20 Best French Horn Book Reviews 2022 (Best Books to Learn French Horn)

1. The Art of French Horn Playing

Do you seek an easy-to-understand book on French horn? If that is the case, then you should go for this excellent music book written by Philip Farkas. The book was written in English and comprised 96 pages. Alfred Music published The Art of French Horn on May 1, 1995. The book was written by Philip Farkas, who is a professor of Music who lectures at Indiana University.

The book is recommended for all categories of players willing to improve their French horn playing skills. It is designed to help students achieve their goal of becoming an excellent player. The author describes every concept so practically that many aspects of horn playing become simpler and straightforward to you. Apart from that, the book features helpful exercises that enhance learning. If you need a French horn book that covers virtually every aspect of horn playing, you should consider this book for learning how to play the horn.

2. Essential Element for Band – F Horn Book 1

If you need a compelling guidebook that explains everything you need to know about the playing techniques of a horn, then the Essential Element for Band is your best bet. It offers both student and intermediate players engaging music and sound pedagogy to give them a solid foundation when it comes to their music career. Hal Leonard Corporation published the book on June 1, 1999. The music book contains 60 pages, and it is written in English.

The Essential Element for Band book 1 comes with familiar songs and exercises that are specially crafted for enhanced learning. The book offers music teachers as well as students player a wealth of material for effective teaching and learning process. The book includes the ultimate online music education resource, essential element interactive, unique and practical tools for online assessment, instruction, communication, and learning. If you need an excellent music book that is perfect for teaching beginner bands as well as string players either at home or in the classroom, then consider the Essential Element for band book 1.

3. Sixty Selected Studies for Horn Book 1

This is an outstanding book that is perfect for both beginners and experienced players. It adopts a simple approach for a quick understanding of the concepts. Carl Fischer Music published the book on April 15, 2012. Furthermore, the book contains 38 pages, and it is written in English. The book was first released in 1939, and it has been a go-to music book for all serious-minded horn players.

Due to the success of the first book, Carl Fischer prepared an engraved and edited version of the book. The new version comes with downloadable recordings of the 34 studies in book one and many more. This recording can be used as a reference for phrasing, tempo, and articulation during practice. Also, intermediate players looking to hone their skills can make use of this excellent book.

4. W21BC - Standard of Excellence Book 1 - Baritone

The Standard of Excellence Book 1 comes with everything a player needs to start playing. The book combines a practical approach with ear training, the theory of music, music history, improvisation, listening composition, multicultural, and interdisciplinary study. The book contains 48 pages, and Kjos Music Company publishes it.

Some of the notable features of the book are color-coding text and full-color drawing to aid learning, three starting system that enables student players to learn effectively, exercises for flutes only, among others. Other features that you need to know are a built-in reward system that motivates players to put in their best, music from more than twenty countries, and many more.

5. W21HF - Standard of Excellence Book 1 - French Horn

If you are looking for a useful book on French horn, then consider the W21HF - Standard of Excellence Book 1. The book is designed for all categories of players; whether you are a beginner or intermediate player, it will help you achieve your goal without stress. The book comes with a built-in reward system that is purposely designed to bring the best out of every player. Apart from that, it features full-color drawings, and it codes important texts with beautiful colors.

The book contains 48 pages, and Kjos Music Company publishes it. Furthermore, it was released on May 1, 1995. Some of what you will learn from the book is music theory, history of music, improvisation, listening composition, and many more.

6. Horn Technique: A New Approach to an Old Instrument

This is a great music book that is authored by Jeffrey Agrell. He is a French horn professor at The University of Iowa School of Music. It is also worth knowing that he has won several awards as a writer and composer. He has written different top-quality music books along with over one hundred articles. This unique book is not an exception as it consists of everything you need to become an excellent French horn player. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform published the book on April 14, 2017.

This book is an up-to-date resource for teachers and students. It consists of a wealth of information for serious players. Furthermore, the book is designed to encourage French horn players to combine the techniques in the book with what they already know. This book will help you discover the best way to master and learn this musical instrument.

7. Anthology of French Horn Music

Mel Bay Publication published the Anthology of French Horn Music on January 19, 2016. The book consists of 160 pages, and it is written in English. If you need an easy to understand book that is designed to make you an excellent player in no distant time, then you should not underestimate the anthology of French Horn music. The author of the book offers comments on different selections which expose the challenges faced by players when it comes to rhythm, fingering, and transposition.

If you need a practical and useful music book that is designed to help you become a better horn player, then go for the Anthology of French Horn Music. It contains operatic excerpts from the work of professional composers. The Anthology of French Horn is a standard collection that should be in the library of all serious-minded horn players.

8. First Book of Practical Studies for French Horn

The First Book of Practical Studies for French horn gives you a solid foundation when it comes to playing the French horn. Alfred Music published it on March 1, 1985. The book has 32 pages, and it is written in English. The book is designed to offer additional experience in the key signature, articulation, and fundamental rhythm. Apart from that, it will help you to improve your accuracy and develop chord consciousness.

It is a versatile book that can be used by all categories of players. The book offers excellent preparation for more advanced horn playing techniques in the Second Book of Practical Studies for French Horn. The book features interesting and melodic studies that are aimed at enhancing the player’s reading accuracy.

9. Second Book of Practical Studies for French Horn

Are you looking for an ideal book that will teach you the French horn playing techniques? If yes, then the Second Book of Practical Studies for French Horn is a perfect choice. Alfred Music published the book on March 1, 1985. It contains 32 pages. The book is structured to build on the techniques presented in the first book. It does not stop at that; it is also designed to introduce and develop rhythm and new methods that enhance your skill as an intermediate player.

You must master and understand the techniques presented in the first boo. This will enable you to get a full grasp of the methods present in this book. If you need a music book that is designed to give you more understanding of interpretation and styles, then consider the Second Book of Practical Studies for French Horn.

10. Easy Classical French Horn Solos by Javier Marco

If you need an easy-to-follow book that is designed for active learning of Classical French Horn, then this excellent book by Javier Marco is your ideal choice. The Easy Classical French Horn Solos is an excellent book for all serious horn players. CreateSpace independent published it. The book comes with myriads of attractive features, among which are a selection of classic songs by famous composers like Wolfgang, Giuseppe Verdi, Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, Edward Elgar, Johannes Brahms, among others.

Furthermore, it comes with 18 simple and exciting themes that can be played as solos. These themes are presented simply with the chord symbol above the staff so that they can be accompanied by guitar or piano. The Easy Classical French Horn Solos is an excellent book that is worth buying for effective results when it comes to learning the playing techniques of French Horn.

11. Rubank Advanced Method - French Horn, Volume 1

If you are looking for an advanced band method that is structured to teach players all they need to know about the playing techniques of French horn, then you should go for this excellent book. It contains an outlined course of study that is designed to follow the rudimentary and the intermediate levels of any teaching method. Rubank Publication published the book on March 1, 1989. The Rubank Advanced Method was written in English, and it comprises 72 pages.

Some of the features of this unique book are articulation studies, exercises in fingering, sticking and flexibility, six contest level solos, articulation studies for each instrument, and many more.

12. Accent on Achievement Book 1 in F (Student Edition)

Alfred Music published this book on April 1, 1997. The Accent on Achievement Book one was written in English, and it consists of about 64 pages. It is worth stating that this book is one of the best-selling music books on the market. It is an excellent and revolutionary book designed to stimulate the interest of your students via its full – color pages. Apart from that, the book contains a complete collection of world music and classics that you can find in any band method.

The Accent on achievement Book 1 is structured in such a way that it will be easy for students to recollect what they learned from the book. Some of what you will come across in the book are chorales, rest exercise, scale exercise, rhythms, among others.

13. W22HF - Standard of Excellence Book 2 French Horn

The W22HF Standard of Excellence Book 2 is all you need to achieve your aim of becoming an advanced French horn player. The book two makes use of a practical performance-centered approach along with music history and theory, improvisation, listening composition, among others. The result has always been impressive. Kjos Music Company published the book, and it is written in English.

The book features color-coding and full-color drawing for enhanced learning. Apart from that, it comes with different lessons that are aimed at giving beginner players a solid foundation. Furthermore, the book incorporates a built-in reward system that is aimed at motivating players. Other notable features of the book are varieties of music from twenty countries to encourage multicultural studies, three starting methods for active learning, and others.

14. W62HF - Tradition of Excellence Book 2 - F Horn

This is an excellent book by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin. They present the subjects in the most comprehensive way for easy understanding of all players. The Tradition of Excellence is a dream of every music educator. It features a flexible, practical approach that perfectly blends cutting edge technology with classic and contemporary pedagogy. The book combines today's brand with tomorrow's technology to bring about an excellent band program.

Some of the features of this unique book are customized teaching, time-tested approach, three unique starting system, symbol-after-sound rhythm instruction, three built-in concert programs, chop builders, sight-reading solos, rounds, duets, among others. Kjos Music Company published the book on January 1, 2011.

15. Intermediate Studies - French Horn

This is one of the most sought-after music books that teach players all they need to know about the playing techniques of a French horn. The book contains about 48 pages, and Meredith Music published it. The text covers all possible styles that are ideal for an intermediate book for brass. The Intermediate Studies for Developing Artists include different songs from the 14^th Century to the beginning of the 20^th Century.

Some of what you will come across in the Intermediate Studies for Developing Artists are vocal exercises to explain phrasing, excellent music for practicing, lip slur exercises, among others. If you need a standard book that will expose you to many aspects of a French horn, then consider this unique book.

16. Selected Duets for French Horn: Volume 2 - Advanced

If you need a simple-to-understand music book that is designed to teach you the advanced playing techniques of French horn, then you should not underestimate the Selected Duets for French horn volume two. Rubank Publications published the book on March 1, 1989. Furthermore, the book is written in English and consists of 72 pages. The book is perfect for everyone who has the desire to improve their playing skills. The methods are simple and easy to follow.

The book offers a wealth of materials that provide a rich experience for beginning and intermediate players. It introduces students to tone quality, duet playing, intonation, and balance, among other things. You must understand the techniques and methods presented in volume one. This will enhance your understanding of volume two.

17. 20 Christmas Carols for Solo French Horn Book 1

If you wish to learn how to play the French horn with popular Christmas songs, then you should go for this book because they are tunes you are already familiar with. The book comes with twenty popular carols that are carefully packaged for solo French Horn. The book was published on August 18, 2015, by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, and it has 30 pages. You can play the song with other musical instruments or in a duet.

Some of the Carol songs that you will come across are The First Noel, Joy to the World, O Christmas Tree, Jingle Bells, Silent Night, What a Child is This? We Wish You a Merry Christmas, O Come Ye Faithful, Away in the Manger, The Holly, and The Ivy, While Shepherd Watched Their Flocks, God Rest Ye, Merry Gentleman, We Three Kings, Good King Wenceslas, Ding Dong Merrily on High, among others.

18. Essential Technique for Band - French Horn Book 3

The Hal Leonard Essential Techniques covers an expansive range of Intermediate to advanced studies that are designed to improve your playing skills. Book three is designed to provide players with in-depth instruction for individual research as well as building programs for any small group. Some of what you will learn is the Etudes, nine major and related minor keys, short chorales, scales, as well as exercises in music techniques.

The book consists of French horn studies that are demonstrated by an advanced soloist. Furthermore, the CD comes with a real instrument accompaniment for a realistic learning experience. It is worth noting that this unique music book comes with different topics from six different professionals.

Some of what you are going to come across at the individual study section includes reading skill builder, Rubank scales and arpeggios, full chorales, jazz styles and improvisation, rhythm pages, among others. Also, there is a wide range of world, folk, classical, and other music genres that showcase the musical instrument for you to listen and learn.

19. PW21HF - Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book 1

The PW21HF –Standard of Excellence Enhanced Book one was published on November 5, 2004, by Kjos Music Company. The book is written in English, and it presents its methods and techniques in a simple and easy-to-understand way. One of the outstanding qualities of this book is its full-color drawing, which is aimed at motivating players to learn.

Apart from that, the book comes with two CDs of audio accompaniment recording. This enables a player to engage in a full band exercises. Furthermore, it features an Interactive Pyware Assessment Software (IPAS) that is designed to take you through the whole book and also provides you with the numeric performance score.

Also, the IPAS comes with a tuner and metronome. There is a built-in reward system that is aimed at encouraging students to put in their level best. The PW21HF is a performance-focused book that teaches music history and theory, improvisation, listening, ear training, multicultural, and interdisciplinary studies, among others.

20. W23HF - Standard of Excellence Book 3: French Horn

The W23HF Standard of Excellence Book three is an ideal book for everyone who desires to perfect their horn playing skills. The book contains 48 pages of carefully packages lessons. It was published on October 1, 1996, by Kjos Music Company. It is an easy-to-understand music book that offers expanded opportunities for all categories of players. You will also be pleased to learn that the W23HF comes with a built-in reward system that is designed to motivate players and encourage them to put in their level best. Furthermore, the W23HF consists of music from more than twenty countries to support multicultural studies.

The book adopts a performance-centered approach coupled with listening techniques, ear training, as well as theory and history of music. With the Standard of Excellence Book three, you have all it takes to become a professional player in your hand. Other features of this great book are color-coding of vital texts, full-color drawings, advanced supplemental exercises, and many others.

The book also features over 600 pages of full conductor scores that contains the quizzes and duplicate worksheet, listening, composition, extended reference article, tips from the director, foreign language, geography, composing, improvisation, among others. The W23HF Standard of Excellence Book three is all you need for quick and active learning of French horn playing techniques.