I am thinking about switching from bass clarinet to french horn. Is the horn a hard instrument switching from a wood wind? Or should I stick with bass clarinet?

I started on clarinet in grade school. I was a TOTALLY lousy clarinet player. So when I switched to a brass instrument (Eb horn), I found it SO much easier. Today, some 40 years later, I STILL love playing horn & have never looked back! But, I know for others it's just the opposite. I know two adult clarinet players who said they absolutely HATED playing French in the college method classes they took. French horn is tough to get a consistent tone on, so if you are used to being a very successful clarinet player, you may not enjoy the awkwardness of the French horn. Be aware that horn is not an instrument that you can simply play the right note on just becuase you pushed the right keys or buttons! You have to use your ear to train your lips to play with accuracy. I can't really predict what your experience will be & what you'll like best. You'll just have to take the plunge & try it! Good luck & let us know what happens!

Valerie in Tacoma, WA

I've been playing bass clarinet for several years, and I learned mellophone this year for marching band. I didn't find it overly difficult. Two months after I played my first note, [my first brass instrument, too] I had Candide practically memorized. My issues were mostly tuning-related, particularly because I got braces partway into teh season, which made me lean particularly flat. It was fun though.

However, I'm told french horn is harder... I haven't tried it yet. I would wonder how you could even consider switching off the amazingness that is bass clarinet... except french horn is awesome too. I don't know which to recommend!