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Tongue- an organ in man and most vertebrates occupying the floor of the mouth and often protrusible and freely movable, being the principal organ of taste, and in man of articulate speech-The American College Dictionary Muscular organ attached to the floor of the mouth, used in tasting, chewing, and speaking-Webster's Dictionary Not once does it mention the art of double tonguing, or triple tonguing. Yes, in the The American College Dictionary it does mention "tonguing ", but not double tonguing. Double tonguing in its self is an art of dramatic proportions. With the constant "dug-a" being sounded, but you still have trouble keeping your fingers up with the ballet in your mouth. But when someone finally masters the art they feel proud, and have probably beaten one of the hardest parts of playing the horn. But of curse, there is still triple tonguing. But even to some people that isn't even a challenge. But double tonguing isn't as hard as it may seem, so I've heard. If you ask me, double tonguing is a curse to all tubas, because with the large cone shaped mouth piece, and all that "open space" it just makes it very difficult to achieve the goal. If you're a tuba player and seem to be having no trouble at all with double tonguing, then you make me sick! And if you are, then can you give me some tips? Experts When I was trying out for state I happened to be talking to my friend when I noticed a tenor sax player double tonguing his warm up study. I was very impressed, so I walked over to him and asked him how long it took him to double tonguing on the sax. He replied by saying that it took him about three years to perfect tonguing, and if I remember correctly, he made first in state. |
For another story, I was at music camp this summer, and I had the honor to sit nect to the first chair state tuba player, Kevin. It was a experience to remember. I was so impressed by his talents that it inspires me to learn more and work harder. Kevin had mastered double tonguing along with other things. He is truly gifted. I'll just say that when he plays, get out of the way. And of course there is Steve Seward from the Kansas City Orchestra, and Kansas City Brass. This man, I believe is the greatest tuba player today. I have been trying to get lessons with him because I want to really improve, and I think that Mr. Seward can help me, plus Keving takes lessons from him and Kevin is awesome. Last fall I was able to see him perform with the Kansas City Brass, which is a quintet containing of two trumpets, a french horn, an tromboe, and a tuba. I enjoyed it greatly. Double tonguing and triple tonguing is a breeze for them. They can tune with perfectly with just their ears, and they can sound like a Brass Choir containing at least thirty people. Advice So good luck with is art. I hope you are successful.
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