Have a look at how this syllabus can help take you from zero to hero on your French horn.
Possibly the noblest of all orchestral brass, the French horn is an instrument of beauty and strength. The Horn Syllabus is a framework that can help you to develop the skills to realise its breadth of musical prowess.
As of 2021, the Horn Syllabus has expanded to celebrate this instrument with standalone pieces, studies, orchestral excerpts, and technical work. In reviewing the syllabus, the pedagogy was fully overhauled to incorporate current international best practises. This included streamlining and improving the technical work to gradually and sequentially build and expand skills at appropriate stages.
What skills will I learn?
The Horn Syllabus provides exercises and repertoire to help you develop:
- technical fluency
- rhythmic awareness
- sound production
- tone control
- musical understanding
- practical and theoretical knowledge of repertoire
What sort of pieces are in the Syllabus?
When we update syllabuses, we give the repertoire a complete refresh but don't worry - your favourites are still there. A broad range of genres, styles, and periods have been included. We aim to feature pieces by a diversity of composers (where musical merit allows), but brass remains a group of instruments that has traditionally been dominated by male composers. Regardless, there are lots of gems and the pieces align to the technical work. At Level 2, there's a greater diversity of repertoire to support the interests of learners at higher levels. With that, the piano accompaniments are of greater complexity so it's important to note that performances of these works require quality accompanists. The Horn Syllabus Lists offer curated sets of pieces for the developing musician. Each Grade has a set of studies and works from various eras from pre twentieth century to today. And finally, there's a set of orchestral excerpts that can be chosen to support you in your career development and help to prepare for life as an orchestral musician.
Who was the brains behind the Horn Syllabus?
The amazing Ysolt Clark led a team of specialists featuring some of Australia's finest horn performers and pedagogues. The Syllabus itself was reviewed along with the other lower brass instruments and one of the key outcomes was giving the French horn greater focus as standalone syllabuses.
What's involved in a Horn exam?
There are two types of exams you can do: Comprehensive and Repertoire. Just as it suggests, a Comprehensive exam involves demonstrating your learnings across a comprehensive set of components. You'll prepare your program of music and technical work (eg scales), answer questions on general knowledge, and be tested on aural and sight-reading.
Alternatively, you could do a Repertoire exam, where you perform only your pieces, demonstrating your technique and knowledge through the repertoire. Flexibility exists to choose a range of genres and styles through the set lists, and option of Own Choice works broadens your choices even further (Repertoire exams only). As long as the piece is the same standard as your Grade, you can choose pretty much anything. Repertoire Exams are a great way to get a practice run at your TCE or UTAS exams. In addition to the AMEB qualification, you'll receive constructive feedback and guidance to help in guiding your final preparations for your future performance goals.
Repertoire exams are available across all syllabuses except Band.
What is the Certificate of Performance exam?
It's an exam that's designed to help to bridge the gap between Grade 8 and AMusA, and provide a capstone to Level 2. The CoP is a recital-style exam - like the Diplomas - but is a natural continuation of skills from Grade 8. We have a Spotlight article dedicated to Certificate of Performance exams here, if you're keen to find out more.
Are there any other syllabus options available?
If you're someone who is learning your instrument through a brass band, you may be interested in our Band Syllabus. While it doesn't have a French horn option, it supports a variety of instruments found in a brass band, such as tenor horn in Bb or Eb. The Band requirements are really similar to Horn.
What other resources are available?
Each syllabus outlines the objectives and requirements for each exam so that's always the best place to start. We also have Grade books (Preliminary to Grade 4) which are a compilation of selected List pieces, making an accessible and affordable resource as you prepare for your exam. Other resources also include recorded accompaniment (up to Grade 3 for most syllabuses), the Horn Technical Workbook and Orchestral Excerpts, and even practice books to help you with your aural and sight-reading skills.
To level up your playing, you can learn about music theory. We have a range of options to help you learn and gain accreditation for your theory skills - have a read of our Spotlight article here.
Head to your favourite local music retailer or the AMEB Online Shop for these and more.
Can I get TCE Points for a Horn exam?
Yes you can! And that goes for any AMEB syllabus. In fact, all practical exams are eligible for TCE bonus points from Grade 4 onwards, as well as Theory Grade 2+.
I have more questions.
That's great! We'd love to help with those. Please feel free to browse the other great sources of information on our website or get in touch to find out more.
