Progressive harmonic series exercises in high range expansion for beginning horn players

Upper range expansion is one of the most challenging parts of beginning study on the horn. The means in which higher pitches are introduced through horn methods or wind band studies are accompanied by a multitude of additional technical skills for students to practice. Although these introductions of notes occur in step-wise motion, upward extension is rushed, with new notes instituted frequently with few written exercises to rehearse new pitches. As a result, young students struggle with performing in the upper range required by music studied in methods or wind band classes.;The goal of this project was to develop a progressive series of exercises to allow more accessible performance in the high range of the horn through implementation of etudes in all harmonic series. Concepts are introduced sequentially, allowing the student to perform exercises that ascend in range and enabling practice in high range expansion by transposition of exercises to higher harmonic series. Constructed with a duet part, a teacher or peer can perform alongside the student on each etude to provide engagement for the student with counterpoint. Each exercise includes commentary regarding the goals and challenges of the musical content.