For a lot of us around the world, sheltering - or isolation - brings with it a lot of time at home; events and gigs have been cancelled or rescheduled and band contact now takes place only via video call, as and when we can all get together.
However, whilst circumstances have changed so drastically over the last few weeks and have therefore taken some time to adjust to, sheltering brings with it a vast amount of opportunity - the opportunity to dedicate more time to refining your skills, practicing challenging pieces and learning new instruments.
To help you confidently make the transition to a new instrument - or a different key of instrument! - here, we provide some advice on switching to a different key of Tuba.
Advice on switching to a different key of Tuba
Start simple: especially if you’re a advanced Tuba player, it can be tempting to metaphorically run before you can walk when switching to a different key of Tuba; you’ve already mastered one key of Tuba, so mastering another will be simple, no!? This isn’t always the case and, like learning anything new, it’s always best to start simple and work your way up to more complex pieces - your scales are a great place to start!
Approach with confidence: always approach switching to a different key of Tuba with absolute confidence, even if you’re a little nervous. You’ve already done the hardest part - learning the Tuba from scratch! - so learning a new key is sure to be much easier, as you already know the valve sequences.
Play what you know: starting with pieces you already know incredibly well and feel happy playing in your original key of Tuba is a great way to build your confidence and get to know this new Tuba - pick something relatively simple that you adore playing.
Think ‘adding’ not ‘switching’: the idea of switching to a different key of Tuba somewhat implies that you will leave your original Tuba behind in favour of your new one once mastered which, in turn, may leave you feeling as though you need to forget the fingering of your original Tuba. Rather, consider taking on a new key of Tuba as adding to your existing skills and repertoire which will leave you feeling much more open and receptive, not only to learning this new key, but also to confidently moving between the two.
Often, musicians describe learning a new key to be like learning a new language and the best way to really learn a new language is to immerse yourself in it; keep practicing, keep listening and keep persevering; no matter how hard it may feel at times, it’ll be worth it in the end.
To browse our range of Tubas, on sale as part of our spring collection, please visit our online shop.