Horn at Arts Academy


Why Study Horn at Interlochen

Powerful and elegant, the horn captures both the thrill of the chase and the majesty of royalty. At our boarding school for horn, you'll hone your skills as a refined soloist and a balanced ensemble member.

What You’ll Learn

Our lessons are meant to inspire, challenge, and ultimately help you reveal everything you can do with the horn.

In both private lessons and studio classes, as well as in large and small ensemble work, our focus is on you. Our dedicated instructors will help you develop your expression and musicality. You'll work on fundamental techniques, performance skills, and breathing exercises to help you play in a variety of musical styles. By the time you graduate, you'll know what it takes to be an exceptional musician, and to advance your skills in college or university study.

How to Apply

Audition Requirements

MEET THE FACULTY

Lauren Hunt, D.M.A.

Linda VanSickle Smith Horn Chair and Director of Brass Studies

Past Guest Artists

  • Ann Ellsworth, Lawrence University
  • Bernard Skully, Canadian Brass
  • R. Allen Spanjer, New York Philharmonic
  • Rachel Velvikis, Seraph Brass

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

As a horn student, you will participate in daily orchestra or wind symphony rehearsals and perform a minimum of two concerts each semester. You will also have the opportunity to join various ensembles. See our Explore Ensembles section below.

Fundamentals Class

The fundamentals class focuses on healthy warm-up, technique, and strength-building exercises. You'll play alongside your horn colleagues while honing these foundational skills.

Horn Studio Class

Weekly horn studio classes unite all horn students in a supportive learning environment. You'll practice performing in front of an audience and receive constructive feedback from your peers. You'll also discuss ensemble playing, orchestral excerpts, standard solo repertoire, and more.

The Music Center

Our state-of-the-art 60,000 square-foot music facility has two 3,500 square-foot rehearsal halls, two recording studios which allow for rehearsal and performance recordings in multiple venues on campus with multiple ensemble and practice rooms, and individual faculty teaching studios. Learn more about The Music Center.

Explore Ensembles

Chamber

Assembled at the faculty's discretion, chamber music ensembles are offered as electives in the Music division. Each ensemble is coached by one of the Arts Academy's acclaimed instrumental faculty.

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Orchestra

A recipient of the American Prize, the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra performs an advanced repertoire that includes symphonies, concerti, contemporary works, and original compositions.

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Wind Symphony

The American Prize-winning Interlochen Arts Academy Wind Symphony presents a diverse and challenging repertoire in regular live, prerecorded, and public radio performances.

LEARN MORE

A girl plays horn

The experiences I've had here have undoubtedly shaped me into the individual I am today. I've grown tremendously both as a musician and as an individual.

Alessandra, Music

Hornist Leelanee Sterrett

Leelanee Sterrett: From northern Michigan roots to the New York Philharmonic

Interlochen introduced hornist Leelanee Sterrett to classical music—and helped her chart a course to the New York Philharmonic.

Read Leelanee's story

College Matriculation

  • Berklee College of Music
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Cleveland Institute of Music
  • Curtis Institute of Music
  • Indiana University
  • The Juilliard School
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Manhattan School of Music
  • New England Conservatory
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • Oberlin College and Conservatory
  • Rice University
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • University of Miami
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Rochester
  • University of Southern California
  • Vanderbilt University

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook

Arts Academy Viewbook Thumbnail

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • College-preparatory academics 
  • Student resources 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more