Posted by Lee Stofer on June 12, 2003 at 07:35:39:
In Reply to: switching Tubas? posted by I suck! on June 08, 2003 at 10:50:19:
I have made a career of doubling, and I consider going from BBb tuba to F tuba just as much of an instrument change as going from BBb tuba to tenor trombone. Being flexible and versatile is something that your muscles and mind both have to learn, and if you try to stir too much into the mix at once you'll become overwhelmed. I had a firm handle on BBb and CC and had played professionally for 10 years before I decided to become a serious F tuba player. Even then, it took a year of studying at the graduate level and practicing and performing on F on a daily basis before I really started feeling comfortable with it. I think you have to be comfortable with each instrument you play before you can hope to comfortably switch back-and-forth between them. I wish you all the best in learning to do so!
Lee Stofer