Young Anton began study at the Royal Conservatory in Leipzig on the violin with the horn as his secondary instrument. Later, Friedrich Gumpert recognized his talent and encouraged him to make the horn his primary study.

In 1894 he moved to America and was appointed Principal Horn in the Pittsburgh Symphony by Victor Herbert. He was appointed Principal Horn in the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1902. He also played in the Sousa band

He taught at the Curtis Institute of Music (1924-1942), and his students have performed in orchestras worldwide. He also imported Kruspe horns to America, including his own "Horner Model," introduced in 1902. This design was copied by several other makers, the most notable being the Conn 8D.

Horner was the founder of distinctive American style of horn playing. His students, James Chambers, Marc Fischer, Mason Jones, Arthur and Harry Berv and many others spread his influence around the United States. Horner's  impact is still with us today.

Anton Horner (right) with James Chambers, 1969