How to Become a Professional Tuba Player

Last Updated on May 22, 2024 by Michael

So, You Want to Be a Tuba Superstar?

Well, well, well. Look who’s decided to join the ranks of the tuba elite. You’ve watched countless marching band performances, marveled at the sheer size and majesty of this brass behemoth, and thought to yourself, “I want to make that my life’s work.”

But before you go running off to your local music store to purchase a tuba the size of a small car, let’s take a moment to discuss what it really takes to become a professional tuba player. Hint: it involves a lot of lung capacity and a high tolerance for spit valves.

Embrace the Tuba Life

First and foremost, if you want to be a professional tuba player, you need to embrace the tuba life. And by that, we mean you need to be prepared to haul around an instrument that weighs more than a small child and takes up roughly the same amount of space as a studio apartment.

But don’t let the size of the tuba intimidate you! Think of it as a portable gym – you’ll get a full-body workout just by carrying it from gig to gig. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about someone stealing your instrument – who’s going to make a quick getaway with a tuba strapped to their back?

Master the Art of Circular Breathing

One of the most important skills for any tuba player to master is circular breathing. This technique allows you to play continuously without stopping to take a breath, essentially turning you into a human bagpipe.

To practice circular breathing, start by filling your cheeks with air like a deranged chipmunk. Then, slowly release the air while simultaneously inhaling through your nose. It may take some time to get the hang of it, but once you do, you’ll be able to play for hours on end without passing out from oxygen deprivation.

Just be warned: circular breathing can lead to some pretty intense facial expressions. Don’t be surprised if small children run away screaming when they see you practicing.

Develop a Thick Skin (Literally)

As a tuba player, you’ll need to develop a thick skin – both figuratively and literally. Figuratively, because you’ll likely face your fair share of tuba jokes and stereotypes. “Hey, I didn’t know the tuba could play that high!” “Wow, you must have to buy two seats on an airplane!” Hardy har har.

But you’ll also need to develop a thick skin literally, because playing the tuba can be a physically demanding task. You’ll be using muscles you didn’t even know you had to support the weight of the instrument and produce those deep, booming notes.

To build up your tuba muscles, try incorporating some weight lifting into your practice routine. Squat with your tuba, do some tuba lunges, and even try some tuba yoga (tuboga?). Your body will thank you (even if your neighbors won’t).

Find Your Tuba Tribe

Playing the tuba can be a lonely endeavor – after all, there’s usually only one tuba player in any given ensemble. But fear not, my tubular friend! There are plenty of ways to find your tuba tribe and connect with other low brass enthusiasts.

1. Join a tuba-specific ensemble, like a tuba quartet or a tuba choir
2. Attend tuba conferences and workshops to network with other players
3. Start a tuba-themed podcast or YouTube channel to share your love of the instrument with the world

And if all else fails, just start hanging out at your local music store and wait for other tuba players to show up. It’s like a secret society, but with more spit valves.

Perfect Your Embouchure

If you want to be a professional tuba player, you’ll need to spend countless hours perfecting your embouchure – that’s the fancy term for the way you shape your mouth to produce sound on the instrument.

To get that perfect tuba embouchure, start by making a “buzz” sound with your lips (think of a horse neighing). Then, place the mouthpiece against your lips and try to recreate that same buzz sound while blowing air through the instrument.

It may take some trial and error to find the sweet spot, but once you do, you’ll be able to produce a rich, full sound that will make all the other instruments in the orchestra jealous.

Just be prepared for some seriously chapped lips in the beginning. Stock up on lip balm and get ready to pucker up, buttercup.

Learn to Love the Low Notes

As a tuba player, you’ll spend a lot of time hanging out in the lower register of the instrument. And by “lower register,” we mean notes so low they could shake the foundation of a building.

But don’t let the low notes get you down! Embrace the beauty of those deep, rumbling tones and learn to love the way they make your whole body vibrate.

And if you really want to impress your fellow musicians, try throwing in some tuba beatboxing during your next solo. Who says the tuba can’t be funky?

Embrace the Spit Valve

Ah, the spit valve. The bane of every tuba player’s existence. For those not in the know, the spit valve is a little lever on the tuba that allows you to release the built-up saliva and condensation that accumulates in the instrument as you play.

As a professional tuba player, you’ll need to learn to embrace the spit valve and all its… quirks. Like the fact that it always seems to get stuck at the most inopportune moments, or the way it can sometimes spray spit all over your music stand (and your unsuspecting stand partner).

But fear not, my spitty friend! With a little practice (and a lot of paper towels), you’ll learn to master the art of the spit valve and keep your tuba in tip-top shape.

Tubanomics: Making a Living as a Tuba Player

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But wait, can I actually make a living as a professional tuba player?” The answer is… maybe?

Let’s be real – the tuba isn’t exactly the most in-demand instrument out there. You’re not likely to see a tuba player headlining Madison Square Garden anytime soon (although, never say never).

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities out there for talented tuba players. Here are a few potential career paths to consider:

1. Orchestral tuba player: Many professional orchestras employ a full-time tuba player to hold down the low end of the brass section.
2. Military band tuba player: The military has a long tradition of employing musicians, and tuba players are always in demand for military bands and ensembles.
3. Freelance tuba player: If you’re willing to hustle and network, you can make a living as a freelance tuba player, playing gigs with various ensembles and recording studios.
4. Tuba teacher: Share your love of the tuba with the next generation by teaching private lessons or working as a school music teacher.

And if all else fails, you can always fall back on the time-honored tradition of busking. Just set up on a street corner with your tuba and a clever sign, and watch the tips roll in (or not).

The Tao of Tuba

At the end of the day, being a professional tuba player is about more than just playing the right notes at the right time. It’s a lifestyle, a mindset, a way of being.

To truly succeed as a tuba player, you need to embrace the Tao of Tuba. What is the Tao of Tuba, you ask? It’s simple:

1. Embrace the low notes
2. Master the spit valve
3. Find joy in the journey (and the occasional tuba joke)

And above all else, remember that the tuba is not just an instrument – it’s an extension of your very being. Treat it with the love and respect it deserves, and it will reward you with a lifetime of deep, booming happiness.

So go forth, my tubular friend. Embrace the Tao of Tuba and let your low brass flag fly. The world may not always understand your passion for this majestic instrument, but that’s okay. You know the truth: the tuba is the heartbeat of the orchestra, the foundation upon which all other instruments stand.

And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be the one headlining Madison Square Garden, tuba in hand and a sea of adoring fans at your feet. Stranger things have happened (probably).