Tuba

Posture and sound making

We look at what is meant by good posture/instrument hold and how this affects sound. Also consider the importance of the “rule” of three (air, tongue, buzz) in making a sound.

Introducing dynamics and recapping

Reminder regarding good posture. We look at breathing, air flow and control. We look at the basics of dynamic variation.

Expanding Warm Up routines

Adding to our warm up routine. We introduce various warm-ups to target specific areas. Discuss the importance of a practice routine.

How to change notes

Recap from previous lesson. Achieve and hear the difference between C, D, E, F, and G. Develop understanding of how lips and valves change notes. Stress the importance of playing in time.

Achieving consistency and coordination

We look at how to achieve a consistent tongue and valve coordination. Develop an understanding of the structure of the major scale and how to use this in our exercises.

Tonguing techniques

We look at how the tongue affects the way we play and the way we sound. We introduce double and triple tonguing.

Understanding time and note lengths

Explain how the beat and correct note lengths help us play in time. Achieve fun through composing over a given rhythm pattern. Learn 4/4 time signature.

Learning about time signatures

We look at developing an understanding of both simple and compound time signatures. We also emphasise the importance of subdivision in developing your inner metronome.

Learning low notes

4th valve and low notes. We now extend down to a pedal C...and possibly beyond. We develop ways to prepare and execute those low notes.

Reading music

Reading the notes CDEFG more consistently. Discuss the staff and treble clef. Playing music using a 2/4 time signature.

Extending your range

We look at bottom B and A, and we go to a high E. Bb discussed. We learn exercises which help to build range.

Managing intervals

We take a look at intervals, both in practice and performance, and the techniques involved in successful execution.

A new note and melodies

Introduce the A note. Introduce the slur and how to control this technique. Play melodies using different articulations

Minor scales and arpeggios

Develop an understanding of the structure of the minor scale, and arpeggio, and how to use these in our exercises.

Learning musical articulation

The art of articulation. We look at how adding exercises which work around various articulations can help dexterity and technique.

Phrasing and breathing

We discuss phrasing and how to use the breathe more effectively. Introduce the B note.

Helping with long notes

Long notes. We will use long notes to help with breathing and tone. Learn how to approach long notes at different registers and dynamics.

Interpretation and phrasing

Advanced musical interpretation. Style, rubato and vibrato. Notes or music? The art of phrasing. Learn to listen to yourself.

Playing by ear

We play a well-known melody without any music, by using our ears and the notes we have learnt. We use different note lengths to alter the melody. We play F#.

Extending range and intervals

Extend the range to a low G and a high G, achieving a two octave range (i.e. “The Golden Range”) Go back to arpeggios, but now we can use a 12th and 2 octaves.

Improving range and control

Advancing high register. Air control. Approaching the issue of the upper register.

The C Major Scale

Introduce the octave C, and play the C major scale. Use the scale to work on tongue and valve coordination.

Working on a graded piece

We work on a Grade 4 or 5 piece. Discuss the difference between practice and performance. Musical interpretation is discussed.

And Breathe!

Air, air, air. The importance of air. We sort out those breathing problems and introduce exercises to use your air effectively.

Introducing Arpeggios

We discuss the structure of the arpeggios and use the arpeggio to help the lips and “muscle memory”.

Finger exercises and valves

Chromatic scales and finger exercises. Strengthening finger dexterity. Alternative valve combinations.

Controlling nerves

We discuss how the mind can affect performance. Anxiety control. We discuss taking your playing to the next level.

A musical round up

In this lesson we recap what we have learnt during the course and how the different aspects of playing come together. Play different music to show learning.

A recap and new music

In this lesson we recap what we have learnt during the course and how the different aspects of playing come together. Play different music to show learning.

New music and bringing things together

In this lesson we recap what we have learnt during the course and how the different aspects of playing come together. Play different music to show learning.