Producing a Sound on a French horn (Click on image to enlarge photo) Shape the mouth as if saying the letter "M." The lips should be firm in the corners, yet relaxed in the center. At first, take a full breath of air and try creating a relaxed buzz tone without the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is placed approximately 2/3 on the upper lip and 1/3 on the lower lip. Try playing a long, steady tone of 8 beats with the mouthpiece. Once this is mastered, gently place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe of the French horn with 1/4 turn twist. Do not "palm" the mouthpiece into the instrument. Say "taa" to go lower and "tee" to go higher. Try not to "puff" the cheeks.    Correct Position for Playing a French horn  Sit up straight on the edge of the chair with the head erect. The left thumb and pinky are placed in the ring. The middle three fingers rest are slightly curved and rest on the keys. The right hand is cupped inside the bell. It not only supports the instrument but aids in tuning (raising and lowering pitches). The left arm is raised higher than the right arm. Elbows are away from the body. Refer to the picture in the method book. The chin is flat and pointed. Valve movements should be smooth. Do not lift all valves prior to each new note. (e.g. Teacher will demonstrate correct way to play "A" to "B".)   Interesting Facts About The French horn The French horn evolved from horns dating back to 2000 B.C. (4,000 years ago) when they were first used for signaling in ancient China. The first horns were long and had no valves. In Roman times, these "natural" horns were played at civilian and military ceremonies. In the late 1600's, the instrument was curled to fit over the player's arm while riding in the royal mounted hunt. They were used for horn calls and for playing fanfares (shows.) The French horn became a regular member of the orchestra in the 1700's. There were two kinds of valves invented in 1815. These made the instrument capable of playing more notes. The French used piston (up and down) valves like those used in a trumpet. The Germans used rotary (revolving cylinder) valves. This is the horn we call the French horn in America today. French horns are usually made of brass, then silver-plated or lacquered. French horns play in bands, orchestras, woodwind quintets and brass ensembles. There are three kinds of French horns - Single F, Single Bb, and Double horn which combines both horns into one instrument by using a Bb thumb valve. This horn was introduced in 1898 by a German man named Fritz Kruspe. from: http://schools.portnet.k12.ny.us/~dtedeschi/French_horn.htm