Posted by james on June 01, 1999 at 22:24:35:
In Reply to: Low Range posted by Joe on June 01, 1999 at 21:36:47:
Developing the low range is the most important part of playing the tuba and the most difficult to master. The exercises I use are:
1. long tones-starting on low Bb(not pedal) and playing whole notes decending half steps and returning to Bb i.e. Bb,A,Bb,Ab,Bb,G down to F. Then start on F and do the same down to Bb pedal. As you begin on the starting note (Bb or F) crescendo into the note that follows and then decrescendo back to the starting note i.e. Bb(crescendo)G(decrescnedo)Bb, F(crescendo)D(decrescendo)F. TAKE YOUR TIME!!! Do not rush. crescendos and decrescendos will help in centering pitches.
2. Mouthpiece buzzing- Try doing the same excercise using only the mouthpiece and buzzing the notes. This takes a lot of time and practice but if you can buzz it you can play it.
Also I recomend getting the CD of orchestral excerpts by Gene Porkorny to get you
The most important thing to remember in playing the low register is to relax your jaw. motivated. He has a tremendous low register and is great to listen to.