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Pedagogy Books

Pedagogy Books
Pedagogy books are written to help us understand how we and the horn work together. There are quite a few options out there, but some are becoming outdated and others just are not the best overall quality. You should also be on the lookout for new ones that enter our world from time to time because they each offer a unique perspective on this crazy world we live in. Here are a few of my favorites:
#1 - Phil Farkas - The Art of French Horn Playing
I consider this the bible of horn playing. It was written in 1956 but has stood the test of time. Farkas’ book is a wonderful guide for beginners and those who teach beginners. It also serves as a resource for review from time to time for those of us who need reminders on how the horn works. He also wrote three other pedagogical books that are just as lovely as this one.
#2 - William R Brophy - Technical Studies for Solving Special Problems on the Horn
This book is way less words and way more playing. Brophy created this as an exercise for tackling usual problems on the horn. He does include specific instructions for each exercise that should be followed. I always recommend this to my students and have found it most useful for extending range and mastering articulations.
#3 - Randy C. Gardner - Mastering the Horn’s Low Register
As someone who is not a natural low horn player, this book has been life changing. Gardner has created a guide that not only walks you through studies to strengthen your low horn playing but also has approaches and exercises for low horn orchestral excerpts. Gardner also has another pedagogical book and countless articles that exist in the horn world.

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