If you’re a tuba player, you might be asking yourself why you should learn to play the tuba. After all, it’s a big instrument and can be difficult to carry around. However, there are several reasons why you should consider adding the tuba to your arsenal of instruments.
Tubas are widely used in a wide range of musical styles, from jazz and funk to classical, marching band, rock and pop. It’s astonishing how many advantages there are to learning how to play the tuba and performing it on a daily basis.
If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding musical experience, look no further than the tuba!
Here are 13 reasons why tuba players have all the fun:
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Proper breathing is Improved by Playing the Tuba
When learning to play the tuba, we must practice and become aware of how we breathe. Proper breathing is essential for success on any instrument.
Brass instruments need diaphragmatic (belly) breathing, which improves our overall breathing. The ability to manage one’s breath is essential, and this can take the form of anything from quick, explosive exhalations to long, relaxing inhalations.
When learning and playing the tuba, it is essential to learn how to breathe properly so that you can produce the sound you want. Tubas stop making sound when the tubist runs out of air to inhale.
Our lungs, diaphragm, and abdomens get a solid workout when we play the tuba correctly. In addition, strengthening our core muscles may help us maintain a better posture.
A new study shows that music therapy, especially learning to play brass instruments like the tuba can improve the overall respiratory health of people.
Breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation can all help us improve our respiratory health and, in turn, our general well-being.
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Memory is improved by learning and playing the tuba.
Researchers have been able to explore how musical instruments can boost memory thanks to recent advancements in brain-scanning technology. Listening to and studying music can boost your memory.
We increase our memory by using our brain. For those who want to challenge their minds, learning to play the tuba is an excellent way to do it. The amygdala and hippocampus, which are involved in emotions and memories, will be stimulated by learning a musical instrument like the tuba.
When it comes to playing the tuba, there are a lot of things that rely on memory. When you play the tuba, you stimulate the hippocampus, which results in neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons.
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A New Language Is Learned While Playing Tuba.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Music is the universal language of mankind” (source). Playing the tuba is quite comparable to reading and speaking a spoken language, whether we’re learning tunes by ear or reading sheet music.
Music has long been utilized as a storytelling tool, either on its own or in conjunction with other mediums. The tuba, like other instruments, has the ability to evoke strong emotions in both the musician and the listener.
Our comprehension of music and the world can be expanded through the tuba’s unique “dialect” of the “musical language.”
It’s not enough to just play the tuba; the song’s arrangement, harmonic movement, rhythm, lead/melodic lines, and the overall feel all contribute to the language of the music.
There is research to support the idea that mastering a musical instrument like the tuba improves language processing abilities. As a result, learning to play the tuba not only teaches us the language of music, but also boosts our ability to learn spoken languages.
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Coordination and dexterity can be improved by learning and playing the tuba
We’ve already talked about how important it is to maintain good control of your breathing when playing the tuba. To extract the most notes and sound out of a tuba, we require fingerings. It is necessary to be able to breathe, embouchure, and play the tuba in unison at the correct volume and rhythm in order to become a master tubist. The ability to breathe, embouchure, and play in unison is a byproduct of regular practice.
We will be able to play the notes we want, when we want, with the timbre and emotion we desire when we attain this level of dexterity. As we learn to sight-read sheet music, our dexterity and coordination develop even further.
Dexterity and control gained on the tuba can be used to a variety of instruments, not just those in the brass family.
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Discipline and focus are enhanced when playing the tuba
It takes time, perseverance, and willingness to learn new things to become competent at playing any musical instrument. Playing and practicing at a high level takes a lot of discipline. There are a lot of things that go into studying and playing the tuba, such as discipline and focus.
To cultivate discipline and concentration, dedicated practice is necessary. The tuba is a great way to study music and the instrument, while also developing discipline and concentration in other areas of our lives, from the mechanics to the theory.
There is a steep learning curve to mastering the fundamentals of the tuba. The instrument’s mastery necessitates a steadfast dedication to the craft.
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Playing the Tuba Helps Build Self-confidence
Self-confidence is described as “confidence in oneself and one’s skills and abilities” by the Meriam-Webster Dictionary.
When we play the tuba, we get immediate auditory feedback. The more it sounds like what we want it to sound like, the more confident we become! We get more confidence as our abilities with the instrument continue to grow.
Learning to play the tuba can help us gain the self-assurance we need to pursue other interests, as well. Positive feelings of self-worth arise from the realization that you can master anything you set your mind to (whether it’s playing a musical instrument or not).
It is possible to play alongside and/or for other musicians and audiences once we have completed our tuba training. Playing the tuba can assist us in overcoming our fears of public speaking and performing.
As a tuba player, we are frequently offered solo opportunities to showcase our abilities and be the center of attention for a little while. If you practice tuba enough, you’ll have the self-assurance you need to succeed in other aspects of your life as well.
Our life will benefit much if we learn to perform well in front of others, including family, friends, strangers, and even online.
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Learning and playing the Tuba is an outlet for one’s artistic expression
Humans have a built-in capacity for creativity, but this capacity is arguably more readily apparent in music and the arts than in other forms of expression. There is a place for all of us to express ourselves through music, regardless of whether or not we’ve ever played an instrument before.
Learning a musical instrument, such as the tuba, has been shown to strengthen connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. The corpora callosa in the brain can expand when you learn the tuba and play/practice it regularly. The bundle of axons known as the corpora callosa is responsible for connecting the cerebral hemispheres . As our brains grow new neural pathways, we get new perspectives (both consciously and subconsciously), enhancing our capacity to come up with fresh, original musical ideas.
Our musical creativity can be shared with the world through tuba playing, composition, and/or improvising. It’s a wonderful instrument!
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Playing and Learning the Tuba Improves Musical Understanding
Whether it’s jazz, big band, marching band or classical music, the tuba is an essential instrument. Tubists may play a wide range of compositions, melodies, repertory, and standards because of the tuba’s adaptability and extensive repertoire.
Once we’ve mastered the fundamentals of tuba playing, we’ll be able to explore the wide range of possible musical styles. We learn more about the beauty of music by doing this.
Tuba’ phrases are more “human-like” since they rely on breathing. When compared to other musicians, tubists are inherently limited to more “vocal-like” lines, whereas guitarists, pianists, drummers, etc., can play notes indefinitely. With these limits, tubists can refine their sense of melody, harmony, and phrasing in their own unique ways.
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When you learn and play the tuba, you get transferable skills that you may use on other brass instruments
Each brass instrument has its own unique set of mouthpieces, embouchures, breath needs, and physical form but the basic functioning principle is the same.
Learning to blow and vibrate your lips to make sound on the tuba gives you the abilities that may be used for other brass instruments as well, such as trombones. While each instrument has its own unique embouchure, if you already know how to play the tuba, you’ll find it easier to learn the other brass instruments. Recalling each embouchure and breath control is a challenge when switching between them.
Despite the fact that woodwind instruments belong to a distinct family of musical instruments than brass instruments, the ability to manage one’s breath will be useful with them as well.
Modern valved brass instruments are built with their three major valves transposed for the specific range of the instrument, such that they offer the same relative tuning, in terms of fingering. As a result, mastering the tuba’s scales will prepare us well for learning to play other valved instruments. There will be a difference in the starting “open note,” but there will be no difference in the intervals.
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Learning and playing the Tuba might help you form stronger bonds with others
Music has the power to unite people. I’ve developed close friendships with a number of tubists as a result of my involvement in music and as a musician.
One of the most important bonds you’ll form while learning to play the tuba is with your instructor (if you choose to go down that route of learning). In-person lessons and one-on-one internet lessons are both examples of this.
As your tuba talents and expertise improve, you can take on the role of a tuba instructor, forging bonds with your students along the way.
When it comes to playing with other musicians, you’ll have the opportunity to do so outside of the formality of student-teacher relationships. Professionally or for fun, a person who plays the tuba will have the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians.
Becoming a proficient tubist will make you stand out to other musicians, regardless of whether you play in a band or marching band or orchestra. Playing in front of an audience is a great way of meeting venue owners, fans of music, and other performers. Music is an excellent way to meet new people and build stronger relationships.
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There are also Therapeutic Benefits to Learning and Playing Tuba
Playing an instrument can provide an escape from the stresses of everyday life, according to Debra Shipman (Ph.D. RN). Playing music has therapeutic benefits that include greater communication, enhanced emotional release, and reduced anxiety and agitation. Training in music improves cognitive function, emotional well-being.
Researchers are looking at the potential of music as a therapy for the brain, heart, and lungs. Practicing the tuba on a regular basis provides several health benefits. Music therapy has the following advantages, according to the American Music Therapy Association:
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle
- Manage Your Stress
- Aim to reduce pain.
- Expression of Emotions
- Boost Your Memory
- Enhance Interactions
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Professionally rewarding
Brass instruments, like as the tuba, might be difficult to master, but once you do, they open up a whole new world of performance possibilities and pleasure. Because tubas are necessary in virtually every ensemble, pursuing a career as a tubist is one of the most gratifying paths in music. The tuba can be utilized in every arrangement because it is the only instrument capable of carrying the melody of the vast majority of songs.
Playing and Learning the tuba bonus benefit is the ability to make money from your talents.
A tubist’s career options are nearly limitless if they reach a certain level of proficiency. Consider the following:
- Live performance of one’s own compositions (clubs, dinner parties, churches, coffee shops and even busking)
- Performing live cover songs
- Original music streaming royalties
- Tutoring students in the art of playing the tuba.
- Working as a session tubist on recordings
There are plenty additional ways to make money playing the tuba. There is no doubt that learning to play the tuba will provide you with marketable abilities.
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Playing and Learning gives you the chance to learn about instrument maintenance and construction
It’s not just about technique, music theory, and melodies when it comes to learning to playing the tuba. it’s also about the gear. Learning to play the tuba is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of brass instruments and sound mechanics in general.
In addition, we can learn about a wide range of other things by studying how to maintain a tuba.
- Disassembling and reassembling a tuba
- How sound is created by air vibrating our lips and air tubes.
- Humidity’s influence on metal
- Cleaning tuba for optimal health and performance
- Valve oiling procedures
- Water key cork replacement
Conclusion
The tuba is a significant horn that offers a number of advantages in terms of mental well-being and physical health. Furthermore, it enhances and stimulates the brain and improves memory, among other benefits. Organization and time management are two important life skills that can be applied in a variety of real-world situations.
When you’re feeling down and out, playing the tuba can lift your spirits and lift the spirits of those around you. No matter how busy your schedule is, taking tuba lessons is a worthwhile investment that you shouldn’t delay.
Why switch to the Tuba?
This question is likely to be the most frequently asked by a potential tuba switcher.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Tubas are the foundation of any band’s balance.
- You’re already familiar with the technique of “buzzing” a mouthpiece.
With so many trumpet players out there, you may be a star on the tuba. If you’re familiar with the trumpet’s fingering method, you’ll have no problem learning how to play the tuba (trumpets only have 3).
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The band’s tone would be incomplete without the tuba
Everyone understands that your band’s sound is made mostly of low brass instruments. In order to get the velvety sound, you want from your group, you need to have good low brass. This sound is the “heart” of the ensemble, according to my definition of that term.
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To play tuba, you don’t have to be a virtuoso.
To go from trumpet to tuba, one of the best reasons is that you won’t be expected to perform in the extreme ranges of your instrument. If you have difficulty hitting the higher registers on the trumpet, you will be expected to put up with the physical and emotional strain it takes to learn how to do so. As a tuba player, you are rarely required to play outside of the instrument’s typical ranges. Playing tuba should be less stressful and more enjoyable than playing trumpet as a result of this.
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“Buzzing” a mouthpiece is a skill you already have.
You already know how to buzz the mouthpiece if you’re switching from a brass instrument. Your learning curve will be shorter because you already know how to play the mouthpiece on a trumpet. One of the most challenging notions for students to grasp is that of buzzing of the mouthpiece. You’ll be playing tuba within a few days because of your prior experience with the trumpet.
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You can make a difference on the Tuba!!
Since the band already has a plethora of trumpets, why not make a name for yourself on the tuba? If you want to make a big impact on the band, here is your chance. Why not improve your chances of being selected for all-state or all-region bands, as well as receiving a college scholarship? There are so many trumpets out there that joining the elite may be a difficult undertaking to do. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any top tuba players, just that there aren’t as many as there are trumpet players. When you play the tuba, your chances of being selected for honor groups and receiving scholarship money are greatly increased.
