I’ve seen this discussion come up frequently among horn players on social media, and have been considering it from a couple of different perspectives.

On the “Yes, you definitely need to know how to transpose” side, here are some thoughts to consider.

1. The bottom line is that yes, it is a required skill for professionals and aspiring professionals.
2. It provides a connection to hand-horn playing and music/composers of the past.
3. For conductors, music educators, etc. transposing is a necessary skill for score reading and analysis.
4. Many orchestral parts are not available in transposed versions, so if you want to perform in an orchestra you need to be able to read these parts.

And on the “Well, maybe you don’t always have to know how to transpose” side of the coin:

• For players in community orchestras and other similar ensembles, having to read non-transposed parts can be a barrier to enjoyment and engagement in those groups.
• Not necessary to be a “good” horn player, meaning, one can be a competent player in terms of range, technique, and musicality without having this particular skill.
• I have observed  some condescension towards horn players who haven’t yet mastered transposition or who question how necessary it is today. This attitude does not help make the case for transposition.
• Can be a difficult skill to master once out of school, especially without a private instructor, and a method to learn it.
• Can be seen as an archaic tradition, without much connection to modern valved horn playing. *I don’t agree with this view, but have seen it expressed.

All this can be confusing to impressionable music students, so if I could offer one piece of advice it would be to go ahead and start learning to transpose now, it will ultimately make your life easier as a horn player. However, if you’ve taken several years off and are returning to horn playing, don’t feel bad about not remembering all the intricacies of transposition. There are some transposed parts available in the orchestral repertoire, and if you can get your hands on them they will probably do just fine. Should you feel motivated to add transposing to your skill set, there are fortunately lots of great resources available today. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Keys to Transposition, by Pete Nowlen with Brian O’Donnell & Heidi Oros
• HornMatters, Transposition Reference Chart
• Transposition Video and Transposition Games, by Ricardo Matosinhos

I also have a Transposition Practice Plan available on this site, feel free to check it out.