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Underthetrees

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Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 2:07 pm

So I've been playing the Tuba for 5 years and I'm still not that great. I was wondering what was the best way to improve my range to be able to play higher notes. Also, what is the best mouthpiece out there? Please feel free to ask any other questions.

Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:51 pm

Hmm... Did you teach yourself?? If so, maybe you should consult your local music center(Music and Arts if you have one near) to get a teacher. (Yes, I know teachers cost money..But in the end, it'll be all worth it! )
I found some Tuba Mouthpieces...(Tuab Mouthpieces)And about your range... Sorry, I can't answer that because I'm just a trombone player...But still, I hope I helped... And 5 years? Do you think its not good? My band director said that we think we play loud, but we plays so soft actually. He told me I played very softly, but I think its loud, It must sound like that because the instruments near us, but to a audience, it will sound so soft. So....To hit higher notes...You should take your mouthpiece, and buzz your lips, fast-like, and remember(Your gonna hate me for saying this...) Tuba is a BIG instrument, you need to use LOTS of air...Same with me and my trombone. I always have to be reminded that its a big instrument, unlike the flute...
Good luck and I hope I helped,
HM

That Girl is Fierce

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Wendy Wicked

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Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 8:08 pm

play your chromatic scales
start at the lowest note you can play
hold it as long as you can
and then do the same thing going up the scale

I walked into freshman year barely being able to play a C in the staff on my trumpet
and I started doing that
and I walked out playing a Bb above the staff

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:20 am

Harsh Marsh

Hmm... Did you teach yourself?? If so, maybe you should consult your local music center(Music and Arts if you have one near) to get a teacher. (Yes, I know teachers cost money..But in the end, it'll be all worth it! )
I found some Tuba Mouthpieces...(Tuab Mouthpieces)And about your range... Sorry, I can't answer that because I'm just a trombone player...But still, I hope I helped... And 5 years? Do you think its not good? My band director said that we think we play loud, but we plays so soft actually. He told me I played very softly, but I think its loud, It must sound like that because the instruments near us, but to a audience, it will sound so soft. So....To hit higher notes...You should take your mouthpiece, and buzz your lips, fast-like, and remember(Your gonna hate me for saying this...) Tuba is a BIG instrument, you need to use LOTS of air...Same with me and my trombone. I always have to be reminded that its a big instrument, unlike the flute...
Good luck and I hope I helped,
HM

Thank you! I've been playing Tuba in the band and band instructors at my schools don't help students individually so I guess I've technically been teaching myself. I've also been reluctant to get a teacher since I'd have high expectations for myself. The best Tuba player in the nation (In his age group) came from my town. I'll probably look into finding lessons though, thanks.

Underthetrees

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Underthetrees

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Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:21 am

Wendy Wicked

play your chromatic scales
start at the lowest note you can play
hold it as long as you can
and then do the same thing going up the scale

I walked into freshman year barely being able to play a C in the staff on my trumpet
and I started doing that
and I walked out playing a Bb above the staff

Alright thanks, I still have 2 years left in school so hopefully I'll be able to improve by 2 octaves (My goal is to graduate being able to play a 4 octave F scale) Maybe it will help if I get a new mouthpiece, I've been using this one for 5 years :S

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 3:01 pm

Underthetrees

Wendy Wicked

play your chromatic scales
start at the lowest note you can play
hold it as long as you can
and then do the same thing going up the scale

I walked into freshman year barely being able to play a C in the staff on my trumpet
and I started doing that
and I walked out playing a Bb above the staff

Alright thanks, I still have 2 years left in school so hopefully I'll be able to improve by 2 octaves (My goal is to graduate being able to play a 4 octave F scale) Maybe it will help if I get a new mouthpiece, I've been using this one for 5 years :S

oorr
you can pick up trumpet
and since the mouthpiece is smaller you'll be able to hit high notes on tuba like its nothin

Wendy Wicked

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