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How to Play the Tuba

Presented by Kevin Smith

Learn the basics of playing a tuba, from how sound is made to using pedal tones and controlling the tuba's volume, as our expert tuba player and teacher explains in this free tuba music education video series.

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 basics of forming an embouchure, you will learn how to sit, stand, and breathe when playing the tuba. Our expert, Kevin, shows you how to tune a tube and how to play octaves. Learn how to control your volume and range. Certainly, the tuba has a personality all of its own. So, if you seek to learn a less ordinary instrument that can command an audience, take some time and learn how to play the tuba today!

Listing 1-15 of 15 videos

How to Play Octaves on a Tuba

Make different sounds on a tuba when playing; learn how with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

How Sound Is Made in a Tuba

The different sounds of a tuba and how they are made are discussed in this free tuba music education video from our expert tuba player and teacher.

How to Form an Embouchure for Tuba

Use the tuba mouthpiece properly and accurately form embouchure; learn how with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

How to Tune a Tuba

Use tuning slides to tune a tuba before playing; learn how with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

Tips for Using Tuba Valves

Tuba valves effect the sound of this brass instrument by creating scales and chords; learn how with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

Basic Styles of Playing Tuba

Play different musical styles on the tuba; learn how with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

Sound Ranges of the Tuba

Understand the range of sound that comes from a tuba; learn more with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

Tips for Playing the Tuba

Remember breathing, posture and octaves when playing the tuba; learn more tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

Playing Tuba: Combination Valves

Play the tuba using combination valves; learn how with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

Tuba Breathing Techniques

Breathe when playing the tuba using the proper breathing techniques; learn how with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

Pedal Tones on a Tuba

Make pedal tones on a tuba to create sounds; learn how with tips from our expert tuba player and teacher in this free tuba music education video.

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