Frøydis Ree Wekre: Thoughts on Playing the Horn Well

Frøydis Ree Wekre: Thoughts on Playing the Horn Well

The Polish edition of the hugely popular and acclaimed book by Frøydis Ree Wekre, Thoughts on Playing the Horn Well, has been published by ZM Concept.

The author discusses many aspects whose proper understanding, practice and mastery contribute to becoming a well-rounded horn player. A renowned horn player and pedagogue, she shares her insights and knowledge in a highly communicative and direct style, making the book accessible and enjoyable for both beginners and advanced horn players.

The book is not an academic textbook. Rather, it is a collection of practical reflections, advice and personal experience concerning playing technique, practicing, facial muscles, breathing, tone production, dynamics, intonation, memorization and performance preparation.

The publication is intended for pupils, students and professional musicians interested in consciously developing their horn-playing skills.

Characteristics:

• Author: Frøydis Ree Wekre
• Original title: Thoughts on Playing the Horn Well
• Publisher: ZM Concept
• Language: Polish
• ISBN: 978-83-916211-4-1

Table of contents:

• 1. Thoughts on Playing Well and Warming Up
• 1.2 Mouthpiece-Only Playing
• 1.3 First Beautiful Sounds on the Horn
• 1.4 Legato Scales
• 1.5 A Few Exercises
• 1.6 Flexibility Exercises
• 1.7 Lip Trills
• 1.8 High Register
• 1.9 Low Register
• 1.10 Your Own List
• 1.11 Fortissimo
• 1.12 Stopped Horn
• 1.13 Playing on the Natural Horn
• 1.14 Long Tones
• 2. Thoughts on Practicing
• 3. Thoughts on Facial Muscles
• 3.1 Mouthpiece Placement
• 3.1.1 Lip Position Before Placement
• 3.1.2 Initial Jaw Position
• 3.2 Mouthpiece Pressure
• 3.3 Mouthpiece Angle
• 3.4 Facial Muscle Work
• 3.5 Aperture Size Depending On
• 3.6 Using the Muscles Inside the Mouthpiece
• 3.7 Muscle Work Outside the Mouthpiece
• 3.8 Muscle Fitness Checklist
• 3.9 Exercise Ideas
• 4. Thoughts on Dynamics
• 5. Thoughts on Tone Production
• 6. Thoughts on Breathing
• 6.1 Inhaling
• 6.2 Exhaling
• 6.3 Diaphragm Support
• 7. Thoughts on Intonation
• 7.1 Tempered Intonation
• 7.2 Melodic (Expressive or Horizontal) Intonation
• 7.3 Harmonic (Vertical) Intonation
• 8. Memorization
• 9. Endurance: Strength and Skill
• 10. Thoughts on Being Your Own Teacher
• 10.1 Choosing Words Wisely
• 10.2 Practicing with Breaks
• 10.3 The Difference Between Studying and Practicing
• 10.4 Choosing the Right Material to Study/Practice
• 10.5 Mental Practice Time (Without the Instrument)
• 10.6 Creative and Constructive Use of External “Tools” for Development
• 10.7 Seeking and Welcoming Feedback, Comments and Ideas
• 10.8 Raising Awareness and Striving for High-Quality Results
• 10.9 Seeking Frequent Performance Opportunities
• 10.10 Developing a Sense of HUMOR
• 10.11 Leading a Meaningful Lifestyle
• 10.12 Constantly Reminding Yourself Why You Became a Musician
• 11. Practice Chart
• 12. Extremes
• 13. In Spite of Everything!
• 14. Performance Preparation (Checklist)
• 15. Thoughts on Curiosity and Mental Health
• Suggested Reading