Posted by Mary Ann on January 13, 2003 at 12:16:44:
In Reply to: Re: Air posted by John on January 11, 2003 at 18:44:48:
This advice is right on the money. I took up tuba a year ago, after playing horn for about 7 years. I have found that my "air problems" are in large part embouchure problems, that is, I run out of air because my embouchure (now you know how to spell it!) is not efficient yet in the low range (although I can free-buzz all these notes, when I restrict my chops with a mouthpiece they disappear.) I'm getting there, by starting on the lowest note I can play well with good sound, and first bend and then slur down a half step. I'm gradually working my range downwards that way, learning the efficiency. With my limited playing time, it will take a while I'm sure, but I also see steady progress. Patience is a virtue.