William Bard
Lesson Feesfrom $30.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
A native of Florida, William Bard holds a Bachelor of Music degree in horn performance from the Eastman School of Music (where he also received the coveted Performer's Certificate), as well as a Master of Music degree in horn performance from the Mannes School of Music (where he was one of only four students in his class to receive the Orchestral Achievement Award). While at Mannes, William was privileged to be one of the few students of legendary New York Philharmonic Principal Horn Philip Myers.
During his time up north, William was active as a freelance musician in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, before returning to Florida in 2020. Some of his career highlights thus far include performing the horn part in the New York premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon's chamber opera "A Coffin in Egypt," as part of Lincoln Center's 2016 American Songbook series; performing with the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) in the New York premiere of the chamber version of Kaija Saariaho's "La Passion de Simone"; performing as the horn soloist in the Mannes American Composers Ensemble's (MACE) performance of Matthias Pintscher's "Occultation," with the composer in attendance; and recording two albums for Naxos Records with the Chamber Orchestra of New York.
He has worked with the following groups, among others: New Haven Symphony Orchestra, New England Symphonic Ensemble, Orchestra of the Bronx, Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra, Astoria Symphony Orchestra, Jersey City Philharmonic Orchestra, International Chamber Orchestra of America, New York Classical Symphony Orchestra, Manhattan Symphonie, Bronx Opera, dell'Arte Opera Ensemble, PanAmericana!, So&So, NewOrch, and LUX.
In 2022, William was appointed by Maestro Troy Quinn to join the horn section of The Venice Symphony.
I previously worked as the horn teacher for a small Brooklyn-based music school. Thus far in my career, I have primarily taught young beginners, although I am open to teaching students of all ages and ability levels.
I am very passionate about teaching, and after years of working with a number of horn teachers myself (some great, and some not-so-great), I have learned a lot: both about how to better play the French horn, and also about what makes a good teacher, a good teacher. Every student is different and has their own strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps most importantly, their own personality. I believe that lessons should be positive and fun, and that my main job as a teacher is to be supportive and encouraging, while personalizing the experience to best fit the student.
Having worked (and suffered!) through my own myriad playing problems over the years, I am well-equipped to address a number of playing issues, whether it be embouchure-related, building the high range, alternate fingering suggestions, breathing technique, etc. It would be my pleasure to share some of my knowledge with you or your child, and to hopefully help you avoid some the playing pitfalls that I and so many others have found ourselves in! I look forward to meeting you soon.