John Ericson

Who is this James Chambers you Speak Of?

A few years ago I posted an article on the topic of “Who is this Philip Farkas you Speak of?” Along similar lines, perhaps...

“Well, Duh!?!,” a Key to Accuracy

The comments to my recent article on "tut" tonguing are a reminder that tonging is always a good topic to address. You don't want...

“Tut” for a Short, Crisp Staccato? Yes

Scott Whitener in A Complete Guide to Brass notes that The so-called tongued release does have its place…. Professional players often make use of it...

Introducing Ultimate Horn Technique and Ultimate Low Horn

To make it official, I have had a push on for some time toward the completion of two new publications, Ultimate Horn Technique and...

Before Farkas: The Dufrasne (Mercier) Routine, Part II

As I noted in Part I, a new publication of the Dufrasne Routine was recently put out in The Complete Hornist series. In the acknowledgements editor...

Before Farkas: The Mercier (Dufrasne) Routine, Part I

Ever wonder how the teacher of Farkas warmed up? Tonal Flexibility Studies for French Horn by William Mercier gives some clear insights. Cleaning the office...

“Hey, I Did Not Miss Any Notes”

Ever think this after a concert? The first time that stands out in my memory is a performance of the Gounod Petite Symphonie for...

Ultrasonic Cleaning FAQ

Recently I made some decisions about what pieces I will perform at the Southeast Horn Workshop this year. Part of that decision making process...

Hornmasters: Berv on the Shorter Warm-Up

Harry Berv clearly notes in A Creative Approach to French Horn Playing “THERE MUST BE a warm-up period before the practice session begins.” A shorter...

Interview: Jazz Hornist Mark Taylor and Notes on Embouchure Dystonia

Last weekend I noted that in Episode 120 of The Mellocast the topic of Focal Dystonia came up with jazz hornist Mark Taylor. There...