John Kinyon's Basic Training Course, Book 2: French Horn Book

Kinyon's method balances precision with flexibility. The same material works seamlessly whether you're teaching a hornist one-on-one, running a section of horn players, or integrating horns into a mixed band context. His pedagogical approach builds confidence early, making this a reliable foundation for young brass players who need to succeed quickly.

The material feels grounded and purposeful. Early exercises build muscle memory without overwhelming beginners, and the progression introduces new concepts at a sustainable pace. Students experience early success with simple melodies that nonetheless sound musical and engaging.

This book is designed for beginning hornists in grades 4-6, whether learning in a private lesson, a homogeneous section class, or as part of a full beginning band program. It works equally well in urban school settings with large ensembles and rural programs serving smaller groups of students.

• Establish a consistent embouchure routine before each practice session using the introductory exercises, and return to them whenever intonation or tone quality wavers.
• Encourage students to sing passages aloud before playing them; this builds interval recognition and reduces the mechanical feel of early reading.
• Use the duet arrangements to reinforce listening skills and balance; pair stronger readers with developing ones to create accountability.
• Check valve coordination carefully during the transition exercises; slow practice isolates coordination problems that speed conceals.

Use Book 2 as the core method for your horn section's second year of instruction, or integrate it alongside your full band method if you're using a different series. The duets and section arrangements provide enrichment material for advanced beginners while keeping struggling readers supported within the same pages.

• Three-valve coordination and technique
• Reading treble clef in Grade 1-2 range material
• Breath control and sustained tone production
• Interval recognition through stepwise and simple skips
• Ensemble listening and balance in duet and small group settings
• Articulation patterns (staccato and legato)
• Time signature reading (primarily 2/4, 3/4, 4/4)