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After a long time of not playing, I got a Wessex "Mahler" silver plated under the tree this Christmas. I'm more terrible than ever, but I realized, as a cognitive psychologist, that as chopless as I am, the result of all those hours in orchestras, concert bands, and on and on (not to mention that I had Sam Gnagey as a teacher and had the great fortune of being in Harvey's studio with Paul Arter and Harvey as teachers) is that I at least know how it's supposed to sound. Those neural pathways are very well tuned to the sound I know I used to be able to make on a good day.

By the way, my son, who gave me a lesson today (Auburn Grad in music ed, world champion contra player with Blue Devils, and a music teacher in Odessa Texas) said, upon spending an hour with the horn, that he thought it compared very well with the PT-6's they have in the studio here.

Welcome to TubeNet, but more importantly- welcome back to the TUBA!

A bunch of us have experienced the situation you are now in. Don't worry or try to rush things- it WILL come back to you.

It sounds like you have had, and now have, some great teachers. This will certainly help. Next, when you're ready, find a place to play. You might check out the Community Music board- they maintain a list of active community bands, orchestras etc. here:

http://www.community-music.info/" target="_blank

Two words: Long tones.....


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Welcome! Best of luck, enjoy getting back into it!

Welcome back!

Welcome back to tuba! Cut yourself some slack as you remind yourself of how this tuba stuff works, and keep on enjoying playing. I do not have the background that you do, and found that it took about a year to get to where I could really hold my own with where I wanted to be musically. I am now working beyond that point, and having as much fun as I ever have.

Welcome back. You have the advantage of a good teacher. Long tones help especially for a warm up. Scales help with dexterity and will help with finger memory. It will help with range too. Find a solo that you like and start working on it a little each day. Try to practice about 20 or 30 minutes every day or as regularly as you can. Take a day off now and then to rest the chops. You'll be in good form by summer.

I echo that thoughts expressed by the earlier replies. Good luck, and welcome back!