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Tips for Learning the Tuba

Presented by Kevin Smith

Learn how to play the tuba in this free instructional video musical lesson on brass musical instruments.

Series Summary

The oompah sound of the tuba is probably one of the most distinctive things this low-register brass giant has going for it. Often found in orchestral settings, marching bands, and Bavarian beer festivals, the tuba is a large valve instrument that produces deep, smooth notes and tones. Whether it’s creating a pulsing bass line for accompaniment, or actually playing the lead melody in a song, the tuba’s sound is hard to miss. And it takes a special kind of person to play this beast of an instrument. Tubas are not known to impart to their owners any abilities to look cool or “rock out.” Rather the opposite—tuba players are often stigmatized for choosing something less popular than, say, the mighty, ubiquitous three or four: guitar, drums, bass, and keyboard.

If you have been considering taking up tuba, this video series is perfect for you. Not only will you learn the history of the tuba, you will learn how the various tuba parts function, basic breathing techniques for playing the tuba, and how to play various major and minor scales. Once you've got that down, try an improvisational tuba jam session to really get a feel for playing the tuba.

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Parts of the Tuba

The parts of the tuba, including the mouthpiece, stem, lead tube or pipe and valves, are discussed in this free tuba video music lesson from our professional tuba player and teacher.

Tuba Tuning Slides

Tuba tuning slides and the function they perform are discussed in this free tuba video music lesson from our professional tuba player and teacher.

Fingering on Tuba Valves

Each tuba valve performs a different function, from the rotary valve on; learn more with tips from our professional tuba player and teacher in this free tuba video music lesson.

How to Make Sounds with a Tuba

Make sounds with a tuba using breathing and valve combinations; learn how with tips from our professional tuba player and teacher in this free tuba video music lesson.

Tuba Playing Breathing Techniques

Use tuba breathing techniques when playing the brass instrument; learn more with tips from our professional tuba player and teacher in this free tuba video music lesson.

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