Student Instrumental Course: Tunes for French Horn Technic, Level II: French Horn Book

Ployhar's Level II book strikes the balance every intermediate horn student needs: exercises that genuinely build technical facility without feeling like punishment. The progression is logical and cumulative, so students arrive at each new concept ready to succeed rather than confused. After years in the classroom, Ployhar knows exactly which mechanical challenges trip up young hornists and builds solutions into the material itself.

The material feels purposeful and achievable. Each exercise builds on foundations already laid, so nothing feels arbitrary or disconnected from real musical growth. The technical work carries genuine musicality, avoiding the sterile drills that sap a student's enthusiasm for the instrument.

This book belongs in the hands of every intermediate horn student, whether in a school band program or working with a private instructor. It works equally well for group instruction and one-on-one lessons, making it flexible for different teaching contexts. If a student has completed a Level I method and is ready for more rigorous technical work, Level II supplies exactly what comes next.

• Work through the warmup exercises at the beginning of each practice session. They establish a stable embouchure and tongue position before moving to the more demanding technical studies.
• Pay close attention to the written breathing marks. They appear in deliberate places to teach efficient breath management, not just to give you a rest.
• Practice difficult passages slowly and deliberately first. The book's progression assumes you'll internalize each concept before moving to faster tempos.
• Use a tuner when checking your intonation in the longer studies. Intermediate players sometimes drift without realizing it, and visual feedback helps develop ear training alongside technique.

Assign this as the core daily practice resource for intermediate horn students during the school year. The 32 pages support consistent progress across a full academic year without overwhelming students or requiring frequent book purchases. Pair it with your concert repertoire so students develop the technique they need to play ensemble music with confidence and control.

• Tone production and embouchure stability in extended ranges
• Articulation clarity using single and double tonguing
• Slurred passages and legato phrasing
• Rhythmic accuracy and counting in various meters
• Breath control and efficient air support
• Sight-reading at the intermediate level
• Intonation awareness and adjustment