Reply To: Starting on horn in 4th grade–yea or nay?

[nafmeadmin]

Horns do come in different keys- the most common are the F, the F/Bb double horn, and once in a while you’ll come across an Eb horn. A lot of students start on the F horn, but I try to start mine on the double right away whenever possible. Eb horns are occasionally called for in older band music, but usually the parts are also written for F horn.

Was the horn your student playing on one of these? Also, if you don’t feel confident enough to teach horn to your students, you should try to find a way to get some practice on it, using a school instrument or renting one if you can. Students shouldn’t be limited by your limitations on an instrument, and I think you’ll find that you’ll be much more successful in helping students once your own playing improves.