AboutDonald Sutton Expertise I can answer questions about instrument selection, mouthpiece choices, playing technique and general care and repair. I can also deal with composing, arranging and voicings of BBb, CC, EEb, and F tubas as well as Euphoniums.
I do not know much about instrument prices or values, and can only give little information on ages. For that kind of question, check the 'Vintage Instruments' category - there's some fantastic people there!
Experience I have been playing tuba for more than 30 years. I play all the brass instruments and most woodwinds. I currently direct the tuba quartet for the 25th Army Band
Organizations 25th Army Band
TubaSoldier Tuba Quartet
Education/Credentials BA, music, (Tuba and Euphonium were my major instruments)
Expert: Donald Sutton Date: 2/22/2008 Subject: Beginning Tuba Info.
Question 3 Questions for you. I was wondering what method book(s) do you prefer to use for beginning players (for private lessons). How do you teach the tuba embouchure to beginners?
And do you prefer to start a student on a 3/4 BBb tuba (such as the Yamaha 105) or do you like to start students on the Baritone and switch at a later date.
Answer Sorry it took so long for me to get your question, all of my emails from AllExperts have been ending up in my 'junk' bin! Guess I should clean out my email more often.
First, I like the Rubank Method books (ISBN 1423445120), and the and use them for my students. I also like the Essential Elements 2000 series (ISBN 0634003259), and the Arban-Prescott method for First and Second Year Tuba (ISBN 0825826357). Those are good starting books, and will lead you to your first solo and ensemble playing.
Next, embouchure is something best demonstrated in person. The best way I can think of to describe it is to center the mouthpiece on your lips, make sure it's comfortable, and buzz your lips (blow a razzberry), blowing plenty of air through the mouthpiece. Next, attach the mouthpiece to the horn and repeat. You will never outgrow buzzing your mouthpiece, I still do it every day. You will need a tuner, a piano or a knowledgable friend to help you determine what pitches you first play.
Finally, the starting horn depends on the size of the player! I rarely recommend 3/4 size horns, as few of them are built to the same standards as full-size horns, and they feel and sound like it. If you can get your hands on an old (pre-1940) 3/4 size you will have better luck, but in tubas bigger usually is better.
I will generally start elementary aged players on the euphonium, and move to the tuba after a year or two. The biggest issue is not instrument size, but rather lung capacity. A small person playing a large horn will not have the capacity to fill the horn, will sound weak, and will ultimately be frustrated by the process. In addition, I like my tuba players to be able to also play euphonium because there are more opportunities for challenging solo repetoire at an earlier age, and it keeps the player from becoming lazy! Besides, it also assists teaching sight-transposition, as I have my euphs learn both treble and bass clef.
I hope this helps. Thanks for your question and your patience!
