Here's a question for you Herr Zerkel, how is it that you make everything sound so easy!
HA! You should hang out outside of my studio and listen to me practice sometime! I can assure you that not too much will sound easy!
I think that the secret to making things sound easy is to play music that resonates with you and also fits your skill set. For instance, I will never be able to make Bozza sound easy. Or Kraft for that matter! I marvel at players that can "own" these pieces. I still aspire to play those pieces well, but am constantly working to elevate my skill set to a point where that is a realistic premise. Hasn't happened yet, but someday maybe... (he said wistfully!)
When I was in my twenties, I had LOTS of excerpts that I said "this sucks....I'll never be able to play these well!". Today I just have a few like that. The main point is, during that time, I concentrated on elevating my skill set to a point where I
could eventually play these tunes closer to where they need to be. This concept of elevating your skill set does not apply strictly to developing technically as a player, but also musically. The best way to elevate your musical skilll set is to listen to great music played by great musicians (not just great tuba/euphonium players!)
The goal that we probably all aspire to is to make things sound easy. Work from a position of strength by making things that are in your wheelhouse sound great and "easy" and then work on expanding your comfort zone. This is why I play etudes
everyday!
Hope this helps!
D "who recocognizes his limitations, but does not accept them as permanent" Z