Music Schools Worldwide
Compare0

Brass · 130 verified programs with a tuba pathway

Tuba: degrees, diplomas and programs

Tuba study trains players to anchor orchestral and band harmony while developing a surprisingly agile solo and chamber voice.

Also called: Sousaphone (related), Bass tuba, Basstuba, Bombardon, Helicon (related).

What the listings below mean

A program is listed for tuba only where its official page names the instrument in the title, as a major, or as a formal principal-study pathway. These are formal degree, diploma or certificate pathways; the page says which. An instrument taught in private lessons, or a teacher on the faculty, does not create a listing.

71 Bachelor’s · 45 Master’s · 7 Diploma · 4 Practice doctorate · 3 Certificate · 4 formal principal-study pathway, 106 named major, 20 named in the program title

130 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

Published tuba audition repertoire

Copied from each program’s own admissions page. Requirements are specific to the program and intake: follow the link and check the current year.

  • Lawrence University: Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.)
    • Two or three compositions, études, or band/orchestral excerpts that demonstrate contrasting styles and the ability to play melodic and technical material | Two examples each of natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales | Two-octave chromatic scale | Sight-reading may be requested during live auditions | An introductory video is required for recorded auditions
  • DePaul University: Bachelor of Music
    • We encourage all applicants to audition in person if possible. Register for a live audition by January 15. | Audition Repertoire | ​One movement from the standard solo literature (Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto, John Williams Tuba Concerto, Plog Three Miniatures, etc.) | Two contrasting etudes | All two octave major and minor scales​​​​​​ | Four standard excerpts (orchestral or military band) Four standard excerpts are optional for those applying to: Music Education, Sound Recording Technology, Performing Arts Management, or Bachelor of Arts.
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Bachelor of Music
    • Tuba: Audition Requirements Undergraduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Two contrasting etudes Solo selected by the student Orchestral excerpts Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions) Graduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Concerto selected by the student Two contrasting etudes Orchestral excerpts Solo demonstrating contemporary techniques Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Master of Music
    • Tuba: Audition Requirements Undergraduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Two contrasting etudes Solo selected by the student Orchestral excerpts Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions) Graduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Concerto selected by the student Two contrasting etudes Orchestral excerpts Solo demonstrating contemporary techniques Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Graduate Diploma
    • Tuba: Audition Requirements Undergraduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Two contrasting etudes Solo selected by the student Orchestral excerpts Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions) Graduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Concerto selected by the student Two contrasting etudes Orchestral excerpts Solo demonstrating contemporary techniques Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Artist Diploma
    • Tuba: Audition Requirements Undergraduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Two contrasting etudes Solo selected by the student Orchestral excerpts Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions) Graduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Concerto selected by the student Two contrasting etudes Orchestral excerpts Solo demonstrating contemporary techniques Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Artist Certificate
    • Tuba: Audition Requirements Undergraduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Two contrasting etudes Solo selected by the student Orchestral excerpts Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions) Graduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Concerto selected by the student Two contrasting etudes Orchestral excerpts Solo demonstrating contemporary techniques Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions)
  • Cleveland Institute of Music: Doctor of Musical Arts
    • Tuba: Audition Requirements Undergraduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Two contrasting etudes Solo selected by the student Orchestral excerpts Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions) Graduate: Major and minor scales and arpeggios (not required on recorded auditions) Concerto selected by the student Two contrasting etudes Orchestral excerpts Solo demonstrating contemporary techniques Sight-reading (not required on recorded auditions)
  • DePaul University: Master of Music
    • We encourage all applicants to audition in person if possible. Register for a live audition by January 15. | Audition Repertoire | ​​​​​​​​​One complete work from the standard solo literature (Vaughan Williams's Tuba Concerto , John Williams's Tuba Concerto , Plog's Three Miniatures , Penderecki's Capriccio , etc.) | Two contrasting etudes | Four standard orchestral or military band excerpts | All two octave major and minor scales
  • Northwestern University: Bachelor of Music
    • Audition dates: | Early Decision: November 18 | Regular Decision: February 5, 7, 10 | For Prescreening and Final Audition: | ​​​​​​​Please choose 6 excerpts from standard solo literature that display the following aspects of your playing. Selections can include orchestral, band, or chamber music repertoire or études. | 1. Lyrical playing | 2. Technical playing | 3. Loud dynamic | 4. Soft dynamic | 5. High register | 6. Low register
  • Northwestern University: Master of Music
    • Audition dates: | February 5, 7, 10 | For Prescreening and Final Audition: | Please choose 6 excerpts from standard solo literature that display the following aspects of your playing. Selections can include orchestral, band, or chamber music repertoire or études. | 1. Lyrical playing | 2. Technical playing | 3. Loud dynamic | 4. Soft dynamic | 5. High register | 6. Low register
  • University of Minnesota Twin Cities: Bachelor of Music (BMus)
    • BMus performance: movements or sections from two significant solo works and three to four standard orchestral excerpts.

About tuba study

The tuba is the lowest brass instrument, and degree-level study treats it as both a foundation and a solo voice. Players need substantial air capacity and efficient breath use, and training emphasises sound production in the low register, clean articulation, and flexibility across a range that extends several octaves. Tubas come in several sizes and pitches, such as BB-flat, CC, E-flat and F, and students often learn to choose the instrument that suits the repertoire.

Tubists work in orchestras, wind bands, brass quintets and tuba-euphonium ensembles, and the solo repertoire has expanded considerably, with concertos and contemporary works written for the instrument. Orchestral excerpts are a significant focus, though professional orchestral positions are few. Because bands and brass ensembles regularly need tuba players, students often find ample opportunity to perform during their studies.

Typical degree contexts include the Bachelor of Music in tuba performance, the Master of Music and practice doctorates such as the Doctor of Musical Arts. Tuba is sometimes taught with euphonium by one faculty member under a low-brass heading, and in other schools has a separate teacher. Jazz and commercial tuba or sousaphone playing is taught in some departments.

What study typically involves

  • Tuba tone, breath management and articulation
  • Solo repertoire and concertos
  • Orchestral excerpts and section playing
  • Brass quintet and tuba-euphonium ensemble work
  • Choosing and playing different tuba pitches
  • Wind band and large ensemble playing
  • Sight-reading, ear training and theory
  • Pedagogy and jazz or sousaphone styles in some programs

Award titles. Tuba study can lead to a Bachelor of Music or BMus and a Master of Music or MMus. Some conservatories award an Artist Diploma or a graduate or postgraduate diploma, which are diploma-level awards and not master's degrees. The Doctor of Musical Arts is a practice doctorate. Names vary by country and no equivalence claims are made here.

This directory lists a program under tuba only when its official page names the instrument in the title, as a major, or as a formal principal-study option. A private teacher or a faculty tubist does not count. Not every school offers tuba as a degree specialization, and some group it under low brass.

Auditions and admissions guidance

General orientation only. Each program publishes its own repertoire, format and deadlines; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Tuba auditions are usually live, sometimes after a recorded prescreening. Applicants commonly present contrasting works, scales and an etude, and graduate applicants may add orchestral excerpts. Panels listen for a centred sound, clear articulation, steady intonation and musical phrasing, not just volume or range.

An accompanist is often expected, with provision varying by school. Sight-reading, theory and aural tests are common. Many programs have limited instrument stock, so applicants should ask whether a tuba will be provided for the audition.

Each program publishes its own repertoire categories and format, and they change by year. Read the current-year requirements for every school. Nothing here guarantees admission.

See also preparing for auditions and prescreening vs final auditions.

Costs and funding

Tuba players are always needed in bands and brass ensembles, and programs may offer scholarships linked to those groups. Graduate students might be considered for assistantships such as leading low-brass sectionals or coaching ensembles.

Funding varies by school, country and year, and many students receive partial support or none. Ask each department what it offers.

Costs beyond tuition. Tuba students may need to buy or rent an instrument, which is expensive, or use a school tuba if available. Other possible costs include mouthpieces, mutes, large cases, transport, servicing and accompanist fees. Travel to auditions with a large instrument can add cost.