placement, bring the horn to you with the mouthpiece resting on your lips. • Left Hand Placement • Place your little finger in the “pinkie ring” and your thumb on the fourth valve or thumb ring depending on the instrument. • Place your other three fingers on the valves. • Place the French Horn on your right thigh with the bell facing backwards. • Right Hand Placement • Take your right hand and cup it slightly with your fingers together and your thumb next to your index finger. • Place your cupped right hand in into the bell of the French Horn with the backs of your fingers touching the side of the bell facing away from you.
Producing a Good Sound (1 of 3) • Embouchure: • The embouchure is the position of the mouth against the mouthpiece through which a tone is produced. • How to form your Embouchure: • First you must moisten your lips. • Second bring your lips together evenly and say a “M” syllable. Make sure that your teeth are open and your lips and jaw is loose. • Use your thumb and index finger to hold the mouthpiece gently against your newly formed embouchure with 2/3 of the mouthpiece touching your upper lip and 1/3 of the mouthpiece touching your bottom lip.
Producing a Good Sound (2 of 3) • Buzzing is the vibration of the lips with a good embouchure and breath support through a mouthpiece. • A good tone is produced when you can properly buzz on the mouthpiece. • This is how you buzz: • First you must form the proper embouchure. • With good air support, push a steady stream of air through the center of your lips making a “buzzing” sound.
Producing a Good Sound (3 of 3) • Breath Support • When playing a wind instrument it is very important to use good breath support. • Good breath support starts with good posture! • This is how you feel if you are using the proper breathing technique and breath support needed to play your horn: • First place your left hand on your chest and your right hand on your stomach. • Take a deep breath opening your throat almost as if you are yawning. • You should feel your right hand moving outward from your stomach and not your left hand from your chest. • Once you know that you are breathing in correctly, release the air in a steady stream releasing all of the air you just took in.
Summary • Demonstrating good posture means that you are sitting up straight and tall with you feet flat on the floor and your back off of the back of the chair. • When placing your right hand in the French horn is should be slightly cupped unless told otherwise by the music. • Never jam the mouthpiece in the mouthpiece receiver. Always place the mouthpiece in gently and turn it a one quarter turn. • When forming your embouchure you should say “M” with your teeth open and your jaw loose. • Always handle your French Horn with care when taking it in and out of the case. Always place the case in the floor before opening it. • A good buzz = A good tone • When bring the mouthpiece to your lips always remember that 2/3 of your upper lip is touching the mouthpiece and 1/3 of it is touching the bottom lip.
The Quiz If you have read all of the tutorial slides you are ready to begin the quiz. Read each question carefully and select the correct answer. Good Luck!
Question #1 • Where should you place your French horn case before you open it? A. On the floor. B. On your chair. C. On your lap. D. On the ceiling.
Question #2 • Which of the following is NOT a part of good posture? A. Your feet flat on the floor. B. Your back off the back of the chair. C. Leaning over to play your instrument. D. Sitting up straight and tall.
Question #3 • What syllable is used when forming a good embouchure? A. “S” B. “M” C. “D” D. “Ah”
Question #4 • What position is your right hand in while playing the French Horn? A. Fist B. Flat C. You don’t need your right hand. D. Slightly cupped
Question #5 • True or False? A good buzz in the mouthpiece will produce a bad tone. A. True B. False
Question #6 • How much of the mouthpiece should be touching your upper lip? A. 2/3 B. 1/2 C. 1/4 D. 1/3
Question #7 • How far should you turn your mouthpiece when you place it in the mouthpiece receiver? A. All the way around. B. A one quarter turn. C. Do not turn it. D. Turn it half way.
Exit Congratulations! You have successfully completed the tutorial! Now you can begin the French horn!
