Swiss Alphorn Traditions: Informing Modern Horn Playing and Pedagogy
Faculty Mentor Name
Sadie R. Glass
Research or Creativity Area
Conservatory of Music
Abstract
The alphorn, a traditional Swiss instrument dating back to the 14th century, produces sound solely from open harmonic tones. Because the instrument lacks valves or slides, performers must have precise embouchure (lip) control, breath support, and advanced aural skills to perform on it.
Until 5 years ago, alphorns have not been readily accessible in the U.S. In collaboration with Alpensong and the Alphorn Association of North America (AANA), the University of the Pacific Brass Department has been part of the national Alphorn Project throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. Incorporation of alphorns into regular lessons and studio class has been an essential tool for strengthening performance and auditory skills.
In January 2026, six brass students from varying disciplines were invited to perform as the Pacific Alphorn Ensemble at the Southwest Horn Conference in Orem, Utah. Through practice, performance, and reflection, Pacific students have incorporated the historical alphorn into modernized musical development. This use of alphorns at Pacific has thereby produced promising strategies for how brass students may incorporate alphorn in practice throughout their music education.
The use of the alphorn expands beyond the harmonic series; the instrument is additionally a means of historical musicology training and audiation support. In the future, it bears potential pedagogical benefit, creating opportunities to build a strong foundation before shifting to a modern brass instrument. The simplicity of playing alphorn adds to its benefit, as any student capable of buzzing into a mouthpiece is able to produce sound in an alphorn. The increasing availability of alphorns in the American musical world, when combined with further auditory, music literacy, and overtone series skills, could create a novel basis for brass playing, resulting in educational benefit for brass players at any skill level.
Swiss Alphorn Traditions: Informing Modern Horn Playing and Pedagogy
The alphorn, a traditional Swiss instrument dating back to the 14th century, produces sound solely from open harmonic tones. Because the instrument lacks valves or slides, performers must have precise embouchure (lip) control, breath support, and advanced aural skills to perform on it.
Until 5 years ago, alphorns have not been readily accessible in the U.S. In collaboration with Alpensong and the Alphorn Association of North America (AANA), the University of the Pacific Brass Department has been part of the national Alphorn Project throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. Incorporation of alphorns into regular lessons and studio class has been an essential tool for strengthening performance and auditory skills.
In January 2026, six brass students from varying disciplines were invited to perform as the Pacific Alphorn Ensemble at the Southwest Horn Conference in Orem, Utah. Through practice, performance, and reflection, Pacific students have incorporated the historical alphorn into modernized musical development. This use of alphorns at Pacific has thereby produced promising strategies for how brass students may incorporate alphorn in practice throughout their music education.
The use of the alphorn expands beyond the harmonic series; the instrument is additionally a means of historical musicology training and audiation support. In the future, it bears potential pedagogical benefit, creating opportunities to build a strong foundation before shifting to a modern brass instrument. The simplicity of playing alphorn adds to its benefit, as any student capable of buzzing into a mouthpiece is able to produce sound in an alphorn. The increasing availability of alphorns in the American musical world, when combined with further auditory, music literacy, and overtone series skills, could create a novel basis for brass playing, resulting in educational benefit for brass players at any skill level.
