In an article about transposition that we published recently, I mentioned that a good friend of mine, a trumpet and horn player, had helped me a great deal when I resumed playing the trumpet after a 20-year hiatus. One of our loyal PTM readers contacted me and asked for a “patch through” in order to ask some questions, as he is attempting to pick up both horn and trumpet after several years away from both instruments. Since many people eventually decide to “double” on another instrument, I asked both gentlemen if I could publish an excerpt of their exchange for the benefit of others…and both agreed. See, the PTM crowd really is a generous bunch. 
The Players
Ken Bacorn is a returning musician, looking to pick up both horn and trumpet after roughly 15 years away from both. From my correspondence with Ken, I know him to be inquisitive and thoughtful; he’s asking the right questions to accomplish his goals. Ken, thanks for getting this excellent discussion started!
Steve Hamrick has an extensive background in music, plays numerous instruments exceptionally well (horn and trumpet top the list, but he is no stranger to guitar and piano!), conducts both instrumental and choral ensembles, and has several compositions and arrangements to his credit. Steve is the Director of Worship & Church Music for the Illinois Baptist State Association and can be reached by posting a comment here or directly via email. Steve is a phenomenal musician who is also a gracious human being, and I’m privileged to call him a good friend.
The Inquiry
Hi Steve,
I have recently decided to get back into music after being away for about 15 years. To make life more interesting, I decided to comeback on both the horn and trumpet. I was wondering if you would be willing to share with me some tips on playing both, and being proficient on both.
I guess I’m curious as to how much practice time you dedicate to the two different instruments. And, of course, I am looking for advice on mouthpieces. Do you use something that is similar for both instruments, or have you learned to use mouthpieces that are completely different?
I would greatly appreciate any insight you would be willing to offer. Thanks.
Ken Bacorn
The Response
Hi Ken,
Thanks for the note. Of course the standard answer from most teachers is that you shouldn’t do both, but I believe that it is possible on an intermediate to advanced level. I originally was a trumpet player that moved to the horn in the 9th grade because we didn’t have any horn players. I continued playing both instruments but focused on the horn through college and beyond. I continued to play trumpet in Jazz band and church throughout. I still enjoy playing both instruments regularly and on occasion play both in the same night for a gig. I have personally found it is a lot easier to go from the horn to the trumpet than the other way around. There is something about moving down to a smaller mouthpiece that is more difficult for me. Of course the down side is that you can’t always choose the order of the music. If I have to move from trumpet to horn in the same program, I will take the horn mouthpiece and buzz for as long as I have time to re-adjust my embouchure.
I do not try to find similar mouthpieces between the two instruments. I don’t think there is anything out there that is comparable anyway. The diameters are different, the rims are way different, and the cups are different as well. I really prefer a gold rim for slickness. I suggest you try several mouthpiece combos and see what combo works for you.
Also I make sure that the mouthpiece placement for each instrument remains standard. The trumpet should be played in the top half of the mouthpiece, while the horn needs to be played in the lower half of the mouthpiece. I have found that both rims sit about the same place on my top lip. I am sure this is helpful when switching between the two instruments.
For me, I always practice the horn first and the trumpet second, if I am going to play both during one gig. I will practice the horn or trumpet exclusively if I am only going to play one of the instruments. Often I am playing the horn during the week for an orchestra rehearsal, but then on Sunday I play my trumpet in church. I have never had any issue or difficulty if I am only playing one instrument per day. I can go back to the horn on Monday and it feels as it always has.
Tonguing and tone are harder on the horn than trumpet and the playing the upper octave of the trumpet in tune and accurately is the most difficult for me. So I practice accordingly. I work upper octave almost exclusively on the trumpet and work most of the basics on the horn. I am sure that has a lot to do with personal preference.
Lastly, get in a community group or church type group so you will have motivation to play. Lessons will force you to practice. Most people will do better with some accountability.
I had a professor tell me that even after 15 years, you will get back about 75% of your original proficiency back within two weeks. That last 25% and beyond will take a lot of work with daily practice required.
Hope this is helpful. It is not meant to be scientific but I have encouraged a lot of adults to pull the old horn out of the attic and join the local church or community band.
Blessings,
Steve
The Bottom Line
It is possible to learn, or re-learn, two instruments at once…but it isn’t easy. It can be done, though…and your rewards will correspond directly to your commitment. The above exchange wasn’t intended to be all-inclusive in terms of either topics or advice, and of course, situations vary…but it’s great advice for a great start for those looking to double on two brass instruments.
Have a comment? Post it! We all get smarter when we share what we know. Thanks to Ken and Steve for a great discussion and for allowing us all to benefit from it.
All the best,
Mark
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