Are there any serious differences between playing the trumpet and the french horn?
Q: My band director is in need of french horn players and he suggested that i transition from the trumpet to the horn, i was wondering if there are any serious differences between playing the two instruments.
A: No there Really Isnt A Difference between The Two.
The Only Big Difference Would Be Your Posture and How you Hold the Instrument. Also Your lips are Much tighter oppose to your lips being relaxed and loose on the trumpet. And whoever said that the French horn Mouthpiece is Much Bigger Is Wrong. The trumpet mouthpiece is Bigger.
The Good thing about switching from Trumpet To French Horn is You can Get away withplaying the same Keys. For instance..
F.Horn: D is first Valve. Trumpet: D is 1 and 3
On french Horn you could get away wiht playing 1 and 3 so you really dont have to change your fingerings that Much. But its good to know Both. Also you'll find that you dont need to Oil Your Valves as much as you do on a Trumpet. Also too you'll find yourself emptying your spit more often. But French horn usually does not have Spit Valves so you have to take the mouthpiece of and just spin it. After every time you play its a good idea to drain your spit before you put the instrument away because the water will build up and youll have this awful gurgling sound and its hard to drain. Its also a good idea to give it a bath once a month. Run some warm water and just let it sit in the tub for about an hour then just drain it like spit. But be sure to take the valves out. Remember it is okay to Play you Horn right after you put oil on your valves. Many people think it will back up into there mouths. Also i almost forgot that you put your right hand into the bell of the horn and cup your and to the side. If your tall you cna hold it onto your knee and relax it there or you can hold it up. Your Choice.
And by the way Whoever said the French Horn Sounds Like a Dog. Get A life!












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