Music-Minus-One

[imperialbari]

Take the time to teach yourself reading an octave down. It is a very handy reading tool for a tubist giving access to reading string bass parts.

Klaus

[Mark]

Take the time to teach yourself reading an octave down. It is a very handy reading tool for a tubist giving access to reading string bass parts.

Not only string bass parts; but also trombone parts. Which will open up a whole world of etudes and solos not available for tuba (e.g. Rochut).

[Lars Trawen]

Another strongly recommended skill: Be familiar with the treble clef.
This opens up the whole trumpet repertoir, and of course other instruments written in treble clef.
It's also a necessity when playing in brass bands, where all parts, except the bass trombone, are written in treble clef.
As a former trumpet player and trombonist I can take almost any instrumental part in Bb and play them on my tuba without thinking too much.
It has been of great value when performing in small groups.
Good luck,
Lars

[pgym]

To answer the original question, while there are probably situations in which Music Minus One material has been used for auditions, I can't think of a professional audition for which the Music Minus One repertoire would be of sufficient difficulty to demonstrate professional level competency, and I seriously doubt that they would be considered appropriate for an undergraduate-level music program, thought they might be sufficient if one were auditioning for a college pep band or marching band.

I also think auditioning with the accompaniment would be, at best problematic, and at worst inappropriate, since the accompaniment could easily cover or disguise just the sort of technical flaws and errors that the audition panel would want to hear. I also suspect that if they want to hear you in an ensemble setting, they will provide players for you to play with in order to judge how well YOU adapt to the idiosyncrasies of your section or ensemble mate, and, in all likelihood, the music, in order to get a handle on your sightreading skills.

[David Schwartz]

I have about eight music with CD accompaniments which are a lot of fun... Do people ever use these for auditions?

For college and conservatory auditions a human accompanist is often available. Ask in advance.

Transcriptions of the teacher accompaniments for the Bordogni studies are useful and fairly easy to play. Recently published in two volumes is my own Bordogni for Tuba, a companion piano score for Chester Roberts' 43 Bel Canto Studies for Tuba or Bass Trombone. The bass clef solo staff presents the melody in the tuba range which Bordogni's own markings as to phrasing, dynamics, articulations, and optional breaths. See my URL.

As with music minus one recordings, a human accompanist will help you play on time, in tune, and with good dynamic variation. You will be able to quickly demonstrate your sensitivity to the accompaniment, your ensemble skills.

David