One of the most frequently asked questions I get from auditionees is "what can I do to prepare for my first year?" I decided to create a list of equipment, music, and accessories that one will need to ensure a successful experience for their first year of an undergraduate music degree.
Equipment
A common misconception is that one will need to own their own instrument to major in Tuba or Euphonium. Not true!!! While owning your own instrument is absolutely preferred, it isn't a "requirement." Many schools, and this is true for us here at NAU, own several tubas and euphoniums that one can either signout for free or rent for a nominal fee. There is no guarantee to the quality of these instruments, but it is a possible solution to not being able to afford your own instrument right out of high school. Some schools even offer instrument purchase plans via scholarship! The worst thing you can do is "assume" something to be true about a university---even if you've heard it from a reliable source. University life changes dramatically each year (as does the funding!) so even recent alumni (possibly your band director) may not be aware of all the possibilities a school can offer. The BEST thing to do is call and "hear it from the horse's mouth"
Another common question I get is "What horn do I buy for my son or daughter?" That question is very difficult, especially if I don't know the abilities of the student! Each horn is built for different purposes, and for different types of player. One tuba or euphonium might play different from the same make and model of a tuba or euphonium primarily because so much of the instrument is hand-made. I encourage anyone interested in purchasing a tuba or euphonium to try several different makes and models of instrument before deciding on "the one." Try to put it in the perspective of buying a car or house. Would you buy a car without test driving it? Would you buy a house based on the picture? What about if your neighbor had the same car--is that enough to warrant YOU purchasing it? What is the right fit for some (or even many!) is not always the right fit for you. You'll never know until you try!
In terms of equipment I will recommend some accessories that are essential:
Metronome/Tuner - It is helpful to have one of each, or a machine that combines the two. Expect to spend between $30 and $200 depending on the quality.
Valve Oil - Because Arizona is dry, I like Zaja Pro, FatCat, and Hetman's oils for my horns. They seem to last the best in our climate. (Again, what is right for some is not always right for you!) These are good places to start. Expect to spend $5-12
Slide Grease - I use two different kinds of slidegrease: Zaja Lube and the standard Conn-Selmer grease you might remember from elementary school---there's a reason it's still around! The Zaja is very thin and allows for fast movement of slides (primarily "top" slides that you have to pull or trigger slides). I wouldn't recommend this oil for slides pointed downward because it is so fast, you will often blow the slides right off the instrument (which often makes for a funny demonstration of using lots of air!) The Conn-Selmer is much thicker and lasts a long time. I don't remember the last time I greased the slides that use this product! Expect to spend $5-$12
Pads/Felts - Valve pads and felts dissolve with oil -- Fact. Unless you are using a synthetic pad (which I recommend for many reasons) these felts and pads will wear away--quickly. They are very cheap so buy yourself an extra set for peace of mind. A set of valve guides might not be a bad idea either. Expect to spend $2-$20
Stand/Support system - Many players will need some sort of stand or pillow to make the instrument fit their body properly. Tubas- I recommend the rubber stuff Mom lines the kitchen cabinets with and you'll find under your throw rugs to prevent slippage. It's really helpful to prevent your tuba from sliding off your Tuxedo (another thing you'll need---buy the cheapest one you can!!! Used or from JC Penney are the best bets) For Euphonium players, if you have to crane your neck to get your lips to your leadpipe while seated, you need a pillow. Go to Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Dollar Store, etc and buy a standard black towel. Roll it up nice and small, take some of that non-stick rubber stuff and wrap it around the towel, then tie a black shoelace around the whole thing. TaDa! A pillow that is perfect for practice and concerts! Expect to spend $3 (for a pillow set up) -$75 (for a stand)
Mouthpiece - While it is fairly common to see students not own their own tuba or euphonium in college, it is very rare to see the student who does not own their own mouthpiece. I won't go into recommendations here because it really depends on the player and the instrument. Expect to spend $60-$200.
Music
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