Horn Playing from the Inside Out, Third Edition
Introduction
"Horn Playing from the Inside Out" deconstructs brass playing and presents specific methods to improve technique, musicianship, practicing, audition taking, managing performance anxiety and expressing authentic emotion through sound. Warm-ups and daily exercises are presented and explained. The final section, "Applying the Method," puts it all together with step-by-step instructions on how to master challenging orchestral excerpts both technically and artistically.
The Third Edition print book presents MRI images and data of an elite group of horn players, including Stefan Dohr, Sarah Willis, Fergus McWilliam, Stefan Jezierski (all of the Berlin Philharmonic), Marie-Luis Neunecker, Jeff Nelsen, and others. MRI films confirm that what we do internally, inside the mouth, pharynx, and thoracic cavity is just as important as what we do externally. And, just as there are hallmarks of healthy embouchures that most professional horn players employ, there are many consistent internal movement patterns among the elite group. Epstein presents tried and true methods to learn and teach these exemplary biomechanics.
The Horn Call Review, February 2013:
"...It's a good year for horn players--Eli Epstein has published a book: Horn Playing from the Inside Out: A Method for All Brass Musicians. And not just a garden-variety book--but one that will yield positive influence on legions of horn players--students and professionals alike. In this book, Epstein melds the physical approach to horn playing, the philosophical, and the intuitive, all to serve the artistic goal...Epstein is adept and fluent at thinking out of the box, and offers many creative suggestions to describe the principles he espouses...Like a casserole at an expensive restaurant, where each ingredient is high quality, with no fillers, Epstein's book is laden with savory, delectable morsels, each tidbit offering an inspiring idea, and each one contributing to an inspiring and satiating amalgam. I heartily endorse this book, and its positive influence on the profession will be immediate and lasting."
Peter Kurau, Eastman School of Music, Principal Horn, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
The eBook on Apple Books!
"Through amazing technology, curiosity and research, a collaborative spirit, and the eagerness to share and enlighten the horn community, Eli Epstein's updated contribution to horn playing, teaching and learning has set a new benchmark for all resources to follow."~The Horn Call, October, 2022
Released on January 25, 2021,Horn Playing from the Inside Out, Third Edition eBook includes the complete written material of the print book plus 15 MRI videos, 54 MRI images, 6 sound recordings from Eli Epstein: Orchestral Excerpts for Low Horn, and several links to Epstein’s pedagogical videos which illuminate and enhance the text. It is an Apple Product so it works well on iPads and Mac computers. Size is 154 MB.
During master-classes and individual lessons I’ve found it particularly useful to use my e-book to quickly reference a specific MRI film to underscore a pedagogical point: “Watch how this elite player's diaphragm dramatically lowers as the rib cage lifts and expands for a full breath!” “Watch the unexpected movements of my tongue as I get louder and softer on this long tone.” These films have profoundly informed my teaching and have made lasting impressions on my students.