From personal instructions and live performances to an inspiring community that supports your passion for music — make no mistake, this degree may set you up for professional success. As an undergraduate horn degree student, you will be among the group of artists and musicians committed to mastering this instrument.Nowadays, saxophonists, trombonists, and trumpeters are all working in the contemporary music industry with a high level of competition. So if you want to become a saxophonist you should have outstanding horn skills as a soloist, section player, reader and improviser, arranger, and engineer. You should also have a comprehensive understanding of the major musical styles, and at the same time — develop your own, so your audience could see your unique artistic identity.

While considering studying in a college or conservatory, pay attention to the study program — it should properly balance theory with performance and individual practice so you could become competent in all musical areas. Modern horn studies are focusing on ear training, harmony, music history, music production software, producing, and business relations. The latter is very useful if you want to succeed in the music business. Most artists don’t emphasize the importance of public relations skills and pay a high price for that misconception.

The artistic identity we were talking about earlier can be developed during one-on-one lessons with instructors and studio masterclasses, where you need to perform in front of other musicians. Feedback from your colleagues and performance practices will cultivate confidence in you. Musical colleges often promote opportunities for horn players — you may become part of large and chamber ensembles, recitals, and performances while obtaining an undergraduate degree!

Your studies in the foundational courses will continue and include liberal arts courses and music electives, music history, repertoire, and orchestration. In your senior year, you will fulfill your capstone graduation requirement, usually a full recital at a juried recital hearing and a public performance

Upon completing the Bachelor's degree in music with a Major in horn studies, you will be able to: demonstrate technical and musical competence in solo performance, composition, or music-historical research; analyze the music theory and understand how those skills inform music performance; get a fundamental understanding of the relationship between music history and music performance; develop superior technical collaborative skills in the student’s major area through a combination of practice, coaching, and rehearsal in large and small ensembles.

Horn graduates are becoming part of the orchestra, teaching, or possessing administrative positions. Additionally, graduates can pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions, like the State Music Conservatory "Giuseppe Verdi" or Alessandria Conservatory of music "Antonio Vivaldi".