Posted by Sean Chisham on July 14, 1999 at 09:31:58:
In Reply to: tuning posted by Beau on July 14, 1999 at 09:07:53:
I would guess that this is a player issue more than a horn issue.
If you have a tuner which sounds pitches, then try this:
Push the slides back to "reasonable" positions. Turn on the tuner to sound a pitch. A good starting point might be F. Play along with the droning F and match the pitch exactly. Without moving slides allow the pitch to settle into the pitch of the tuner. When you think you have it in tune, switch the tuner to "tuning" mode and check. If you were not on, then switch it back to sound the pitch and try again to match the pitch by ear. Keep doing this until that note is in tune. Repeat this process chromatically. It may take a week or two, but eventually you should start to have a more relaxed embouchure and the pitch should settle down. Don't rely on the visual tuner to work out these things, you must use the ears or you won't be able to easily transfer the new skill to ensemble situations.
This will also train your ears to really listen to the sound of your tuba. This heightened awareness will hopefully replace the anxiety of "trying" to play intune. Really focus on your sound and how it blends with the unisons of the tuner. Later you can also try the other perfect intervals like 4ths and 5ths.
You have to be diligent with this though. Playing intervals with a tuner can be really boring and tedious without the proper attitude. With time, though, it will pay off.
sean