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Hey everyone,
Just sort of been thinking over this. I've tried what I know, but maybe some of you have an idea...

So, another tuba player in the band is VERY talented. But, however, is VERY lazy. So, my question to you guys, is how to try to motivate him to actually try. I've heard that he might quit going into next year, which in some ways to me, is better than keeping him . I hate saying something like that, but that's been the only resort I can think of that I don't want to have his head for. I have said to him that if he actually started to care, and practice, that he'd likely be the best of the state. Also, I offered him that I'd give him a $15 iTunes card if he polished up a difficult part of a piece. None of this has worked.
Any ideas?
Or do I just let him lay around?
Thanks in advance,
Tubaguy "Despirate" 9

give him a solo, he'll have to practice. goals and rewards. not bribes.

Don't worry about the other player! Worry about yourself. This idea got me through high school, college, the Army, and life...

You control YOUR destiny, not other people's!

Just gotta remember, different things motivate different people. I have seen the solo situation work with one guy (marginal euph player became pretty good), an instrument switch (bored, excellent trombome player became an excellent euph player) work with another. On the other hand, an excellent tuba player quit before junior year in high school, because "walking around" at the football games was more important to him than playing in the band. Go figure.

The only thing you can control is yourself, and your reactions. Best of luck to you!!

Ally"who struggles mightily to be an average player and loves playing"House

Trying to control a peer's life sounds more like a trumpet player than a tubist!

Let's face it, the bulk of tuba music isn't terribly interesting. Your student is (perhaps rightfully) wondering what all this practicing is going to get him/her. Heavens, if s/he's a middle-school student, s/he's really got it rough, as most middle-school band lit seems to be written for comatose tuba players.

I'd suggest that your student take up another instrument in addition to tuba, say bass or cello. It'll make a better musician and keep life interesting.

Yeah...the pieces played at last concert was (in this order)
Incatation and Dance-John Barnes Chance
Yosemite Autumn-Mark Camphouse
And Finally:
Firebird Suite: Berceuse and Finale-Igor Stravinsky, arr. by Rober Longfield

The thing I was trying to motivate him for was the part of Yosemite Autumn, from 75-93. Those whom have played/know the piece, know about that section with low brass. It rocks, but only as hard as the worst low brass member

viewtopic.php?t=21247

(sorry -- couldn't resist ....)


Cheers,

Steve "(maybe he's not REALLY a tuba player) Inman
Kokomo, IN

15 years ago as I decided to go to Music college, and asked my Music teacher about his opinion - he told me that he wont suggest that I try a carrier as musician. I was very sad after his remark, 'cause this decision of mine was the first thing in my life where I knew for 100% that I want to do it- other people told me that I'm very-very talented, but he was my main teacher.... Several years later, (after that I earned three degrees with distinction from two Music-academies) I asked him why did he do that? Why he didn't support me at all?

His answer was: "I wanted to motivate you, 'cause I thoguht you're lazy!! "

I must tell you that it motivated me very much - I thoght that I'll show them that I can do that....

but his words from earlier made me sleepless for SEVERAL nights, I really felt sometimes musicaly worthless...
So I think we have to be very careful, how to motivate or student.

Just my opinion. Wish your student lots of success!