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I have been playing tuba for about 6 years now and I am at the college level majoring In Music education with tuba -of course as my main instrument.

Well i was born with a clef lip and pallet. the lip is not an issue but in the roof of my mouth i have a hole that somewhat impares my ability to play. (air escapes out of my nose.-imagine playing with a straw in your mouth) Anyway forgive me for this sin* i tried the other day playing while i had gum in my mouth, when i played i would use the gum to stop the hole. and it made a big enough difference that i think that it would be worth it to investigate further. I was wondering if anyone out there had any advice on what i could do or use to stop the leaky hole in my mouth. I would really enjoy any suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

This will help in your Google searches: Cleft Palate.

Rick "who often has air escaping from the F clef to the G clef" Denney

Try taking one of the mouthpiece guards used in sports, use the directions to heat it and fit it. Once you have the fit right, cut area area of the guard covering the front teeth so that it is only held in place by the back teeth. There are many types of mouth guards but only a few cover some portion of the pallet, maybe this will be something that will help at a minimal cost. The next thing would be to have your dentist make you a sports mouthguard, these can be customized for you.

Good luck and you are an inspiration.