In this article, we will look at the “physiology of breathing”. I will invite you on a journey of discovery with the alphorn into the origin of the sound in your body.
Continue readingBreath support – a journey of discovery
Author: Benno Weber
The alphorn as an inclusive music education vehicle
Anyone who often works with groups and the alphorn knows that a lot happens! The alphorn lets us breathe together, we listen to each other improvising, perceive common vibes, communicate sensitively and non-verbally. Can these experiences sustainably improve the quality of relationships in the group? As part of an action research project, Thomas Heel explored the question of how the alphorn can be used as an inclusive music education vehicle. He processed his experiences with a class at the vocational
Continue readingSound proof alphorn practice room
This summer I published an article about alphorn silencers here. If you have the space at home, you can of course build a soundproof practice room as an alternative. Here are a few photos of my latest project. Material costs approx. 1500 CHF, around 4-5 working days for a 12 square meter room. All walls / ceiling double in 15mm plywood; ventilation with sound labyrinth. Measured insulation approx. 33 db.
Continue readingAlphorn mutes
If you play the alphorn in your rented apartment, you risk getting into trouble with the neighbors. Mutes are a possible auxiliary solution. Which model works best?
Continue readingElectronic Alphorn Sounds – Update for Ableton Live 12
With the latest release of Ableton Live 12, it is now possible to load tunings programmed in Scala directly and apply them to a variety of samplers and synthesizers. You can download tuning files for alphorns and Büchel here.
Continue readingAlphorn and copyright
Alphorn music is subject to copyright. Alphorn players should familiarize themselves with the basics. This is not primarily about legal problems, but about the question of respect and appreciation towards the composers.
Continue readingAlphorn Play-Alongs with Musescore
Play-Alongs are very popular with alphorn players. Many scores are now available in electronic formats, and with the free software Musescore, rendering to audio is no problem. Here is a step-by-step guide for the technically inexperienced.
Continue readingAlphorn maker – Franz Schüssele
The opportunity for this portrait arose on the occasion of a performance of Frapepi at Uhuru Festival 2023. Unexpectedly, things got a bit chaotic: A storm on the Weissenstein shredded the tents of the festival visitors, and during the concert the area had to be evacuated. At least we found a reasonably quiet barn for the interview and alphorn trial. Franz Schüssele is an alphorn Jack of all trades. He began his musical career as a trombonist in classical music
Continue readingAlphorn builder – Silver & Brass
Brandi and Lindsey Jones are, to my knowledge, the only alphorn making couple in the world. They have known each other since their school days. Musically, they went the way of the trombone to the French horn as an inseparable duo. Lindsey graduated early and dedicated himself to restoring brass instruments with his Nevada-based business, Silver & Brass Musical Instruments, beginning in 2013. Brandi joined the business full time when it began generating enough sales to cover the young couple’s
Continue readingLip training
The first months on the alphorn are for beginners mainly a struggle with the lips. After just a few minutes of playing the alphorn, the muscles go slack – then it just croaks, high notes no longer come and the lips hurt. The usual advice is “be patient, it will come in time, just don’t push it…”. That may be. But isn’t there a shortcut? What was that again about bodybuilding for the lips? If you do some research on
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