Second Book of Horn Solos: French Horn Book

Richardson and Moore crafted a collection that respects where young hornists actually are developmentally, offering solos that sound mature without requiring advanced technique. The pieces reward focused, musical playing rather than flashy fingerwork, which keeps students engaged in tone quality and phrasing from the very beginning.

These solos carry the character of earnest, well-shaped lyrical writing. The music is straightforward enough to stay in focus but substantial enough to feel like real repertoire, creating moments where young hornists can experience themselves as genuine musicians rather than just students working through exercises.

This book serves hornists moving beyond elementary-level solos and ready to explore pieces with genuine musical content. Teachers building recital programs for early intermediate students will find reliable, well-crafted material that develops both technique and interpretive awareness.

• Shape phrases by thinking in terms of vocal line rather than mechanical note patterns; horn music speaks most persuasively when it sings.
• Balance tone production across the break between the first and second partial ranges; uneven tone here will undermine even well-prepared solos.
• Use the accompaniment strategically to anchor tempo and harmonic context, especially in passages where the horn part sits high or spans multiple registers.

Program these as recital solos for students preparing first performances outside the studio or band room, or use them as supplementary material during the school year when you want to build solo skills without pulling from your main performance calendar. They also work well as sight-reading and audition preparation for middle school honor bands.

• Sustained tone production across multiple registers
• Phrase shaping and musical line construction
• Secure intonation in the break between partial ranges
• Accompaniment awareness and entrances
• Basic interpretive choices (articulation, dynamics, tempo nuance)