Candace Neal

Doctor of Musical Arts in Horn Performance, 2014
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Cognate—Jazz Horn Performance
Major Professors: Bernhard Scully, horn; James Pugh, jazz trombone

Master of Music in Horn Performance, 2007
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Major Professor: Laura Klock, horn

Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance, 2003
Boston University
Major professor: Eric Ruske, horn

Private Teaching:
Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, Fall 2021-present
Horn Professor

Richardson ISD, Richardson, TX, Fall 2019—present
Horn Instructor

University of North Texas, Denton, TX Fall 2019
Adjunct Horn Instructor

Dallas ISD, Dallas, TX, December 2018—present
Horn Instructor

Prince of Peace Christian School, Dallas, TX, 2019
Horn Instructor

Reinhardt University, Waleska, GA, 2015—2017
Adjunct Horn Instructor

Private Studio Teacher, TX, NC, MA, MN, IL, and GA, 2004—Present, Horn Instructor

Georgia Middle and High Schools, GA, 2014—2017
Guest Horn Clinician

Pakachoag Community Music School, Worcester, MA, 2007—2009, Horn Instructor

University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 2005—2007
Graduate Teaching Assistant for Music History

Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA, 2006—2007, Horn Instructor

Plus Music School, Boston, MA, 2005
Horn and Trumpet Instructor

Sauk Centre Middle School Band Camp, Sauk Centre, MN, 2004—2005, Horn and Trumpet Instructor

Monticello High School Marching Band, Monticello, MN, 2004
Associate Drumline Instructor, high school students


Masterclasses
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, Trombone Studio, October 2018
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, February 2018
Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, February 2018
Illinois State University, Normal, IL January 2018
Ohio University, Athens, OH, Brass Studios, January 2018
Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, November 2016
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, November 2016
Ball State University, Muncie, IN, October 2016
University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL,
October 2016
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, September 2016
University of Georgia, Athens, GA, March 2015
Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA February 2015
Saint Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, MN April 2010

Plano Symphony, Plano, TX, February 2019—Present
Substitute Horn
Dallas Winds, Dallas, TX, January 2019—Present
Substitute Horn
North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, Raleigh, NC, 2016—2018
Substitute Horn
Symphony Orchestra Augusta, Augusta, GA, 2014—2018
Union Symphony, Wingate, NC, April 2017—2018
Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Marietta, GA, 2015—2018
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Huntsville, AL, 2014—2015
LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, LaGrange, GA, 2013—2018
Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, Urbana, IL, 2010—2013
Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Springfield, IL, 2011—2013
Minnesota Opera, Minneapolis, MN, November 2008—Present
Substitute Horn
Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, Hyannis, MA, 2009
Thayer Symphony Orchestra, Leominster, MA, 2006—2007



Solo Recitals
DMA Recital #2, UIUC, Urbana, IL, 2012
DMA Recital #1, UIUC, Urbana, IL, 2012
Meir Rimon Grant Recital, UIUC Smith Recital Hall, Urbana, IL 2011
Guest Artist Horn Recital and Masterclass, St. Cloud State University, 2009
Annual First Lutheran Church Scholarship Recital, Sauk Centre, MN 2009-2013
Guest Soloist with the St. Cloud Municipal Band, 2002

One of my main specialties is using elements, all or some, from my dissertation project, The Jazz Improvisational Approach to Learning a Classical Piece of Music. I have created a method that incorporates several aspects of training that students of jazz learn from the beginning: improvisation, composition, transcription, to name a few. Depending on the age and skill of my student, I will have them use parts of the method that will suit them best in the best. I also have a semester long program for students to work through the method in its entirety.

As an active yoga instructor, I am able to integrate yogic principles into my horn teaching. Posture,
alignment, breathing, and body awareness are of the utmost importance for healthy breath control
and sound. The more a performer is aware of the relationship between the body and mind, and
relating this awareness to holding and playing the horn, the easier it is for the musician to improve
his or her playing and to be comfortable, both physically and mentally. Yoga has informed my own
performing by training me to calm my mind and to be mentally secure in a performance, as well as
helping me to know my body and what it needs to be fully present and physically comfortable. It is
this holistic approach to music-making that leads students to succeed

In my experience as a private teacher, I have had to spend time helping students prepare for their upcoming honor band or school auditions. I found I am quite good at getting them through a sort of audition preparation boot camp while at the same time instilling fundamentals and to play musically. I am comfortable with all levels of students, introducing the horn the first time, or working with a college student trying to refine their solo works.

I am also a former trumpet player, for those students interested in making the change from trumpet to horn, I can help you with the switch. If you are interested in doubling on the instruments, I can do that as well.

Beginner through advanced

Dallas - Richardson, TX area

$20-60, depending on the time and if there is a commute!