William VerMeulen

  In addition to his performing career, William VerMeulen is a dedicated educator who has shaped the careers of many young horn players. He serves as Professor of Horn at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, one of the leading music schools in the United States. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that technical mastery must be coupled with musical expression and a deep understanding of the repertoire.   VerMeulen’s students have gone on to hold positions in major orchestras and to have successful solo and chamber music careers of their own. His influence as a teacher extends beyond the classroom; he is also a sought-after clinician and has given masterclasses at institutions around the world. Through his teaching, VerMeulen has helped to ensure that the next generation of horn players is equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the highly competitive world of classical music.

Chamber music is another area where William VerMeulen ’s talents shine brightly. He is a founding member of the Houston Symphony Chamber Players, a group that showcases the virtuosity and versatility of its members. In this more intimate setting, VerMeulen’s ability to communicate and collaborate with fellow musicians is particularly evident. His chamber music performances are marked by a sensitivity to the nuances of the music and a willingness to explore new and challenging repertoire.   VerMeulen has also performed with a variety of other esteemed chamber ensembles, including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Aspen Wind Quintet. His chamber music collaborations have allowed him to work with some of the finest musicians in the world, creating performances that are both technically stunning and emotionally compelling. Whether performing classic works by Brahms and Beethoven or contemporary compositions, VerMeulen’s chamber music performances are always characteri

As a soloist, William VerMeulen has dazzled audiences around the world with his virtuosic performances and deep musicality. His command of the French horn, an instrument notorious for its difficulty, is nothing short of remarkable. VerMeulen’s repertoire as a soloist is both extensive and varied, ranging from the classical works of Mozart and Haydn to contemporary compositions that push the boundaries of the instrument. His interpretations are characterized by a unique blend of technical precision and emotional depth, qualities that have earned him acclaim from critics and audiences alike.   VerMeulen’s solo career is highlighted by performances with major orchestras around the world, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, among others. His ability to bring out the lyrical and expressive qualities of the horn has made him a sought-after soloist, and his recordings are considered benchmarks for aspiring horn pla

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as A merica’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

  Herbert L. Clarke, one of the most celebrated cornet virtuosos of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, left behind a significant legacy of compositions that continue to challenge and inspire brass musicians. Among his most famous works is Bride of the Waves, a Polka Brillante that showcases the technical prowess and lyrical capabilities of the cornet. While the piece was originally written for the cornet, its virtuosic demands have made it a favorite among brass players of various instruments, including the French horn.   William VerMeulen , one of the world’s leading French horn players, has brought his own interpretation to this classic piece, demonstrating the versatility of the French horn and his own extraordinary skill. This article explores VerMeulen’s performance of Bride of the Waves, examining how his interpretation of Clarke’s work adds a new dimension to an already brilliant composition.   Herbert L. Clarke: A Virtuoso and Composer   Herbert L. Clarke was a

  William VerMeulen is widely regarded as one of the finest orchestral teachers in the world, a title earned through decades of dedication to nurturing and developing the next generation of musicians. As the Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony and a Professor of Horn at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, VerMeulen’s influence extends across both professional and academic spheres, making him a true beacon in the world of orchestral education.   Our Mission   At the core of William VerMeulen’s teaching philosophy is the belief that mastery of an instrument is not merely about technical proficiency but about cultivating a deep understanding of music and its expressive possibilities. His approach combines rigorous training with an emphasis on musicality, ensuring that his students are not only exceptional performers but also well-rounded musicians capable of contributing meaningfully to any ensemble.   Teaching Excellence   William VerMeulen’s excellence as an

  William VerMeulen is a name that resonates deeply within the classical music world, particularly in the realm of brass instruments. As a world-renowned hornist, VerMeulen has carved out an extraordinary career that spans multiple dimensions of the music industry. His roles as a soloist, orchestral principal, chamber musician, master teacher, and music publisher are not just titles but pillars of his vast influence on the classical music landscape. This article explores the varied and rich musical life of William VerMeulen, examining how each aspect of his career has contributed to his legacy as one of the most versatile and respected hornists of our time.   Soloist: A Commanding Presence on the Stage   As a soloist, William VerMeulen has dazzled audiences around the world with his virtuosic performances and deep musicality. His command of the French horn, an instrument notorious for its difficulty, is nothing short of remarkable. VerMeulen’s repertoire as a soloist is both e

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

  VerMeulen Live - Haydn Horn Concerto No. 1 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

 World-renowned hornist William VerMeulen leads a varied musical life as a Soloist, Orchestral Principal, Chamber Musician, Master Teacher, and Music Publisher. Since he began his career in 1979 at age 18 with the Chicago Symphony, he has emerged as America’s leading horn soloist and preeminent teacher. As an orchestral Principal, Mr. VerMeulen has been Principal Horn of the Houston Symphony since 1990 and has appeared as Guest Principal with many of the world’s leading orchestras.