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I wrote Exercises for Jazz French Horn in response to the suggestions of many of my colleagues who, when hearing me play these exercises during breaks at a studio or club, asked why I didn't write them down so that other people could use them too. Over a period of several years, I developed and transcribed the exercises, added explanatory notes, and included a transcription for horn of a well-known Miles Davis solo, so that the student could immediately apply the material from the exercises.

Exercises for Jazz French Horn is unique and "revolutionary" in its stylistic approach and in its jazz orientation.  While many excellent books are available for the study of advanced technique - such as Gunther Schuller's Studies for Unaccompanied Horn, Verne Reynolds' Sixty Etudes, and Douglas Hill's Extended Techniques for the Horn - my book offers an introduction to a different kind of technique, plus something more in terms of harmonic and melodic development.

Several teachers have reported to me that they have enjoyed working with their students on these exercises and that they are a lot of fun. But I believe that they provide more than fun - that they will also improve mental agility, accuracy, ear training, and discipline.  Even for those who are not especially interested in jazz, these exercises are a perfect way to augment daily practice routine.  For those who are interested in jazz, however, this type of practicing is a necessity and Exercises for Jazz French Horn will prove to be an invaluable resource.

In the foreword to Exercises for Jazz French Horn, Earl Chapin (long-time, well-known, New York freelance horn player and educator) wrote that the exercises "represent a serious search by a sensitive musician...in order to find a 'new' way to play the horn.  I hope that they will pique your ear and imagination.  Perhaps they will provide for you a means of escape from that diatonic trap into which all horn players seem to be born.

"This book is a great way to breathe fresh life into your practice routine.  My students and I are really enjoying these head-, finger-, and face-stretching exercises." - Laura Klock - University of Massachusetts

"The introduction alone is worth the price of the book!" - Robert Routch - Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

"John Clark has done more than simply write a terrific book of exercises for horn-playing jazz enthusiasts. He has validated a beginning.  A literature trail is sure to follow which will solidify the French horn as a jazz instrument of full significance." - Douglas Hill - University of Wisconsin

"A wonderful tonally and harmonically interesting addition to flexibility exercises." - Julie Landsman - Metropolitan Opera

"Highly recommended. It's wonderful to have such a comprehensive guide to 'improvisation vocabulary' in one book.  These studies will tremendously help jazz and classical players alike with technique, range, and harmonic knowledge." - Tom Varner - Jazz Hornist

"It's great!  It's sophisticated, very inventive, and an extension of all the challenges we've gotten from excerpt books and exercises.  I think it deserves a very special place." - Paul Ingraham - New York City Ballet Orchestra