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For one reason or another, I have a hard time playing the tuba in the morning. I don't know why. Something about the way my mouth feels, or something, I don't really know. The notes just don't come out like they do in the afternoon or evening.

Does anybody else share this problem? Know how to fix/combat it? Know what the problem is?

Recently, I've been having this problem as well. I'm not sure if I just need to slow down my warm up a bit or just find different ways to wake up the muscles around the mouth. I find that if I am trying to play within about 20 minutes of waking up, and I start with breathing excercises, sometimes my lips are tingling just from the velocity of the air coming in and out.

My only answer so far has been to merely wait to play later on in the day. Or, I suppose you could wake up earlier to give yourself extra time to wake up. I'm sure some folks on the board have an idea of some things they've done to gradually "wake up" the chops.

If you're not drinking a reasonable amount of water before playing, I'd guess the problem is cellular dehydration. Chops work better when they're hydrated. You're outgassing water via perspiration and respiration while you're sleeping, but ya ain't takin' any in to replace it, ergo, dehydration, resulting in reduced cellular elasticity.

Drink a couple of glasses of water—say, 16-24 oz—a half hour or so before playing to give it time to work its way through your system. A glass immediately immediately before playing won't hurt, either. Stay away from alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, though: alcohol and caffeine are diuretic, i.e. takes water out of your system.

FWIW.

Bob1062 wrote:I find it helps to take a shower.

Helps us too, Bob

One suggestion might be to do some sort of physical exertion to (a) increase blood flow and (b) stimulate more maximized breathing.

A short jog, walk around the neighborhood or some sort of light exercise will probably help. Unless you're in a somewhat dehydrated state to begin with....or hung over....

Brian "remembering fondly how differently I played on tour after running some laps prior to the warm-up arc" Gilbert

I can't speak specifically to playing tuba, but I have a hard time doing anything in the morning. I like the idea of taking a shower. For most low brass players I have known, this is a very good idea.

I sometimes have trouble performing to my best in the morning. Maybe it's my lack of breakfast. So thats why I do the majority of my practicing late at night.

Bob1062 wrote:I find it helps to take a shower.

A shower? What's that?

Stay away from alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, though: alcohol and caffeine are diuretic, i.e. takes water out of your system.
FWIW.[/quote]

Does this mean that all tuba players should give up beer? And no caffine for the morning after. That would be a sad day. Don't take things too seriously.
Phil

Often enough, the reason morning is so difficult is because the lack of blood activity and muscle movement in the lips during sleep. Warming up the body physically (yes......stretches etc) as well as breathing exercises, buzzing and long tones will make morning playing more pleasant.