The Basics - A Guideline to the First Notes

​Posture and Holding Position - General

• Sit your very tallest, as if you were standing from the waist up.  Have your head straight and tall.
• Everyone is a different shape and size.  As a result, posture and holding position will need to be individualized and reevaluated as you change equipment and grow.
• Bring the instrument to you do not come to the instrument.  The mouthpiece should come to you without moving your neck or head.  

Posture and Holding Position - Tuba

• You can have the instrument rest on top of your legs, on the chair, between your legs, or below the chair on a tuba stand. The key is to make sure the mouthpiece comes to the face without sacrificing proper posture.
• Your left hand should rest on top of the top bow, or on its side.
• Your right hand should remain near the valves at all times.  All three fingers on all the valves at all times!

 
Posture and Holding Position - Euphonium

• Some students may have the horn resting on their leg, others will need to hold the instrument up.  Alternatively, a pad or rolled up towel can be placed in between the bottom bow and leg to provide extra height.
• Your left arm bears the weight of the instrument.  Wrap it around the instrument and place your hand on the side bow.  Use your left arm to bring the instrument to you.
• Your right hand should remain near the valves at all times.  All three fingers on all the valves at all times!

Setting Your Embouchure: YEP-MM-BUZZ!

• Keep your corners back and firm as if you were saying “YEP.”  Avoid a smile or frown.
• Bring your lips together as if you were saying “MM.”  Avoid puckering or swallowing your lips.
• Have your lips buzz by blowing air through them.
• If this does not work: try saying “OH-oo” or “TU” to form your embouchure.

 
Starting a Note: SET-BREATHE-TONGUE

• Set your embouchure.
• Breathe in from the corners of your mouth, not your nose.  Make the air go to the bottom of your stomach.
• Start the buzzing by tonguing as if you were saying “TOH”.  Avoid spitting the lips out to start a note.

 
LOW NOTES= RELAXED WINDOW FOGGING AIR!
HIGH NOTES= FAST, FOCUSED, COFFEE STRAW AIR!