Switching to new instrument

[scottw]

[quote="coddington"]
it's possible that this only arose due to lack of conditioning since I wasn't playing that much the last couple of years I owned a horn. I've also considered the possibility that if I created a new embouchure or maybe moved to a smaller instrument, (maybe euphonium or trombone), everything would be alright.

My thought is that you have analysed it yourself: lack of conditioning/practice will do all that. Furthermore, as you go to higher-pitch embouchures, the problem only gets worse than it does with tuba. Rule #1: there is no shortcut to practice! [/u]

[Rick Denney]

When I was still playing, I would sometimes notice a tremor, perhaps from tension, in my lower jaw. When I played my chin would jut out and I used a frowning embouchure where there was tension throughout my lower jaw. Now, it's possible that this only arose due to lack of conditioning since I wasn't playing that much the last couple of years I owned a horn.

I doubt that changing to a smaller instrument will relieve this problem. You still have to have the strength necessary to produce the buzz, and those who lack that strength will resort to ultimately unhelpful shortcuts such as pressure and facial tension. When the tuba is played properly, there will be little or no facial tension and the muscles of the corners of the embouchure will be doing the work, within their strength. Mouthpiece pressure will be just enough to make a seal.

I would suggest borrowing a tuba and taking a couple of lessons from someone who can get you restarted with the correct fundamentals.

Rick "relax and let the tuba do the work" Denney