It all depends on how hard you are willing to work. A fabulous local high school eupher went off to college. A year after he graduated, he landed a bass trombone gig with a well-known orchestra. Granted, as a euph player this guy was a freak of nature-type talent. But still, he worked very hard and made the transition.
Just know that the guys you will be going against that have a multi-year head start on you will be spending 6+ hours a day with their face on the horn, so you will have to work harder AND smarter than they do. If you're willing to do that, then you can be very successful.
It's never too late unless you have one foot in the casket, and even then trying is well worth the effort.
Switching down?
- MileMarkerZero
- 3 valves

- Posts: 431
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 9:54 am
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Re: Switching down?
SD
I am convinced that 90% of the problems with rhythm, tone, intonation, articulation, technique, and overall prowess on the horn are related to air issues.
I am convinced that 90% of the problems with rhythm, tone, intonation, articulation, technique, and overall prowess on the horn are related to air issues.
- pwhitaker
- 3 valves

- Posts: 449
- Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:58 pm
- Location: Springvale, Maine
Re: Switching down?
Late in the game? Do you even vote yet?
If you can play euphonium and have already doubled on tuba then it's certainly not too late. There are tubists here who didn't pick up a horn after high school until they were in their mid 40's and can play very well. Your chops are already in shape, you just have to make the adjustment to the larger mpc which is not hard at all. Plus - you get to PLAY THE TUBA!
If you can play euphonium and have already doubled on tuba then it's certainly not too late. There are tubists here who didn't pick up a horn after high school until they were in their mid 40's and can play very well. Your chops are already in shape, you just have to make the adjustment to the larger mpc which is not hard at all. Plus - you get to PLAY THE TUBA!
MISERICORDE, n.
A dagger which in mediaeval warfare was used by the foot soldier to remind an unhorsed knight that he was mortal.
- Devil's Dictionary - Ambrose Bierce
A dagger which in mediaeval warfare was used by the foot soldier to remind an unhorsed knight that he was mortal.
- Devil's Dictionary - Ambrose Bierce
- windshieldbug
- Once got the "hand" as a cue

- Posts: 11516
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Re: Switching down?
I played euphonium for the first year of college, then re-auditioned on tuba. Bless his heart, my teacher accepted me. I've NEVER looked back. Just depends on how hard you're willing to work.
Instead of talking to your plants, if you yelled at them would they still grow, but only to be troubled and insecure?
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Kayla
- bugler

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- Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 9:48 pm
Re: Switching down?
Depending on the teacher, you could take some lessons on tuba and keep euphonium as your major until you can confidently make the switch. I only say that so you can secure your position in the music dept., and any scholarships you may receive. Several people have done this at my school and the faculty were more willing to allow them to stay in their program and keep their scholarship. Maybe this will be better than trying out right away on tuba.
- oedipoes
- 4 valves

- Posts: 765
- Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:47 pm
- Location: Belgium
Re: Switching down?
I'd say go for it. (but make your own decision)
I've been playing the euphonium for 16 years now, and I'm doubling on BBb tuba for the last 10 years.
I'm an amateur player, but it always comes to the same thing: practice.
I do not feel any physical disadvantages on playing both instruments, there's only the 'lack of time' factor...
Good luck,
Wim
I've been playing the euphonium for 16 years now, and I'm doubling on BBb tuba for the last 10 years.
I'm an amateur player, but it always comes to the same thing: practice.
I do not feel any physical disadvantages on playing both instruments, there's only the 'lack of time' factor...
Good luck,
Wim
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peter birch
- 4 valves

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- Location: uk
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David Zerkel
- pro musician

- Posts: 318
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 7:30 am
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Re: Switching down?
Go for it, Tim!
This would be a great time, as the small liberal arts college you are attending didn't want you for your euphonium chops, but for your other obvious talents! Plus, if your career goals are the same as they were the last time we spoke, then learning the tuba (or trombone) is imperative.
You can still do both, but playing the tuba seriously opens up all kinds of possibilities!
Good luck!
DZ
This would be a great time, as the small liberal arts college you are attending didn't want you for your euphonium chops, but for your other obvious talents! Plus, if your career goals are the same as they were the last time we spoke, then learning the tuba (or trombone) is imperative.
You can still do both, but playing the tuba seriously opens up all kinds of possibilities!
Good luck!
DZ
David Zerkel
Professor of Tuba and Euphonium
University of Michigan
dzerkel@umich.edu" target="_blank
Professor of Tuba and Euphonium
University of Michigan
dzerkel@umich.edu" target="_blank