Is there any way I could get a better tone on the french horn?

Question

im actually playing mellophone, but whenever i play middle C, or notes around that register, a hissing sound comes out. Its like a fuzzy sound, as if you where saying, ssssssssssssssss

and advice would be much appreciated

Answer 1

I have not touched my French horn for several years (actually I shared it with my sister, but she played it a lot more...she still has it which I think is wonderful because she was very talented), but you should definitely empty the valves. I am not as familiar with the mellophone, but I know that it is almost the same as the French horn.

I remember that my instructor would not take the valves out to decide which one was filled with condensation. Instead, he would flip it in circles following the line of the valves until the condensation came out of the end which the mouthpiece goes on. Maybe one of you valves is filled by condensation.

Also, you may want to experiment with how far out or in you have the valves. The adjustment can affect that.

Assuming you are a beginning player, perhaps that is the highest you have played. Don't be discouraged if that is the case. When I first learned French horn, I remember that for the higher notes I really had to push the instrument against my mouth to get sound. For some reason the extra pressure helped in getting the sounds. Maybe you should try to push the instrument a little harder against your mouth. I am not sure why that helped me so much.

You should also try to reach these notes by starting at a few notes lower than the target ones (for example, try a scale which includes your problem notes as the top few steps in the scale).

I would really recommend the bit I typed about adding pressure to the instrument to push it harder against your mouth. It helped me immensely. If none of this works, ask your instructor or take your instrument to the repair shop to verify that you really are the problem and that the instrument is not overdue for repairs.

Remember that you are supposed to give most brass instruments a "bath" about once every month, but ask your instructor to make sure before you do this because sometimes it is better to have this done at a an instrument repair shop. Good luck!

Answer 2

First it take a lot of practise.
Second don't press too hard on the mouth piece, will cause hissing.
but mostly, scrunching your lower jaw for high notes will also cause this.
your chin should look the same playing mid range as with higher notes.
For higher notes involves two things, more air, and tightening your upper lip, try smiling a little as you get higher, but also push harder, because as you go higher, more pressure is required as you tighten the lips.

Good luck and keep practising