The Alphorn fascinates audiences with its physical simplicity and woos them with a tone that vibrates the soul.Whether center stage in a concert hall or serenading at Oktoberfests or special events...
America needs MORE ALPHORN!
What's an Alphorn?
The Alphorn is a 12-foot wooden horn originally used by shepherds in the Alpine regions of Europe.
Designed as a way to communicate from high hillsides to the valleys below, it is now a musical instrument adored around the world.
Center Stage
The Alphorn is featured in numerous solo works with band and orchestra, from Leopold Mozart’s 1755 Sinfonia Pastorella to adventurous works by living composers. Of course, there's no shortage of enchanting traditional Alpine songs and dances.
Collaborations
The Alphorn is a wonderful and unique partner in chamber music. Composers have written numerous works for Alphorn with harp, winds, and string quartet.The pairing of Alphorn and organ is a favorite. There are many pieces for recitals and church services for this duo.
Lederhosen Fun!
At Oktoberfests, markets, and other special events, selections are a mix traditional unaccompanied Alpine tunes and songs and dances paired with my sound system.
Audience Participation
“Blow an Alphorn!” is a wonderful way to get people to try the Alphorn. It is also a great photo and video opportunity. (Mouthpieces are sterilized for each player!)I often invite children to participate as a herd of bell-ringing cows who respond to the music of the cowherd (i.e., me).
"Shawn and his Alphorn were the stars of our 6th Annual Oktoberfest at Wheatland Spring. I cannot overstate his natural ability to connect with an audience. Guests loved learning about the Alphorn, Shawn’s impressive musical background, and even having the opportunity to try their hand at the instrument! Shawn was a breeze to work with. He was an excellent communicator both leading up to and during his 2-day performance. We hope he will join us again!”Bonnie Branding
Owner, Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery
"Shawn’s beautiful sound on the Alphorn is such a natural extension of his love of the instrument. It is captivating! He performs modern and traditional repertoire with compelling artistry, all while engaging enthusiastically with the audience. His contributions to my Windy City Alphorn Workshop as an educator, performer, and collaborator were phenomenal and all of the participants were inspired by him. I so admire his quality of person and musicianship!"Dr. Natalie Douglass Grana
Horn Faculty, Lake Forest College
Who is your Alphornist?
Shawn Hagen is a hornist, alphornist, mindfulness teacher, and Army veteran — which is either a very unusual combination or a perfectly logical one, depending on how you look at it. He made history as the first alphorn soloist at the U.S. Capitol, one milestone in a 25-year career as a musician in the premier bands of the United States Army in Washington, DC.He has appeared as a guest with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He currently teaches at American University and performs at festivals, breweries, concert halls, and corporate events across the country.Beyond music, Shawn is a certified teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Qigong, Breathwork, and Laughing Yoga through Hagen Mindfulness, LLC. As part of this work he conducts residencies at universities sharing skills to reduce anxiety and increase intention in musical performance. He is also a proud volunteer with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, mentoring youth who have lost military family members.In short: big horn, deep breaths, warm smiles, calm mind, and good vibes.
A brief lunch time recital at American University.
Here is an article I was asked to write for NaturTone, the international and most comprehensive platform for alphorn and büchel. It outlines my thoughts and some exercises on the mindful craft of sounding an Alphorn.
A musical offering celebrating Pride Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Howard County.
A short sampling of Oktoberfest fun.
More Alphorn means More Fun!Grab some gear and join the fun.
T-shirts in Heather Slate Blue or Military Green, and S-XXL $35 (includes taxes, shipping and handling)Stickers (2.75 inch, die cut) $3Click the below and let me know your mailing address and what you would like! Payment via Venmo @more_alphorn.
The Alphorn Institute is your one-stop shop for all things Alphorn. They are the largest importer of Alphorns from the leading builders across Europe and carry a wide array of music and accessories. They are also passionate about education and lead Alphorn retreats across the US.
Here's the makers of my mouthpiece. They use a variety of woods and have a wide range of profiles to fit any preference. They have also developed a wonderful budget-friendly carbon fiber Alphorn!
Roland Zahner, the craftsman of Helvetic, is the kind-hearted gentleman who built my Swiss stone pine Alphorn. I believe his quality of character can be heard in his beautiful horns. They have a warm vibrant sound, and feel light and nimble to play. When I first tried my horn, I felt I had found a kindred spirit, an expressive partner for this journey. Roland's horns are available through The Alphorn Institute.
Upcoming Performances
May 13-16
Windy City Alphorn Workshop
Lake Forest, ILJune 11-14
Blue Ridge Alphorn Workshop
Greenville, VAOct 3
Wisp Resort Oktoberfest
12:00 - 6:00pm
McHenry, MDOct 17
Wintergreen Resort Oktoberfest
12:00 - 7:00pm
Wintergreen, VA
New Music for Alphorn
Alphorn Productions is passionate about creating new music for Alphorn. I am currently working with five composers to write works for Alphorn and fixed media. This combination allows for a vast variety of sounds and styles, all while allowing consistent performances in any space. Consortium opportunities available soon for projects with Alex Tedrow and Gina Gillie
Luna, for Alphorn or Natural Horn and Fixed Media, was written in 2025, commissioned and premiered by Shawn Hagen. This work could be played on F alphorn (two version of accompaniment track tuning are provided to facilitate alphorn intonation), F natural horn, or regular valved horn! Shawn writes the following:"It speaks to impermanence and the insight that emerges from loss. It suggests that challenges and loss aren’t purely negative. Also, like the moon, a sense of stillness, beauty, and awe is always present, whether your barn is standing or ashes upon the ground."Barn's burnt down -- now I can see the moon.
–Mizuta Masahide, a 17th -century Japanese poet and samurai