Teaching Statement: Parker Nelson is redefining the limits of what horn players can do with innovative and interactive programs and lessons that include practical skills, harnessing natural talent, and infusing real-world experience to help students craft their own arts career. Parker believes that successful artistry draws inspiration from all genres of music and all genres of art and expects students to adapt a “no stone left unturned” philosophy where the limits of their instrument do not reflect the limits of their artistry. Lessons are constructed with flexibility and adaptability always at the forefront. Students are exposed to experiences true to those found in the arts workplace and continually allow for students to teach one other. In studying with Parker Nelson, students engage with a teacher who is dedicated to providing them with the skills and mindset they need in order to pursue a rich life in the arts.
Course of Study: Rather than set a defined course of study for each year, a progressive approach for each student will be used utilizing but not limited to the following methods, etudes, solos and excerpts.
All major and minor scales
The Art of French Horn Playing by Philip Farkas as an initial guide
Competency in transposition, basic technique, and the methods of teaching oneself should be established, using 60 Selected Studies by C. Kopprasch
Beginning students will study from Le manuel du jeune corniste by Marc Dijoux
Solid incremental etudes for daily practice are Deux Cents Etudes Nouvelles Vols. 1-6 by Maxime-Alphonse, Lip Slurs for Horn by Howard Hilliard, 30 Spezial-Etüden für tiefes Horn by Hermann Neuling, and Etudes Classiques pour Cor by Georges Barboteu
Extended techniques can be referenced in Extended Techniques for the Horn by Douglas Hill
Additional method books will be assigned as necessary for each student
Locations: Currently, Parker is teaching at Dundee-Crown High School, Highland Park High School, Hoffman Estates and Huntley High School in addition to his private home studio.
If you are interested in signing up for lessons, have questions about teaching rates, or would like more information, please feel free to use the contact page to send Parker a message!
To download a copy of Parker's method book, Let's Play the Horn, click the link below: