A bit of an introduction (since I'm actually spending time over here now). I'm a media composer (I do sometimes get the occasional commission, though). I had a long career playing French Horn, mostly in jazz and improvised music #jazz #filmmusic #frenchhorn #film #composer #jazzhorn #indiefilm - ThreadSky

marktaylormusic.bsky.social • 102 days ago

A bit of an introduction (since I'm actually spending time over here now). I'm a media composer (I do sometimes get the occasional commission, though). I had a long career playing French Horn, mostly in jazz and improvised music

#jazz #filmmusic #frenchhorn #film #composer #jazzhorn #indiefilm

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sdthistle.bsky.social•96 days ago

Just starting to explore french horn jazz as a mature aged student. Any suggestions regarding sheet music, or music to listen to? #frenchhorn

marktaylormusic.bsky.social•96 days ago

I’m assuming you’re “a mature aged student” on Horn, right? Good for you! Welcome!

For listening, you have to check out (in no particular order):

Julius Watkins
Vincent Chancey
John Clark
Tom Varner
Willie Ruff
David Amram
Arkady Shilkloper
Jim Rattigan
Rick Todd

marktaylormusic.bsky.social•96 days ago

Newer players include:

Giovanni Hoffer
Pau Molto
Victor Prado
Shanyse Strickland

I know I’m forgetting some people, but that’s a good start! I'm sure more folks will pop into my head over the next day or so and I'm sure other people will have suggestions of players I might not have heard of, yet.

marktaylormusic.bsky.social•96 days ago

As for practice materials, John Clark’s book is a great way to start getting around the instrument fluently.

Feel free to message me with any questions. I’m happy to talk about jazz horn all day!

marktaylormusic.bsky.social•96 days ago

Hi! I do have suggestions. I'll do a little looking around to make sure I still have my sources correct and post some things for you later today. Thanks for the follow and the kind words

sdthistle.bsky.social•96 days ago

Thanks Mark. Found your albums on Qobuz too. Some nice listening ahead.

marktaylormusic.bsky.social•102 days ago

but developed Embouchure Dystonia and had to stop playing back in 2011. Been working on rehab for a long time, but seem to be stuck. I'm still optimistic I'll return to Horn playing soon, though. In the meantime, I'm trying to learn a couple of other instruments because I really miss playing music!

randulo.com•96 days ago

Hi Mark, I can only imagine what that is like. I had several months with two broken wrists where I couldn't play any instrument. As soon as you know the basics, your extensive musical experience will let you communicate on a new instrument, I think.

marktaylormusic.bsky.social•96 days ago

Hi Randy! Yep. It took me a while to figure out that what was frustrating me was the distance between my musical thinking and my (non-existent) chops on any other instrument. Trying to be a bit gentler with myself this time around

randulo.com•96 days ago

Started playing upright bass several years ago and got a long way into it, loved it. But I couldn't keep the muscles I needed. However, it taught me more musicality. A few years ago, I started on saxophone and I'm happy with what I can do with limited chops. Music inside, gotta come out!

richardplaysthesax.bsky.social•102 days ago

Pleased to meet you. Can't imagine what it could be like to be in that position. Hope you're back up soon.

sandmanflorida.bsky.social•85 days ago

Hi, Mark. I'm an older horn player and I've started taking a few lessons in jazz/blues from a local jazzman. He's introduced me to pentatonic minor scales, common blues chord progressions, and so forth -- all good stuff. (No improvising yet.) Do you have any suggestions for topics to study?

marktaylormusic.bsky.social•42 days ago

Sure. I'm a huge fan of listening. A LOT. Don't even worry about figuring out what they're doing yet. Just listen to a ton of what you really enjoy. Find some solos you love and learn to sing them. Stuff like that. It might not seem like you're doing much, but you are

sandmanflorida.bsky.social•41 days ago

Good idea, thx! 📯

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