Posted by Adam Peck on October 01, 2000 at 21:57:51:
In Reply to: Playing loud with a good sound posted by Tubanator on October 01, 2000 at 15:00:49:
Playing a true fortissimo with a good sound is not easy. One must practice and get the facial muscles used to working this hard. You don't mention how old you are. I did not develope a mature sound and great volume until my sophomore year in college. After you have warmed up try practicing two octave scales of quarter notes at mm.80 as loud as you can play. Take a breath after every note. At first you will only be able to do this for a minute but your endurance will increase if you practice regularly. A personal note....don't neglect practicing ppp, very soft. Take scales or a favorite toungued etude and play it as soft as you can, and play long tones the same way. I can't tell you how disappointing it is to hear many tubists today who cannot play a true ppp with a good sound to save their life. Good luck.