Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • December 2014
22
Posture and Hand Placement
• The leadpipe needs to point straight on to the
player’s face.
• Both feet flat on the floor.
• Upper body in the same position as if the player is
standing up straight.
• The instrument should come to the player.
• Make sure the student positions the instrument
where they can sit up comfortably while playing.
• For euphonium players, monitor whether the
instrument rests on the student’s leg, or if they have
to hold the instrument up just like they are standing.
• For tuba players, monitor the lead pipe height
when the student is sitting down. It may be above or
below their face, and needing adjustment.
• Proper hand placement allows for efficient playing
technique.
• Both hands should be in a natural relaxed position.
• Right hand in “C” shape
• Thumb should be anchored on the valve casing.
• Place the pads of their fingers on top of the valves.
Fingers not too flat or too arched.
Breathing
Playing a low brass instrument requires moving
large amounts of air through the tubing. In order for
this to happen the student also needs to get in the
habit of breathing in a large amount of air. A player’s
tone is a direct result of the quality of air used.
Air = Sound
full air = full sound
wimpy air = wimpy sound
forced air = forced sound
For many students, tone quality problems are
caused by insufficient amounts of air. Inhaling large
amounts of air gives the sound stability and support.
Long tone practice with decrescendos and crescendos
are also good breath control exercises.
Tonguing/Art iculat ion
Articulation technique on a brass instrument
involves striking of the tongue. To introduce this idea
to your students, have them first say “tah.” The tongue
movement when saying “tah” is the same as when
articulating on a brass instrument. The word “tah” also
has fast air with it. (Which the student needs to get in
the habit of playing with. Students can move to softer
articulations later, but “tah” promotes good air habits.)
Bad habits to avoid while tonguing
• Tonguing that looks like “chewing” can cause
pitch problems, and make it difficult for the student to
tongue faster passages.
• There shouldn’t be any air sound before the buzz/
tone. We want a clear front to notes. Start students
with clear-tongued notes to promote good habits.
Breathing, Tonguing/Articulation
• Playing a brass instrument requires moving large
amounts of air.
• A player’s tone is a direct result of the quality of air
used.
• Air = Sound
• Long tone practice is a good breath control exercise.
• Articulation technique on a brass instrument
involves striking of the tongue.
• The tongue movement when saying “tah” is the same
as when articulating on a brass instrument.
• The word “tah” also has fast air with it.
• Avoid bad habits while tonguing, like chewing, or air
before the tongue.
Sound Concepts
Brass players are judged greatly on the quality
of their sound. Problems in the tone can result
from having problems in the embouchure shape,
tongue placement, airflow/breathing, lip placement,
mouthpiece placement, and body tension. Developing
What ’s Going On Back There?!
Teaching Beginning Euphonium and Tuba