UArizona Horns
The University of Arizona Horn Studio
The University of Arizona Horn Studio provides outstanding opportunities for student growth and success. The University of Arizona offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees, plus two performance-based graduate assistantships for horn. The studio welcomes numerous guest artists and teachers annually for masterclasses and performances and owns several special instruments for student use, including a Paxman natural horn and a Yamaha triple horn.
If you are interested in studying horn at the University of Arizona, please visit the UA Horn Studio Website. The schedule for 2022-2023 includes a studio trip to the SW Horn Conference, mobile horn workshops, and more exciting guest artists. Stay tuned for more updates!
2020-21 guest artists included:
- Wei-Ping Chou, 2nd Horn Kennedy Center Opera/Washington National Opera
- Mill Ave Chamber Players
- Michael Walker, Horn Professor, University of New Mexico
- Annie Bosler and Dylan Skye Hart, Los Angeles Studio Musicians
- Lisa Ford, Principal Horn, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra (Sweden)
- Mill Ave Chamber Players
- Sonoran Brass Quintet
- David Byrd, International Contemporary Ensemble, and Horn Professor, Denver University
- Michelle Rimoli, Private Studio Teacher, New Mexico
- Peter Solomon, Principal Horn, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (China)
Influences
My teaching focuses on healthy, efficient playing techniques, mental preparation, audition success, and developing as an individual artist. I have been lucky to study with many wonderful musicians. Here is some brief information about the people who have had the most impact on me:
Richard Deane is the Acting Principal Horn of the New York Philharmonic. I studied with Richard when he played in the Atlanta Symphony. Richard has honed an amazing scientific-style approach to teaching the horn, which focuses on problem solving and developing technique. I use the skills he taught me every day, for my own playing and that of my students.
Roland Pandolfi teaches at the Oberlin Conservatory and is the former Principal Horn of the Saint Louis Symphony. His colorful personality and finesse in his horn playing are one of a kind. The best way to describe studying with Roland is to say he teaches you to play like a natural player. I am so grateful for the efficient, musical approach I gained from my time with him.
John Zirbel is the Retired Principal Horn of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal. I studied with John over the course of four years at the Aspen Music Festival. John’s intensity and passion are communicated through every note he plays. As a musician, he is lauded by everyone who hears him play, many even consider his missed notes to be musical. He played a pivotal role in helping me transition from student to professional.
Gus Sebring is the Associate Principal Horn of the Boston Symphony. Gus’s positivity, musicality, and open approach to learning are beloved by many in the Boston musical community. Gus was an active model of what day-to-day excellence looks like and how to pursue the highest level of professionalism.
Jamie Sommerville is the Principal Horn of the Boston Symphony. His deep, thoughtful approach to music extends much further than just playing the horn well. Jamie helped me learn how to go beyond the traditional approach to pieces and to truly dream in the language of musical expression. His memorable, sensitive, and sparkling performances remain an inspiration.