The University of Alabama Horn Studio is a place where the serious horn student can learn all of the requisite skills needed for a successful career as a performer or teacher. The expectations are high and the attitude is very serious as it relates to preparation and development. But the studio is not an attitude, it is the people. The Alabama horn studio is currently made up of 24 nice, friendly, and talented individuals. The environment here is certainly competitive among the students (we have quite a few national and international award winners) but at the same time very supportive and caring. Many of the horn students find that some of their best friends come from among their studio colleagues. This has remained very consistent over the years. Among the enrolled students we have a Yamaha Young performing artist, two finalists from the American Horn Competition, an International Horn Society Mock Audition Winner, a National Federation of Music Clubs Solo Winner (brass division), a Fulbright Grant finalist, and several students with professional experience both in the U.S and Europe. Therefore some of the stiffest competition that Alabama students will face anywhere they go for competitions or auditions are the same people they see in the hallway (and may have lunch with) everyday. This affords the students here the very important experience of growing and learning in a realistic environment. While a very realistic and professional approach is taken in regard to the development of the student, each student is seen and assessed very much as an individual, allowing them to develop at their own appropriate pace and level.
Lesson material tends to focus on a mix of solos, etudes, and orchestral material. The proper balance for any student will be determined by their career choice and specific goals. Choices of horns, mouthpieces and any other equipment are wide open. We currently have a wide range of equipment well represented in the studio. The emphasis at Alabama is not on “what” you play but on “how” you play it.
If you are serious about being successful in some area of music that involves playing the horn and are looking for a place to grow and mature among other fine horn players, please consider joining us at The University of Alabama.