Dan Wions
About
Dan Wions is the Principal Horn of New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, and Glimmerglass Opera. He also performs frequently with the Philadelphia Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, and occasionally for Broadway. In addition to his orchestral work, Mr. Wions has toured extensively as a soloist and chamber musician, most recently with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and as a founding member of Universal Brass Ensemble (www.universalbrassensemble.com). Mr. Wions is also an active educator and relentless problem solver, giving recitals and masterclasses throughout the United States. He most recently returned to his Alma Mater, at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, to serve as visiting professor and to present masterclasses with a focus on Nutrition for Musicians, and Ballet Orchestra Audition Strategies. Mr. Wions holds a BM in Horn Performance from Indiana, with outside studies in piano and composition. While in school, he attended numerous summer festivals, including the National Orchestral Institute in Maryland and the Verbier Festival Orchestra in Switzerland. His teachers include Joe Anderer, Michelle Baker, Myron Bloom, Tony Cecere, Michael Hatfield, Phil Myers, Rick Seraphinoff, and Chris Wilhjelm. Currently, Dan splits his time between New York City and Philadelphia, performing, teaching, doing Crossfit, playing tennis and ultimate frisbee, and eating obscene quantities of organic raw fruits and vegetables.
*** Please message me before you book***
Managing my schedule is a part time job in itself. I experience a lot of last minute changes. If a slot seems available on this site, it may not actually be. And if you can't find a slot that works with your schedule, I may be able to fit you into an unadvertised slot. Please check with me and we'll work it out.
I strive to be very adaptive in my teaching style. Some students need to be pushed, others need a slower pace. People have different learning styles, different strengths and weaknesses, different goals, different personalities. I'm a born problem solver, so my first questions to new students focus on determining their goals and intentions, their current level, and the best strategy for getting them to where they'd like to be. Whether someone comes to me for embouchure problems, stylistic questions, sound development, or audition/recital preparation, one of my greatest joys in life is working with motivated goal oriented students through private lessons and ensemble coachings. As a musician, yogi, athlete, and health nut, I aim to integrate as many skill sets as it takes to best aid the student.
*** Please message me before you book***
Managing my schedule is a part time job in itself. I experience a lot of last minute changes. If a slot seems available on this site, it may not actually be. And if you can't find a slot that works with your schedule, I may be able to fit you into an unadvertised slot. Please check with me and we'll work it out.
New York City, Central Jersey, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City local chapters of the American Federation of Musicians
NYC Ballet
Glimmerglass Opera
Philadelphia Ballet
Ocean City Pops
Distinguished Concerts International New York
Curriculum is contoured for each student. Having said that, I do have standard exercises that most of my students include to some degree. I start with warmup exercises from Ab Koster, Louis Dufrasne, Philip Farkas, Caruso, and others. Eventually, my students and I customize exercises for their needs.
I include many standard etudes, like Maxime Alphonse, Kopprasch, Gallay, etc... But in the past 5 years, new etude and warmup books have flooded the market. I have really enjoyed including them in my teaching, and in my own exploration, to keep things fresh.
*** Please message me before you book***
Managing my schedule is a part time job in itself. I experience a lot of last minute changes. If a slot seems available on this site, it may not actually be. And if you can't find a slot that works with your schedule, I may be able to fit you into an unadvertised slot. Please check with me and we'll work it out.