French Horn with Emily J.

I've been playing French horn for 28 years, professionally for 11 years, teaching for 14. I have played in orchestras, chamber ensembles, concert bands and mixed ensembles, holding a wide range of positions ranging from principal to 3rd chair. I currently work as a studio musician, recording professionally as well as (when there are live shows not during a pandemic) with a house band for a live show. I'm oddly proud to have my playing printed on a vinyl album. I play on a King Eroica and Conn 8-D with a customized mouthpiece, and have my own studio at home. I'm currently working on developing arrangements for horn to make videos for YouTube.  My teaching style is very conversational. I start by working to understand their goals, what they wish to work on or improve upon, and tailor their lessons to focus on their goals however encourage well-rounded learning for them to succeed in any aspect of playing. I'm very relaxed in understanding schedules for practice, however I do expect practice during the week and will mark improvement during each lesson. If the student has no enthusiam for the horn, I lose enthusiam for teaching them. I keep engaged with how they are feeling while they play, as learning horn can be frustrating in the beginning. I have been there myself, and will work them through their frustration, find what motivates them and help guide them through their journey.  At the beginning, there will be 50/50 talking and playing, and as the student progresses it will shift to 25/75 talk/play. Either them playing their prepared pieces for me, or talking through anything they may be working on or causing them a hiccup. I find it extremely important to engage in conversation with students to understand their needs, their wants, their fears and hopes. And each lesson will come with ups and downs. I always keep the flexibility in mind as music is a just as flexible and emotional as we are.