Playing again after long time...

[dapperpoet]

After a long time of not playing, I got a Wessex "Mahler" silver plated under the tree this Christmas. I'm more terrible than ever, but I realized, as a cognitive psychologist, that as chopless as I am, the result of all those hours in orchestras, concert bands, and on and on (not to mention that I had Sam Gnagey as a teacher and had the great fortune of being in Harvey's studio with Paul Arter and Harvey as teachers) is that I at least know how it's supposed to sound. Those neural pathways are very well tuned to the sound I know I used to be able to make on a good day.

By the way, my son, who gave me a lesson today (Auburn Grad in music ed, world champion contra player with Blue Devils, and a music teacher in Odessa Texas) said, upon spending an hour with the horn, that he thought it compared very well with the PT-6's they have in the studio here.

[Heavy_Metal]

Welcome to TubeNet, but more importantly- welcome back to the TUBA!

A bunch of us have experienced the situation you are now in. Don't worry or try to rush things- it WILL come back to you.

It sounds like you have had, and now have, some great teachers. This will certainly help. Next, when you're ready, find a place to play. You might check out the Community Music board- they maintain a list of active community bands, orchestras etc. here:

http://www.community-music.info/" target="_blank

[PMeuph]

Two words: Long tones.....


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Welcome! Best of luck, enjoy getting back into it!

[Kevin Hendrick]

Welcome back!

[bearphonium]

Welcome back to tuba! Cut yourself some slack as you remind yourself of how this tuba stuff works, and keep on enjoying playing. I do not have the background that you do, and found that it took about a year to get to where I could really hold my own with where I wanted to be musically. I am now working beyond that point, and having as much fun as I ever have.

[opus37]

Welcome back. You have the advantage of a good teacher. Long tones help especially for a warm up. Scales help with dexterity and will help with finger memory. It will help with range too. Find a solo that you like and start working on it a little each day. Try to practice about 20 or 30 minutes every day or as regularly as you can. Take a day off now and then to rest the chops. You'll be in good form by summer.

[TubaRay]

I echo that thoughts expressed by the earlier replies. Good luck, and welcome back!