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When playing legato on my tuba I sometimes find myself using my complete repertiore of doodle tonguing, especially on jazz licks. This can sometimes cause problems, clams, notes that don't speak etc. I think this happens because the tongued syllable doesn't line up in strict time with the valve action. I've been playing trombone so many more years than tuba that I probably could not train myself to stop if I wanted to. I'm not sure I want to anyway. When it works it is really cool alternative to a straight slur. When it doesn't though it can be a disaster. Does anyone else do this either on purpose or like me by habit? Is there a tuba pedagogy that teaches alternative legato tonguing techniques? I am as always a clueless trombone player.

As the tuba has valves, there is not so much need for doodle tonguing. I know what you mean, that is one of the difficulties of doubling on tuba and trombone. The tuba needs much more air flow, but not a tonguing on every note in legato style. Playing jazzy lines on a tuba is a very different feel than on trombone, at least for me. Articulation with valves is just another game than with a slide. I recommend recording yourself an listen to how it sounds.

Gerd