Dr. Eldon Matlick is not only an accomplished horn player but is also a fine writer.  He has written many articles on the horn, some of which have appeared in The Instrumentalist.  Here is a list of the articles that are published on the website and a little intro to each of them.

Tuning a Double Horn - The importance of making sure that your instrument is in tune with itself is two-fold. First, if you instrument is in good adjustment, accuracy will improve because the performer will be able to lock in directly on the desired pitch. Second, if the instrument is out of adjustment, the player will have to constantly manipulate pitches with either hand position or the embouchure, which will adversely affect endurance.

Tips for Buying a Used Horn - This is a post concerning the process of buying a pre-owned horn. While some people may choose to buy a horn locally from an area hornist, there are more instances of potential buyers obtaining instruments via the internet. Internet buying can be a good thing, or can go horrendously wrong.

Effective Practice Strategies - The first step in making the most of preparation time is to develop a plan. It is essential for the aspiring musician to maximize effective problem-solving techniques in order to utilize available practice time wisely. Planning ahead means prioritizing the preparation of materials while keeping a watchful eye on overall progress.


History of the Horn Ensemble in the United States. - The development of the horn ensemble in the United States traces its roots back to the late 1950's. Hornists Max Pottag and Wendell Hoss brought with them from Germany a very rich tradition of horn ensemble performance. The Viennese for example have a rich tradition of an organization for hornists to come together, rehearse, and perform horn ensemble literature since 1860. Today, much of this literature, as well as contemporary Austrian literature, is becoming available through the auspices of the Wiener Waldhorn Verein.

"So you want to buy a Horn?" - Initially, standard brands (domestic) are usually the best choice. Do you have a firm concept of the tone/sound you wish to develop? The person with whom you study may influence this. If you do not study with anyone, listen to a variety of recordings and decide which artists you would most like to emulate. You may wish to choose an instrument more along the design of the instrument that person uses. However, this is not always the best way to choose the instrument that best fits your needs...

Understanding Brass Instrument Intonation - Performing with superior intonation is a universal problem in all instrumental families. Musicians are bombarded by an array of difficulties when addressing intonation. Not only are there specific problems associated with particular instruments, but other problems arise such as scoring, instrument design, temperature, and physical manifestations of the performer. These are inherent problems regarding brass instrument intonation that this will covers.

Achieving Good Ensemble Balance and Blend - The most primary concern of good ensemble playing is to achieve a good balance within the group. If good balance happens, blend and good intonation will be desired by-products. It goes without saying that a prerequisite to this is good, efficient tone production.

Auditions, an Observation - "Last evening, we had oboe auditions for the Philharmonic and a very young lady won the position, hands down, over more experienced colleagues.  Thus, this is the impetus for this post which is to be a voice of encouragement and direction to those who wish to pursue a career in orchestral performance."

Hornist's Guide to Unaccompanied Solo Literature - A list and description of many solo horn pieces.

Metal and Bell Sizes - This article discusses the different characteristics of metals and of bell sizes.

Musicianship 101 - "To be a consummate musician, no matter if it is a student, amateur, or professional group, adaptability in all facets of your performance needs to be of primary concern."

Playing Flat - This article was written in response to a question on the horn mailing list.

Remedies for Reducing Excessive Throat Tension in Performance - "In my experience, the key to solving throat strain/closure that occurs in high intensity and upper range playing rests in controlling these notes with the lower set of abdominal muscles.

The Role and Importance of the Assistant Horn - "I believe it was Anton Horner who first insisted on this position as a regular section player in the US.  All succeeding Principals owe a lasting gratitude to him."

Selecting a College - "It is getting near the time when aspiring hornists are getting ready to audition for either undergraduate or graduate school.  This post will hopefully give you ideas on how to prepare and handle these auditions."

Selecting and auditioning for Graduate School - "The selection of an appropriate graduate school for a prospective Master or Doctoral student is a very important step in fulfilling ones educational goals.  These series of posts are meant to help students decide various options available and some tips on deciding which schools may be viable choices."

Solving Horn Mysteries - "The horn is the only component of concert ensembles that is regularly broken down into four equal parts.  Being an F-pitched instrument, the horn enhances the middle brass sonority, which is often flabby and lacks power.  The horn section augments the trumpet's low register by adding greater depth to the tone and projection.  Likewise the upper region of the trombone range is often thin and strident.  The horn's powerful and heroic tone can fatten the tonal color of a band while allowing the trombone tone to become more resonant."

Teaching Horn Tone - "The sound of the horn is an essential timbre in the blend of an ensemble.  The horn's importance in the orchestra is shown by the horn section being the largest brass section and the only section that is regularly divided into four parts equal in importance.  One reason why the horn has become so important in ensembles is the variety of expression it can produce through its tone and range.  The absence of a well-controlled horn section in an instrumental group causes the sonority to become either hollow or strident."

Thar's Oil in That Thar Horn... - "I have often been asked about how to properly maintain a horn.  Often on the horn list, there are often debates about the kinds of proper lubrication and procedures by which lubrication should be applied. This brings up a couple of items I would like to clarify.  While there may be good things to say about various types of lubricant, I would like to pass on my findings which span a few years of experience."