Posted by SAM I AM on October 13, 1999 at 14:26:30:
In Reply to: Tuba Technique Questions posted by Chuck Shorten on October 13, 1999 at 12:34:44:
It sounds like both of your problems centre around air support.
I personally have found that simple breathing exercises can help to dramatically improve tone quality. Try doing something simple like simply starting off your warm-ups with deep breathing exercises.
1) Fill up with your diaphragm (as opposed to trying to expand rib-cage and shoulders) right to your toes. When you feel that you've got as much air in as possible, release. You can experiment with rate of release until you can comfortably release at any rate.
2) Then experiment with rate of fill. The analogy I like best is that of stepping into a cold shower. You inhale to "AHH" as fast as possible. Make sure you start practicing this away from the horn (and mouthpiece) until you are comfortable doing them as a natural function. Once you have modified your breathing habits, then re-introduce the horn and mouthpiece.