Posted by Tom Mason on April 27, 2001 at 09:27:59:
In Reply to: 3 Valve Vs. 4 Valve posted by Matt G on April 27, 2001 at 08:21:01:
In my situation, I have students starting on 3 valve sousaphones, and a mix of 3 and 4 valve tubas. I have addressed the 4th valve issue by not teaching the use of it untill I see that they have gained the skill of using 3 valve combinations. This would include pulling 1st or 3rd slides for the usual pulls. This also helps realize the transition from sousaphone to 4 valve monsters.
When I have a parent just dying to buy a tuba, (ha ha ha ha ha), I get them to invest in a 4 valve horn because of the expense in a tuba, and the long term that use of the instrument that is expected. In return, I will be able to have a quality instrument in the band, and if they ever wish to sell, I will usually buy the instrument for my program.
tom