Getting back to the euphonium after a 7 year layoff

[ginnboonmiller]

Good for you for going back to it without fear. I had about a five year layoff at one point, after going back to school and trying to become a writer (fun, but I still prefer hearing people clap when I'm done, so I'm back to playing tuba).

The one thing I can tell you is that I seem not to have lost any technique during that break. I lost my chops for sure. No strength, so the first few notes were fuzzy for a while, and I had to build up from a few minutes at a time to a good long session playing. But what's in your head is likely to have stayed in your head, and I was surprised by how easy it was to get comfortable playing again.

As far as where you practice and how often - kind of a personal deal. I live in Brooklyn and I had rehearsal spaces for rock bands, so I set aside the time there to blow whenever I could get free. I was never much of a practicer, so as long as I get to the horn five times a week or so I'm happy. And if I miss I don't worry, but I'm also not going out for auditions.

As far as teachers, well, if you want a lesson, ask for one. Nice thing about tuba and euphonium - there aren't all that many of us out there that play them seriously. So if you have an interest, it'll get encouraged. Even while a teacher will tell you that you can't have a career (and come on, you can't, it's a euphonium), s/he will also have a great time showing you stuff and picking up a tiny check to compensate for talking about stuff that would get talked about anyway.

And I made my own playing opportunities, and I don't want to play in the back of a band or orchestra anymore, so that was easy. But local bands are EVERYWHERE, it's just a matter of knowing where to look for them.

[Plugo]

i just went through a similiar situation. i came back after a 10 year lay off from the tuba.
well i can tell you is that work on the fundamentals first. take it slow. make a list of goals for your self. find a teacher for feedback. once you get in to the habit of playing regularly, then look for an ensemble to play in. dont be hard on your self if you find your self not improving at faster rate.

[TUBAD83]

I too had a 7 year layoff...it ended when my partner politely told me to either "play it or sell it, the damn thing is in the way". So, dusted off the case, pulled the horn out, and started blowin'. It took a little while, but "it all came back". Been playing regularly ever since. Just take your time and ease your way back into playing--and play EVERY DAY if only for a few minutes. Scheduling practice time is up to you--when can you play (and how tolerant are your neighbors??). As for finding a teacher, you should check your local college/university--Im sure you will find an instructor that will be more than happy to take you on as a student for a reasonable fee (my tuba instructor used to throw in free lessons all the time). Check your area for community bands--they are all over the place and would be glad to have you. Good luck and have fun!!

JJ

[Teubonium]

And here's a list of organizations that are members of the Association of Concert Bands:

http://www.acbands.org

(click on "Community Music List Link")