Careers in playing the French horn?

I absolutely LOVE playing my French horn, and I'm really good too (been first chair since i started, 1 1/2 years ago; placed first chair at my regional contest last november; got first chair and first band at the University of Arkansas band camp, it was my first year too). What can I do when i get out of college? I would love to play with symphonies if i could, i don't know if there are requirements and such... if it helps, im going into the 8th grade, a little planning ahead never hurt!

Careers in playing the French horn?
As my teacher always talks about, there are several options for hornists (more than many orchestral instruments). Very few players, however, make careers out of strictly solo playing. That means that you would likely be playing in a large or small ensemble, teaching, or both.





Large ensemble opportunities mostly include military bands and city orchestras.


Small ensemble opportunities mostly include brass and woodwind quintets.





The vast majority of musicians teach to some extent, often in addition to their performance job. If you rise high enough in the field, you might get a job teaching a horn studio at a college, while playing principal horn in a local orchestra. Teaching the collegiate level requires more degrees, usually, though most great players take the graduate school route anyway.





I've also talked to several "freelance" musicians (not necessarily hornists), who do a lot of studio work. This is a hard world to break into, though.





Regardless of what route you take, consider this: often times, teaching private lessons is a musician's number one source of income. Expect to teach someone something, at some point.





Playing in a symphony is a good route to pursue. Don't rule out chamber ensembles and teaching, though. You're young yet, so don't narrow yourself at all. And feel free to ask any specific questions later. flame122112@yahoo.com





Dan Whisler


BME Major


Wichita State University
Reply:Audition with your local symphony orchestra when you are able!!! Andre Rieau Has a famous orchestra which travels the world extensively.


Good luck and may God bless you.
Reply:Play in a city orchestra, or teach. That's about it.
Reply:orchestra would be a good choice, im kind of in a similar situation, except its with baritone, not french horn. im in tenth grade. you're still pretty young, try experimengint more, maybe auditioning for a youth symphony, or maybe even joining a drum corps in the future would be a good experience, the military might also be good. you can always check the symphonys websites, they should have audition dates, requirements, stuff like that. and yes, andre rieau's orchestra is awesome.




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