How (not) to write a B♭ french horn beginners method book by Isabelle Roelofs

Name: Isabelle Roelofs Main subject: Master Natural Horn Research supervisor: Daniel Salbert Title: How (not) to write a Bb French Horn beginners method book Research question: How (not) to write a Bb French Horn beginners method book Summary of the results: As a horn teacher, I realize that the existing Dutch method books seem not to be written from the perspective of a beginning, young horn player. They show little consideration for the specific physical abilities of children at a young age when learning to play the horn, probably because those methods are mostly not written by a horn player. Therefore, I have researched the do's and don'ts behind writing a method book. If playing the exercises in a method is not physically feasible, it can lead to frustration for the student, which, in my opinion, is detrimental to the learning process. I have always learned that moments of success are crucial for the development and maintenance of motivation. I find these moments of success lacking in existing Dutch-language horn methods. I also believe that they progress too quickly to emphasize reading notation. I notice that my own students often prioritize correctness over musicality. I have critically examined and compared the available Dutch horn method books. Additionally, I interviewed fellow horn teachers to gather their perspectives. Furthermore, I attended a lesson for young horn players at BASIS (Royal Conservatory of the Hague) where auditory learning takes precedence. I am not the first to consider writing my own method. Other horn teachers have embarked on this journey, each with their unique motivations. My research has revealed that I am not the only one who has critical thoughts about the existing horn method books. A significant part of the interviewed teachers also emphasized this same point. Based on the obtained results, I have outlined the initial steps that, in my opinion, are necessary for a starting young horn player, along with the corresponding range of tones. Biography: Isabelle Roelofs, an accomplished horn player and dedicated music teacher, earned degrees in French Horn and Music Education from Codarts University. Graduating with honors from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, she is currently pursuing a Master's in Natural Horn at The Hague Conservatory with Teunis van der Zwart. Isabelle is the founder of Belle Musique (2018), where she imparts her musical knowledge through personalized horn lessons, shaping the future of horn players step by step.

Translation:

Ons genoegen is looking for a brass teacher Music association Ons genoegen Amerongen has been around for over 100 years. At the moment, the association has 36 members and we are trying to expand through various projects. We are looking for an:

Enthusiastic brass teacher (freelancer)

Our music association consists of a brass band and a percussion group. Our students play together in a starter orchestra called AJO (Amerongen Youth Orchestra). We are looking for someone who wants to teach our brass students on Thursday afternoons. Currently, we have 6 students, each receiving a 25-minute lesson. The brass teacher will also be appointed as conductor/accompanist of the AJO. They play on Thursdays prior to the orchestra rehearsal (6:45 PM to 7:15 PM).

Who are you?

You have a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) (or can apply for one); You preferably have HAFABRA diplomas A through D; You are willing to actively contribute to the various projects we regularly offer in primary schools to recruit new members and brainstorm how we can reach other target groups; You can guide students towards their HAFABRA exams; You work as a freelancer, but you collaborate well with other parts of the association (music committee, board, brass band, and conductor). What do we offer? A fitting hourly rate based on experience and education; Sufficient space in our own music building in Amerongen for the lessons; A travel allowance based on commuting kilometers. Currently, the time commitment is about 3 hours per week (excluding projects), and we hope to expand this with new students in the short term. Are you the one we are looking for? Then send your CV, motivation letter, and salary indication to info@onsgenoegenamerongen.nl. We will contact you as soon as possible.

Tip

Tip

Isabelle Roelofs - How (not) to write a B♭ french horn beginners method book - 2024