ToneGym Hero: Stefan Siller

From French horn to folk dance, Stefan lives where music and movement meet. A multi-instrumentalist sharpening his ear daily on ToneGym, Stefan is this month's ToneGym Hero!

How did you first find your way into making music?

Well, since I can remember I was always chasing after my big brother, who (in my opinion) is one of the greatest amateur musicians there is. And so in primary school i wanted to start learning the french horn. However I was too small and the instrument too big, so in the end i began learning the drums. Fast forward a year and i was finally able handle the horn as well and untill now it’s a valuable companion along my musical way. Along the way I also had the oportunity to learn the Trumpet and the Steirische Harmoniker.

Aside from music, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

Even before getting in touch with music, I was a huge fan of reading. It always helped me get my mind off of things and let me experience different worlds and realities. Where I come from, there is also a local folk dance club in which I function as dance instructor and I’m having a blast dancing and teaching different choreos.

What’s something you're surprisingly good at that has nothing to do with music?

As said before, I guess I have a talent for dancing and most of the time I (hopefully) am a good teacher. From time to time I had to help friends with different subjects in school and it at least seemed like it helped them a lot.

Stefan 2

If you could play or create with any artist, who would it be and why?

Actually I‘ve never thought about this. But aside from my family, friends and teachers I don’t have anyone in mind. Although it would be a dream of mine to perform "Eine Alpensinfonie" sometime in my life, if that counts.

What musical instrument do you love the most, and what makes it irreplaceable for you?

On first place there is of course the french horn. It’s unique, very hard to master and classical music has just amazing parts for it. Then there is the trumpet/flugelhorn which helped me to get into different bands and enjoy pop as well folk music. Last but not least, the Steirische Harmoniker. I enjoy it quite a bit because it serves as a solistic instrument but it's still a "work in progress" for me.

Stefan 3

What daily or weekly habits do you have in place to keep you creating?

I don’t actually create music, I just perform and so there are a few bands with weekly rehearsals and sometimes I get the opportunity to have a project with special orchestras. When I get home and can relax, I also very, very frequently hop on ToneGym to sharpen my ears and broaden my knowledge.

What keeps you motivated to continue making music?

You meet new interesting people, the music is always different and encourages different emotions and my mind goes blank and quiet when rehearsing and performing. No more rushing thougths. It’s beautiful and relaxing.

Stefan 4

What song would you choose as the soundtrack of your life?

I’d like to say "Dahaam" from Pro Brass because it soothes my soul, but I think "Rosanna" (Theme from Jurassic Park) from da Blechhauf’n captures a lot more of my musical style and feeling in life.

What's your favorite feature on SoundGym, and how has it helped you in your musical journey?

Well a lot of them! Route VI helps me hear progressions and lets me improvise to music. But recently I tried singing and had a very hard time hitting all the pitches and intervals, so Solfegiator, Interval Barks and Melody Jay helped me a lot!