The French horn's mellow sound can be readily explained: The instrument descended from the French hunting horn and was first designed around 1650. It became a standard part of the orchestra in the early 18th century, and since then has been a favorite of classical music fans. If you find yourself inspired to take up this storied instrument, steel yourself to the prospect of a relatively steep learning curve.

Arguably the mellowest of the brass instruments, the French horn has been delighting listeners for more than 300 years. Creating that delightful sound yourself takes diligence and persistence. Getting the lips positioned to make the right sound can be difficult but perseverance and practice can result in a beautiful sound. Once the lips are positioned, the breathing exercises can begin and the beginner can be on the way to a smooth playing sound from the horn. Read on to learn all about how to play French horn for beginners.

• Learning to play the French horn is not a simple matter. The capabilities and limitations of the instrument, proper embouchure (position of the mouth), and the challenges of playing in tune are all factors standing in your way of mastering it. A quality teacher is essential to acquiring correct technique. Look for one by locating:

1. Joining the band at school if you are still eligible to do so
2. Asking friends, family, coworkers
3. Talking to the local high school music department head
4. Checking with the local community orchestra. Often, orchestra members also teach lessons.
5. Check with the store where you bought or rented the instrument for a list of part time instructors
6. Purchase tutorial books and DVDs to be able to practice along with other music when an instructor is not around.

• If you prefer group lessons, you may wish to check with an adult education program or community music school. Naturally, schedule and location are considerations. Music lessons in your own home may be more comfortable as you will not be concerned over who is listening to your mistakes and difficulties. However, by investing in lessons with a group you may be able to learn from the mistakes of others beginning with the same instrument, or see the way they are playing a particular note or bar of music.

Now that you're ready to purchase your French horn, you will want to consult someone knowledgeable about music. Your new teacher is your best bet. But you might also get good advice from advanced or graduate-level music students. Though you might find a great bargain online, it is recommended that you see the instrument in person before you buy. Aside from music stores, online and other bulletin boards, consignment shops, or even flea markets may be likely sources. Your local orchestra may offer better suggestions. Whether the French horn is new or used, you will want to consider the maker, materials and mouthpiece size. Once you have your instrument in hand you will want to get to know it and how to handle it.

• The French horn is a little more complex in structure than, for instance, a clarinet or flute. It includes:

1. At least three valves
2. Many feet of coiled tubing
3. A bell-shaped opening and
4. A mouthpiece

• As with other brass instruments, it requires cleaning after every use.

1. Find someone knowledgeable to show you how to take the horn apart. Then practice assembling and disassembling it. (The horn will last longer with proper care.)
2. Examine the horn. Get to know all of its parts.
3. Practice pressing the keys and letting them go.
4. Examine the mouthpiece to see how it will feel.

• Believe it or not, sources agree it is far preferable to practice for 15 minutes every day than to play for an hour four times a week. Developing pitch sensitivity and muscle memory are best accomplished through daily practice. http://www.michaelzilber.com/page/10-questions-every-aspiring-jazz-musician

• Be prepared is a good motto when it comes to learning a new instrument.

Learn all you can about:

• Time signature
• Clefs
• Whole notes, dotted half, quarter notes, and more

These may seem like difficult concepts to begin with but each lesson builds on the last and takes you back through the previous info. Learning what the notes are as you begin, is critical to your playing success. Playing music without knowing notes, is like spelling words without knowing abcs, everything will be jumbled and full of errors.

Learning to play French horn can be daunting. It is a structurally complex instrument. To play moderately well requires mastering a range of new skills. But the joy and satisfaction of conquering the challenges and producing that rich, robust sound make it worth the effort.