strained throat

[phoenix]

i had this same problem when i was trying to get up to high Bb back in the day, and now i'm experiencing the same problem trying to hit high F. I just did long tones, starting on F at the bottom of the staff, down to E, up to G, down to D, up to A, down to C, up to B, down to B, up to C in the middle of the staff, down to A below the staff, up to D, down to G, up to E, down to F, up to F in the staff, then go up chromatically until you hit Bb. Long tones also help you achieve that awesome tone quality that can only come out of a tuba. Also, playing in the low register helps you play high. Play low to play high. Eventually, i just started feeling relaxed up there, it works it self out eventually if you keep working with it. Good Luck!

[iiipopes]

It's not just that you have to play low to play high. You still have to play high in a controlled manner to learn how to control breathing, embouchure, etc. What the precise playing of slurs does is strengthen the muscles by controlling where a change in pitch stops as well as where it starts. That strengthens the embouchure overall. Notice I said the precise playing of interval slurs. A sloppy slide down to pitch won't help at all, and may even produce negative results in centering pitch. Forcing or straining can cause your throat to be sore. Tighten the corners of your mouth, even if it feels like you are slightly frowning, so you keep the proper aperture between your lips. Do NOT smile - that stretches the muscles and can ruin your embouchure. Play with as little as mouthpiece pressure as possible consistent with keeping a good seal on the lips. Keep the feeling of openness and jaw down internally, both for intonation and keeping the jaw and throat relaxed. At the end of the practice session or concert, your embouchure should feel tired, not hurt, your throat should not feel anything, and your stomach muscles should feel like you've done more situps than you are used to.