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
Category: General
The Alphorn as Meditation: A Practice from the Inside Out
What happens when an alpine instrument meets modern mindfulness practice? This article explores the alphorn as a meditative tool — tracing the path from breath awareness to physical vibration, bringing ease and intention to performance, with practical techniques any player can try.
Continue readingPatience – a rare and valuable commodity
The “Geduld” (for “patience”) is derived from the Proto-Germanic word githult (8th century), which in turn comes from the verbal abstract ga-thuldis. This goes back to the Indo-European root *tel(ə)-, which means “to bear”, “to endure” or “to tolerate”. The modern verb dulden is related to this and also originally means “to endure”. In our time, it seems to have gone out of fashion to endure something. To practice humbly without seeing an immediate effect. Investing with confidence without seeing
Continue readingThe 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 readingThe Alexander Technique and the alphorn
The sound of the alphorn is calm, expansive and deep. Unfortunately, this calm and breadth can quickly turn into strain and narrowness when playing. The sound is not responsive, the pitch is lacking, the quick and clean change between notes is not successful or the sound does not carry as far as desired. Instead of remaining calm and meeting the challenge in a thoughtful way, we usually try harder and restrict our breathing in the process. At first, we may
Continue readingExplorations in Alphorn Composition and Improvisation – Work with the Alpine Sisters
Lisa Conway-Bühler is a Swiss-Canadian composer, sound artist, songwriter, researcher, recordist, and mixer. Over the last years she has been exploring the sound of the alphorn..
Continue readingPlaying the alphorn is fun and beautiful!
Playing the alphorn is fun and beautiful! That’s why it’s good to play a musical instrument. When it’s just for fun, as a hobby, financial questions remain personal and directly linked to the budget you can devote to the hobby. For me, the situation, or rather the reality, is quite different: I’m a professional freelance musician and I have to make a living from my work.
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 readingA visit to the Matsumoto Alphorn Club
Mike Maurer shares his personal impressions of a visit to Japan’s alphorn scene.
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?
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