A Masterful Masterclass: Andrew Bain Gives Tiger Musicians Personal Instruction
A Masterful Masterclass: Andrew Bain Gives Tiger Musicians Personal Instruction

By Jim Klar, Communications Officer

Equally known for his French Horn virtuosity and passionate forays into education, Andrew Bain is dedicated to fostering a sense of community among horn players across the globe. Every young horn player who receives his personal attention considers themselves one of the luckiest in the world. And TAS Upper School students got just that lucky on the morning of last Thursday, September 7, in an up-close-and-personal masterclass with the internationally known teacher, composer, and musician who has served as the Principal Horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2011.

Mr. Bain reinforcing the principles of proper breathing.

During the masterclass, our talented upper school students had the remarkable opportunity to work closely with Mr. Bain on their prepared repertoire. His insights, feedback, and guidance undoubtedly inspired their future growth as musicians. Mr. Bain shared personal obstacles encountered in his own development and explained techniques he used to overcome them to continue his path to mastery. His tips and secrets for ideal breathing, embouchure, and proper hand placement in the bell struck a chord with our young musicians. They will surely motivate them to reach their own heights of skill. Often, following his advice, they were able to improve on the spot.

Mr. Bain explaining correct alignment of the hand in the bell.

“Hosting an artist of Andrew Bain’s caliber is truly an honor for us at Taipei American School,” said Stephen Abernethy, Dept. Chair of Performing Arts & Music. “The magic that unfolds when talented students interact with such a renowned musician is quite an experience, and we are immensely grateful,” added Abernethy.

With foundation principles in place, Mr. Bain shows how the tone and power of the horn is maximized.

An avid musician since the age of 8, Mr. Bain earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide, studying with Patrick Brislan. He furthered his studies first with Geoff Collinson in Sydney, then with Hector McDonald in Vienna. In 2003, he also completed a Graduate Diploma in Chamber Music under Will Sanders in Karlsruhe, Germany.

TAS Dept. Chair of Performing Arts & Music Stephen Abernethy expresses our thanks and appreciation to Mr. Bain.

Among his resume of film work, Mr. Bain considers his performance for John Williams’s scores for Star Wars Episodes XII, XIII, and IX as one of his most extraordinary career and lifetime highlights.