Episode 70: Dr. Derek J. Wright

Episode 70: Dr. Derek J. Wright

From The Horn Call Podcast by hornsociety

February 1, 2026 · 1h 2m · Episode 79

About this episode

Episode 70 features a conversation with Dr. Derek J. Wright, discussing his musical journey, instrument design, and business insights.

Join us in Episode 70 for a conversation with Dr. Derek J. Wright! Derek plays 3rd horn with the award-winning Dallas Winds and in the West Texas Symphony. He has performed with several major orchestras including the Fort Worth Symphony and the Dallas Symphony. Dr. Wright is also a co-owner of Houghton Horns. He has contributed to the design of horns and mouthpieces for the Verus brand and frequently speaks on instrument design and acoustics at various educational institutions. Episode Highlights Horn playing journey, education, influences, etc. Studying with Kazimierz Machala at the University of Illinois, followed by Masters at University of Minnesota, Doctorate at Arizona State University Moving to Texas, getting started with Houghton Horns, and eventually becoming a co-owner Houghton Horns Retail Shop and Repair Shop are two different businesses “Bad practice is worse than no practice…” Horn/mouthpiece design Marketing, communication, and other aspects of the business Skills learned as a musician that have been helpful in business, and vice-versa Upcoming projects/developments New Houghton Horns building with concert hall Importance of the IHS to you and Houghton Horns “I…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Derek J. Wright

Topics covered

  • horn playing journey
  • instrument design
  • music education
  • business skills for musicians
  • Houghton Horns
  • acoustics

Keywords

  • horn
  • music education
  • instrument design
  • Houghton Horns
  • Dallas Winds
  • acoustics
  • musician skills
  • Molly Gebrian

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dallas Winds, West Texas Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Houghton Horns, Verus, National Association of Music Merchandisers, National Association of School Music Dealers, Inc

Books & works: Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician's Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing, The Savvy Musician

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