Johanna Lundy
Associate Professor of Music (Horn)
Johanna Lundy is an associate professor at The University of Arizona School of Music where she teaches French horn, chamber music, brass pedagogy, and mindfulness for performers. She is the former principal horn of the Tucson Symphony, a position she held for 15 years. Lundy has played across the US, Mexico, and Europe in solo, recital, and orchestral settings. Her 2018 solo album Canyon Songs was hailed by Gramophone as “simply breathtaking” and an “impressively virtuoso performance.”
Lundy is the founder and director of the Borderlands Ensemble, a modular chamber group devoted to sharing the stories of the borderlands region through unique concert experiences. The ensemble regularly collaborates with artists to create programs based on themes of Mexican and Chicanx history and has been building new repertoire by American, Mexican, and Indigenous composers. The group released their first album the space in which to see in 2021. “[Their] vast talents illuminate the rich culture of the American Southwest with much intrigue” (Take Effect) and add “a most welcome addition to the catalogue” (Art Music Lounge).
A dedicated teacher with over 20 years of experience, Lundy’s teaching style emphasizes physical and mental wellness, orchestral audition preparation, and artist development. Students are encouraged to explore creative projects and collaborate across disciplines. Former students have gone on to a broad range of careers in music , including positions with professional orchestras and military bands. Lundy’s background includes mindfulness, body awareness, and meditation, which she has adapted into a course that is offered at the University of Arizona. “Mindfulness for Performers” helps students overcome barriers to perform their best in high pressure situations.
Lundy holds a Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory and a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory.
Influences
Two decades of working with a broad range of students and countless hours in the practice room have built the foundation of my teaching style. I have been fortunate to study with many wonderful musicians, who have also shaped my approach. Here is some information about the people who have had the greatest impact on me:
Richard Deane is the Associate Principal Horn of the New York Philharmonic. I studied with Richard when he played in the Atlanta Symphony. Richard has honed an amazing scientific-style approach to teaching the horn, which focuses on problem solving and developing technique. I use the skills he taught me every day, for my own playing and that of my students.
Roland Pandolfi served as Principal Horn of the Saint Louis Symphony for most of his career and also taught at Oberlin Conservatory. His colorful personality and finesse in his horn playing are one of a kind. The best way to describe studying with Roland is to say he teaches you to play like a natural player. I am so grateful for the efficient, musical approach I gained from my time with him.
John Zirbel is the former Principal Horn of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. I studied with John over the course of four years at the Aspen Music Festival. John’s intensity and passion are communicated through every note he plays. As a musician, he is lauded by everyone who hears him play, “even his missed notes are musical.” He played a pivotal role in helping me transition from student to professional.
Gus Sebring is the Principal Horn of the Boston Symphony. Gus’ positivity, musicality, and open approach to learning are beloved by many in the Boston musical community. Gus is an active model of what day-to-day excellence looks like and how to pursue the highest level of professionalism.
Jamie Sommerville is the former Principal Horn of the Boston Symphony. His deep, thoughtful approach to music extends much further than just playing the horn well. Jamie helped me learn how to go beyond the traditional approach to pieces and to truly dream in the language of musical expression. His memorable, sensitive, and sparkling performances remain an inspiration.