Posted by S.F. on August 20, 2000 at 14:50:54:
In Reply to: new tuba player posted by Alex on August 16, 2000 at 23:30:35:
Here are a few suggestions.
1) Buzz a few notes(i.e. Bb-D-F-D-Bb) or a song in your mouthpiece everyday for at least 5-10 minutes.
2) Keep those cheeks in, the corner of you lips firm, and the middle of your lips relaxed.
3) Get some etude and studies books (i.e. Koprach, Rochute, all levels of Rubank Methods). Start at slow speeds and work up to faster tempos.
4) Play 5 conected Bb's (bottom of the bass cleff staff not below) in a row before playing anything else. This will help get that Bb stuck in your head with intonation and relative pitch, and help warm-up your lips for playing. You can go down or up by half steps as you go along.
5) Take lessons!
Good luck, and welcome to the Tuba world!
Stephen Fulks