Transposing music between different instruments is a fundamental skill for brass players and arrangers. Trombone and French horn, while both brass instruments, differ significantly in their tuning and notation. This guide explains how to transpose trombone music for French horn players, offering detailed steps, theory, and practical advice.

Understanding the Basics of Trombone and French Horn

The Trombone: Non-Transposing Instrument

The trombone is a non-transposing instrument. It is written in concert pitch, meaning the notes on the page are the exact pitches heard when played. This makes trombone music straightforward in terms of reading but does not automatically translate for transposing instruments like the French horn.

The French Horn: A Transposing Instrument

The French horn is a transposing instrument typically written in F. This means when you see a note written on the horn staff, the actual sounding pitch is a perfect fifth lower than written. For example, a written C for horn sounds as the F below it. Understanding this is crucial when converting trombone music to horn music.

Why Transpose from Trombone to French Horn?

There are several reasons to transpose trombone music for horn players. Horn players often need to double parts, play in ensembles with trombones, or adapt repertoire. Transposing ensures horn players read music suited to their instrument’s unique pitch and fingerings, making performance easier and more accurate.

The key interval to remember is that the French horn sounds a perfect fifth below the written pitch. Since the trombone plays concert pitch, the transposition requires raising the trombone part by a perfect fifth to be correctly read on the horn.

Step-by-Step Method to Transpose Trombone to French Horn

Step 1: Identify the Original Key of the Trombone Music

Before transposing, determine the key signature of the trombone part. Since trombone is concert pitch, the key signature reflects the actual sounding pitches. Note this carefully.

Step 2: Understand the Horn’s Transposition Interval

The French horn sounds a perfect fifth below written pitch. Therefore, to convert trombone music, you need to write the horn part a perfect fifth above the trombone notes.

Step 3: Transpose the Notes Up a Perfect Fifth

Take each note of the trombone part and raise it by a perfect fifth interval. For example, if the trombone plays a C, write the horn part as a G (a fifth above). This shift accounts for the horn’s transposition.

Step 4: Adjust the Key Signature

Since you are moving notes up a perfect fifth, the key signature must also shift accordingly. For example, if the trombone music is in C major (no sharps or flats), the horn part will be in G major (one sharp). This maintains the correct relationship between pitches.

Step 5: Check for Accidentals and Alterations

Accidentals should be transposed the same way as natural notes. If the trombone part has an F#, the horn part should have a C# (a perfect fifth higher).

Step 6: Verify Range and Playability for Horn

After transposing, check that the notes fall within the horn’s playable range. If notes are too high or low, consider octave adjustments to maintain musicality and ease of playing.

Examples of Trombone to French Horn Transposition

Example 1: Simple Scale Transposition

If the trombone part plays a C major scale: C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C

The horn part should be transposed a perfect fifth higher, resulting in a G major scale: G – A – B – C – D – E – F# – G

Example 2: Melodic Phrase Transposition

Original Trombone phrase: F – A – G – E

Transposed Horn phrase: C – E – D – B

Notice each note is moved up a perfect fifth.

Tools and Resources to Help with Transposition

Music Theory Knowledge

A solid understanding of intervals, key signatures, and transposition principles is essential. Study perfect fifth intervals and how they affect key signatures.

Music Notation Software

Programs like Finale, Sibelius, or MuseScore can automate transposition. Input the trombone part and transpose it for horn using the software’s built-in functions.

Transposition Charts and Tables

Use interval charts for quick reference. These provide visual guides to transposing notes and key signatures between concert pitch and horn in F.

Common Challenges in Transposing Trombone to French Horn

Range Issues

The trombone’s range differs from the horn’s. Sometimes transposed notes fall outside the horn’s practical range, requiring octave displacement.

Complex Accidentals

Accidentals and chromatic passages can complicate transposition. Careful attention is necessary to avoid mistakes.

Reading Transposed Key Signatures

Horn players must be familiar with keys with multiple sharps or flats. Transposing a trombone piece in a difficult key might result in challenging horn key signatures.

Tips for Horn Players Reading Transposed Trombone Music

Practice Interval Recognition

Be comfortable with perfect fifth intervals to mentally adjust notes when sight-reading.

Use Familiar Fingerings

Focus on fingerings relative to the horn’s key rather than absolute pitch to avoid confusion.

Listen to Both Parts

Listening to trombone and horn parts played together helps internalize the sound difference and improves transposition accuracy.

Advanced Considerations in Transposition

Transposing for Different Horn Types

While the standard horn is in F, some parts are written for horns in B♭ or other keys. Adjust your transposition interval accordingly if the horn part is not in F.

Multiple Instrument Parts

When arranging for ensembles, ensure consistency in transposition for other transposing brass, such as trumpet or euphonium, to maintain harmony.

Notation and Performance Practices

Consider the stylistic differences in phrasing and articulation between trombone and horn when transposing to preserve musical intent.

Final Thoughts

Transposing trombone music for French horn requires understanding the horn’s transposition interval (a perfect fifth), adjusting key signatures, and ensuring playability. With practice, proper tools, and theoretical knowledge, horn players can confidently read and perform transposed trombone parts. This skill enhances versatility and expands repertoire possibilities for both players and arrangers.