Tuba Embouchure

Question 1

Stopped tone on Tuba

Answer 1

2 remedies/2 causes:
1. Review tongue position (OH) and fast air./Insufficient volume of air passing between lips.
2. Loosen grip on the “tube.”/lips pinched completely together.

Question 2

Tight, thin, pinched tone on Tuba

Answer 2

2 causes/remedies
1. Embouchure too tight, lips pinched./loosen grip on the “tube.”
2. Insufficient volume of air passing between lips./review deep breath and fast expulsion of air.

Question 3

Intense air on Tuba

Answer 3

2 causes/remedies:
1. Lips pinched almost completely together./De-emphasize gripping tube, re-form “OH-OO.”
2. Insufficient volume of air passing between lips./Review tongue position (OH) and fast air.

Question 4

No tone, Rushing Air on Tuba

Answer 4

2 causes/3 remedies:
1. Tight closed throat, air stream restricted./Emphasize “OH” to open throat, keep tongue down.
2. Embouchure too loose, lips spread./Re-form Embouchure “OH-OO Squeeze.”
3. Grip the “tube” more firmly.

Question 5

Gargled tone on tuba

Answer 5

2 causes/remedies:
1. Embouchure too loose, lips spread./grip the “tube” more firmly.
2. Lips folding over teeth./re-form embouchure “OH-OO-SQUEEZE”

Question 6

Explain the Tuba Embouchure Formation

Answer 6

1. Say “oh” (to open mouth/throat).
2. “oo” with lips to form Embouchure.
3. Squeeze towards the center of the lips (squeeze “tube” or feel like you are squeezing down on a pen or pencil in your lips.
4. Blow air rapidly to create buzz.

Question 7

How Do You Play High Notes on Tuba?

Answer 7

1. Use more air.
2. Squeeze the “tube” or pen more (focus the center of the lips more to make a smaller aperture).