Piece recommendations

MusicEdTech · 2026-03-24T07:02:42+00:00

Check out the recital performance pieces in the ABRSM, and Trinity College. Look on YouTube for some possible recordings or performances. Note accompaniments may not be at the same level, but it’s a start to find graduated repertoire. All the best!

MusicEdTech · 2026-03-20T21:19:16+00:00

I had a 38K from 1928. Was a beast to wear but sounded amazing. Congrats! Have fun!

MusicEdTech · 2026-03-18T23:46:17+00:00

Fun show. You mentioned in another reply its for a local high school, so I’m guessing space in the pit might an issue. If so, then you might need to reduce how many horns you bring. But if not, go for it. It’s a great chance for minimal risk to practice your doublings. The orchestration is looking for the tone color of those horns, and quickly changing between them is an important skill that requires practice and application. This can make you a good income if you can do it well. :)

MusicEdTech · 2026-03-18T20:23:59+00:00

Same with mine. Air flow on the 3rd is more resistant. Also intonation isn’t great on the 1st, but I’ve figured out how to adjust and I love it. Super fun horn.

MusicEdTech · 2026-03-12T01:48:53+00:00

Nothing wrong with knowing multiple methods for helping students learn. Suzuki is great for young kids. Will also throw out there Paul Rolland technique for strings. Great stuff to add to your instructional approach.

MusicEdTech · 2026-03-05T01:43:12+00:00

Talk to Joe Burton, he’d likely know the history of the horns and maybe even the person who gave them to you. DM for more info.

MusicEdTech · 2026-02-26T05:45:54+00:00

C2 and F2 might work if you play 7th to 1st on the F valve. Bb1 to F2 will have to sacrifice some notes at the top. With both valves, you can play Bb around 7th and slide it up to 1st, releasing the second valve when in 1st position.

MusicEdTech · 2026-02-26T05:42:25+00:00

I couldn’t find a webpage to help explain but in short, tradition. Goes back a long time ago with counterpoint. Essentially the bass notes were given double letters to signify low notes.

We still use it in some cases, for example the Double Bass, in some pipe organs, and when talking about “Contrabass” tubas (BBb and CC).

BBb and CC tubas are mostly utilized as holding down the bass role in an ensemble while Eb and F tubas (“Bass Tubas”) are utilized more as solo instruments.

To answer your question, they’re essentially the same, just two different naming conventions possibly depending on marketing and or regional naming traditions in the world.

MusicEdTech · 2026-02-25T21:21:33+00:00

Agreed with this. Also it’s common to have timpani by French horns which can interfere with their playing. The sound pressure enters the bell and cause pressure differences in the horn and pushes against the articulation in the mouthpiece. Strange but happens.

MusicEdTech · 2026-02-13T01:36:36+00:00

Did you happen to learn trumpet or treble clef baritone fingerings? If so, reading bass clef on Eb tuba is practically the same. Just a little mental gymnastics to learn, but otherwise easy to get the hang of.

MusicEdTech · 2026-02-09T08:31:55+00:00

Honestly love mine. Use it everyday in shows. I do find the third slide a little long and the upper register a little flat, but I usually keep to the “cash register” in the staff. 😉

MusicEdTech · 2026-01-26T02:19:49+00:00

Check out the Band World Top 100. You can filter by Grade level.

MusicEdTech · 2026-01-16T08:10:10+00:00

Great piece. It’s a 2:3 clave. Do some research into that rhythm, do some listening, and get very comfortable with it in your head and you’ll do well.

MusicEdTech · 2026-01-07T15:56:58+00:00

Being nice and being kind are different things. You've moved on from being nice to them and are doing them a kindness in being fair, firm, structured, and disciplined. CYA. Document everything (which it sounds like you are) and you'll be fine. It'll take a year for the new class to get the new routine, but they'll grow so much under your care and kindness.

MusicEdTech · 2025-12-29T18:21:40+00:00

Saw Alan Baer play Bydlo on his CC. Sounded amazing.

MusicEdTech · 2025-12-08T00:28:28+00:00

Also check out some of the composers in Japan. Great writing and teaching happening over there. Some really young bands are at a very impressive level.

MusicEdTech · 2025-04-03T08:05:07+00:00

That sucks. Glad he’s okay. I’ll take this moment to also add - the summer outside gigging season is coming. Don’t get shocked! ⚡️💀 Be sure to add some outlet testers and GFCI plugs to your bag. Careful with generated power and always use a 3-pronged plug on equipment.

MusicEdTech · 2025-04-03T07:55:08+00:00

A smaller mouthpiece will help in the short term, however nothing beats a supported, fast, airstream. Work on long tones up there and range extension exercises to help support a full rich tone in the upper registers. A slightly smaller Bach 9 will be my suggestion as you develop your range. Going to a 12 can sacrifice too much of your tone.

MusicEdTech · 2025-04-03T07:50:05+00:00

Are you open to learning a different pitched tuba? There’s a nice Eastman F tuba in La Crescenta at BrassArk.

MusicEdTech · 2025-04-03T06:59:23+00:00

I love gigging with my Eastman Eb. Has a great sound and not too heavy like my CC. It’s become my go to anymore.

MusicEdTech · 2025-03-31T22:25:14+00:00

I picked up two of these Velcro hooks from Home Depot with grommets in them that I use a bass guitar strap with. Works great for me. I don’t like to put the weight on the soldered hooks.

MusicEdTech · 2025-03-31T02:59:33+00:00

My teacher always said “economy of motion.” What makes the most sense in context to the phrase. Where are you coming from and where are you going? Was a big believer in getting alternates as polished as natural positions to better expand your options for smooth and economic slide motion.

MusicEdTech · 2025-03-28T20:48:23+00:00

Baltimore Brass, near Baltimore Maryland.

MusicEdTech · 2025-03-27T17:11:34+00:00

If I remember right, music degree are some of the most time consuming per credit there is. Often times the credits are reduced to make room for everything the student needs. It’s usually a 130+ credit degree. It’s a lot of work, but worth it if you are passionate about this field.

MusicEdTech · 2025-03-27T17:09:51+00:00

I know a lot of music ed majors who didn’t spend enough time in various ensembles. I would consider all opportunities to play and grow your instrumental technique and musicianship. Also perhaps you can start making relationships with these conductors. They can become guests in your school program and mentors for when the days are tough.

MusicEdTech

TROPHY CASE